The Great Lakes Aviation Conference has sold out the majority of exhibit space for this year’s event scheduled for in Novi, Mich. “Despite the current economy, many companies and exhibitors are trying to reach the individual pilot, maintenance personal and other aviation professionals in non traditional ways,” according to Todd Smith President of the GLIAC.
In its ninth year, the even has been a major attraction for those in the Aviation Field in the Great Lakes Region. The event moved to the Rock Financial Showplace convention center several years ago to meet the increased attendance and to offer a larger expo and exhibit area. The Conference and Expo is designed to provide an interactive and educational event. It offers over 80 break-out sessions for pilots, maintenance professionals, balloonists, sport pilot, instructors and students.
“We have drastically lowered our daily and weekend admittance charge in order to be accommodating to the economy,” said Phil Tartalone, chair of the planning committee, who is also a professor at Eastern Michigan University. “Advance ticket registrations are lowered 20 percent off the at the door rate.”
The GLIAC is also unique as it is a partnership with the FAA, aviation business leaders, industry experts and other individuals that all strive to make a complete and comprehensive event. The FAA has been coordinating many of the special seminars including two days of IA renewals and continuing education.
“The GLIAC is unique as it allows for our maintenance professionals to chose over 30 different topics for their renewal that they feel are the most beneficial topics for them,” said Gary Knaggs from the Detroit FSDO. “We will be offering eight hours of classes each day.”
The expo portion of the hall will feature Cessna’s new mobile marketing vehicle which features its entire single engine line up from the new 400 to the Skycatcher. Additionally Cirrus will have a full mock up of their aircraft along with sport aircraft, balloons, and helicopters.