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Message: Suppliers to spread their wings at WAEA 2008

Suppliers to spread their wings at WAEA 2008

posted on Aug 26, 2008 08:28AM
Suppliers to spread their wings at WAEA 2008

August 26, 2008 – WITH less than a fortnight to go until doors-open, this year’s World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) conference and exhibition is set to be the biggest in recent years.

To take place in Long Beach, California, on September 8-11, the event has attracted around 140 exhibitors into more than 4,700 square metres of space. “The number of companies exhibiting is about the same as at previous shows,” says WAEA executive director Richard Owen. “But there is a greater variety of products and services, and companies are taking more space than in years past.”

And there will be even more value for visitors this year in the form of WAEA’s co-operation with Reed Exhibitions, organiser of the inaugural Aircraft Interiors Expo – Americas (AIX). The two events are happening side-by-side, with entry into the two halls free of charge for airlines – more than 55 are registered to attend WAEA – and exhibitors.

WAEA innovations this year include the first-day New Vendor Showcase, at which debutants will briefly introduce themselves and their products and services, and the Vendor Theatre. Located inside the hall and open to all visitors, the latter will be the venue for ten-minute presentations by exhibitors throughout the week.

WAEA is also bringing a fresh touch to this year’s conference programme. Each day will open with a presentation in the new Keynote Executive Summit Series, featuring inspirational addresses from leading industry figures. Speakers will include JetBlue chief executive Dave Barger, Walt Disney Studios chairman Richard Cook, and Robert Crandall, former boss of American Airlines and now on the board of connectivity provider Aircell.

“The series will provide real-world perspectives from executives who have experienced the trials and triumphs of business today,” says Richard Owen. “Airline representatives and industry suppliers are sure to obtain valuable insights from these presenters.”

Other highlights of the conference are expected to include the September 10 Hot Topic panel session, which will bring together some of the leading lights of the burgeoning connectivity scene. Moderated by Inflight Online editor Brendan Gallagher, the session will see the chief executives of service providers AeroMobile, Aircell, OnAir and Row 44 and equipment manufacturers EMS Technologies and Starling chewing over the commercial, technical and regulatory issues facing this sector in what many see as its “put up or shut up” year.

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