The National Business Aviation Association has announced its first-ever, completely immersive online business aviation trade show, the Virtual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (VBACE), scheduled for December 2-3.

The two-day event is free for members to attend and will incorporate many of the traditional elements of NBAA's successful live events, including virtual exhibit booths, keynote speakers, product demonstrations, education sessions and more.

“This first-of-its-kind online convention will propel the event into the digital space, offering new and exciting opportunities,” says Chris Strong, NBAA senior vice president, conventions and membership. “With this event, we're doing more than moving online: we're moving ahead.”

With the event, exhibitors can fully engage with virtual show-goers from around the world, network with visitors at their booths and exchange valuable contact and other information in real time. Exhibitors will be able to customise their booths to best meet their specific needs. “Our priority for this event is the marketplace; we believe we can deliver something special,” Strong adds.

Attendees will be able to connect strategically with exhibiting companies by product category and other quick-search criteria. Networking opportunities will be plentiful, through direct person-to-person connection among attendees, and dedicated subject-matter lounges. As part of their VBACE experience, attendees will also be able to fill bottomless virtual backpacks with information from exhibitors and other materials.

Each day of the show will include inspirational keynote speakers from the aviation community and beyond. VBACE will also feature a host of forward-looking education sessions on the most pressing industry topics, from issues facing the new entrants coming into the marketplace as a product of this COVID-19 moment, to operational issues and more.

Access to the show will be available following the event's conclusion, so attendees will have ample time to continue to experience the booths and education sessions, and exhibitors will have the opportunity for additional exposure to new and returning customers.

VBACE will be part of the NBAA GO network of virtual conferences the association has produced for other events, including the 2020 Maintenance Conference, 2020 International Operators Conference and 2020 Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference.