I expect at some time in the future we will immerse ourselves in a bubble of green goo and experience an alternative reality where we meet all our customers and suppliers, and view all the latest technology, at a time of our choosing. Until then we have trade shows.

Some are small and intimate, easy to get around, others are huge, noisy and busy, and there’s a world of difference between the boutique ACE’23 event we’ve just organised in the UK, and the upcoming 2023 NBAA-BACE in the US.

At a show like ACE'23 you can work the room and see everything you need. The static is right next to the exhibition halls and there is time to chat with the 80 or so exhibitors and get onboard the aircraft that take your fancy on the static display. There's something cozy about a show like this; there's no time to waste but you can fit everything into a single, very busy day, including a conference session or two.

NBAA-BACE is different. Currently its annual base is in Las Vegas, a city known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment and nightlife. The convention has been held there on rotation with Orlando and Texas in the past.

There’s a smell about Vegas, a mix of gambler’s desperation overlaid with sweet vanilla. Or maybe that’s only in the hotels I’ve stayed in. But head over to the conference and bam, different world. It’s big, airy and efficient.

To get the most from my show I like to start planning at least three weeks ahead of time; booking appointments at a mix of booths and coffee areas, ensuring each day has a logical flow. I always check the key note programme ahead of time to ensure I can make the sessions that are most appealing.

The static display is about a 40 minute shuttle ride. I always plan to visit first thing on one of the days, this means I can bus over outside of the show hours and be ready to network and climb onboard aircraft as soon as it opens. I can then return to the main exhibition hall in time for lunch and keep the visit to the static to half a day. Leaving it any later means a trip to the display can take the whole day.

Now I don't know about you, but I wonder whether the biggest shows shrinking a little is a blip or a trend. Gulfstream reportedly now strongly prefers the low-key approach, and who knows if other major players in business aviation will follow suit.

Anyway, after three long days I'm ready to collapse into the comfort of the seat for my flight home, and enjoy a glass of bubbles to celebrate a job well done. I did around 50,000 steps during my last visit.