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Take Pride. Take Ownership. Take Back Your Industry.

The following social events are sponsored by the AEA. Some events require a ticket to attend. Tickets are included in a full member registration and a full spouse/guest registration. Additional tickets for guests may be purchased in advance by emailing your request to Debra McFarland, at debbiem@aea.net prior to March 1. After that date, tickets may be purchased on-site at the AEA Registration Desk—subject to availability.


Special Events Contact
Debra McFarland Debra McFarland,
Executive Vice President
Email: debbiem@aea.net
Phone: 816-347-8400
  • Crab & Beer Fest FNP
  • Opening Ceremonies
  • New Product Introductions
  • Association CEO Round Table
  • AEA Awards Luncheon
  • Last Call Farewell Reception

Join fellow AEA members as we get crackin’ in a traditional Crab and Beer Fest! Upon entering the party, each attendee will be given the necessary tools for this event – a bib, a wooden mallet and a beer mug! A wide variety of food will be available at the buffet tables, along with Maryland crabs on each table.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Orchard Terrace - Gaylord National

The evening includes a souvenir T-shirt, full buffet dinner, beer, soft drinks and lots of time for mingling with friends. Tickets are included in a full convention registration or full spouse registration. Suggested attire: Crab & Beer Fest T-shirt! Register in advance to be assured a ticket to this fun event. Individual tickets are available at $170 per person on a first-come, first-served basis until the Fest is SOLD OUT. The First-Nighter Party will take place at the Gaylord National Resort.



* In case of inclement weather, the party will be located in Prince George Exhibit Hall C.




Official Opening of the 55th Annual Convention
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Woodrow Wilson Ballroom

Sponsored by Universal Avionics Systems Corp.

  • Chairman’s Welcome
  • President’s State of the Association Address
  • Keynote Address: Col. Mark Tillman
  • Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation

Keynote Speaker: Col. Mark Tillman
Sponsored by Universal Avionics Systems Corp.

Retired Air Force Col. Mark W. Tillman, chosen as the nation’s 12th presidential pilot, will speak during the AEA Convention official opening ceremonies. Tillman retired from the U.S. Air Force in February 2009, following a distinguished 30-year career that culminated with his command of the U.S. Presidential Airlift Group from 2001 to 2009.

He served as pilot and commander of Air Force One through numerous national events. Most notably, he protected President George W. Bush on Sept. 11, 2001, by keeping him out of harm’s way and connecting the flying Oval Office to the nation’s first responders. He was at the controls for more than 49 foreign trips to 75 countries and piloted the plane for presidential covert trips to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2004, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after his successful planning and execution of the first covert trip, which took place on Thanksgiving Day in 2003. Tillman was promoted to brigadier general by the president, becoming the first military line officer to receive the honor.

Sponsored by Universal Avionics Systems Corp., Col. Tillman is donating 100 percent of his speaking fees to The Wounded Warrior Project. Col. Tillman will be in the Universal Avionics booth this afternoon, and for a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, convention attendees may have a photo taken with Col. Tillman.

Mark Tillman: Air Force One Captain



New Product Introductions
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Woodrow Wilson Ballroom

One of the most exciting sessions during the AEA International Convention. Come see all the new products being unveiled during this fast-paced, high-tech event. These are the products and services repair stations will be suggesting and selling to customers throughout 2012 and beyond.

The New Product Introductions will be live-streamed around the world by the Aero-News Network at www.aero-news.net, www.aea.net/convention, and other participating sites.

*During a refreshment break, the AEA Avionics Training Excellence Award Winners will be recognized, and the AEA Educational Foundation Scholarship Award Winners will be announced.


Aero-News Network
Watch live streaming video from aerotvnetwork at livestream.com

Association CEO Round Table
2012 and Beyond: Issues and Challenges for the General Aviation Community
Thursday, April 5, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Woodrow Wilson Ballroom

A frank and open discussion from the major aviation trade association CEOs of the many issues, challenges and opportunities the general and business aviation industry faces in the coming months.

Moderated by Paula Derks, AEA President, and Featuring Association Executives:
   
Ed Bolen, President/CEO NBAA
Jim Coyne, President/CEO NATA
Craig Fuller, President/CEO AOPA
Ed Smith, Senior VP, International Affairs GAMA
Matthew Zuccaro, President HAI
   



AEA Annual Awards Luncheon
Thursday, April 5, 2012 11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Maryland Ballroom C & D (Level 2)

Sponsored by Pacific Southwest Instruments

Special luncheon entertainment provided by The Capitol Steps, and a salute to the 2012 AEA Member of the Year and 2012 AEA Associate Member of the Year.

The Capitol Steps, sponsored by Rockwell Collins

Tickets are included in a full convention registration or full spouse registration. Register in advance to be assured a ticket to this event. Individual tickets are available at $75 per person on a first-come, first-served basis until SOLD OUT. The AEA Annual Awards Luncheon will take place at the Gaylord National Resort.





Last Call Farewell Reception
Friday, April 6, 2012 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cherry Blossom Ballroom

Join fellow attendees for a final goodbye.

Take pride. Take ownership. Take back your industry.

Tickets are included in a full convention registration or full spouse registration. Register in advance to be assured a ticket to this event. Individual tickets are available at $40 per person on a first-come, first-served basis until SOLD OUT. The Last Call Farewell Reception will take place at the Gaylord National Resort.





 
55th Annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show
April 3-6, 2012 • Washington, D.C. • Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center
816-347-8400 • aea.net
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