What does the future of business aviation look like, and how might you play a part in that? EBACE show organizers hope that at least some of the answers to these questions will be found in the Innovation Zone. For the third year in a row, the organization dedicated a section of the exhibit floor to specific events that focus on hot topics in the bizav industry. Two of the biggest events this year are Cleared for Take Off: Women’s Networking Event and the YoPro Networking Brunch and Debate. Both focus on the two vital groups that are the future of the bizav industry: women and young professionals.
Cleared for Take Off: Women’s Networking Event takes place on Monday, May 22 at Booth H18. This is the fourth year the event is taking place. According to EBAA events operations manager Bianca Dorneanu, approximately 80 attendees participated in last year’s event, but many more are expected this year. The goal of the Women’s Networking Event is to focus on the positives of being a woman in the aviation industry. While the event is about women, men are invited to join the conversation.
There is no panel at the Women’s Networking Event but there will be debate tables that focus on three topics. Cécile Coune, CEO of aviation insurance company Aviabel will be the table coordinator discussing women in board of directors positions. Janine Iannarelli, president of aircraft marketing firm Par Avion Ltd, will be the table coordinator discussing female entrepreneurs in the bizav market. Pauline Vahey, the chairman of members’ working group at AOPA UK, will be the final table coordinator discussing female pilots in business aviation. Attendees are encouraged to sit at whichever table they want to take part in the discussion.
Dorneanu explained, “This is a gathering where we’re trying to send a positive message, to set an example and to invite inspiring women who have had a great career in the business aviation industry to maybe help others who have encountered difficulties.”
At the same time, EBAA acknowledges that the vast majority of young people grow up without any exposure to business aviation, meaning that it is highly unlikely that they would consider the industry as a possible career path. That’s the dilemma that the YoPro networking brunch is looking to resolve. The event, which takes place on Tuesday, May 23 at Booth H18, will cover next-generation trends and their impact on business aviation.
Hannah Ohm Thomas of public relations company Burson-Marsteller will moderate the panel featuring Hans Nilsson of Global Practice Leader Aviation and Zac Hancox of Astute Aviation. The panelists will share their perspectives on topics such as the purpose of business aviation, career selection in the industry, technology and the role of the online revolution in business aviation and more.
Ultimately, those who attend the YoPro Networking Brunch and Debate will be able to meet and build relationships with their peers. NBAA and EBAA have worked together in an effort to create a global network of young professionals. Attendees will also be able to see how the bizav industry is growing in Europe, while they learn about hot topics from experienced panelists. NBAA and EBAA executives and board members will attend the event to show support for young professionals in the industry.
According to Dorneanu, EBAA is also launching a communications campaign in conjunction with the YoPro Brunch and Debate. The event covers themes of the campaign so attendees can get acquainted with the ideas and message EBAA is conveying. The first step for those who want to get involved with the campaign is to attend this event at EBACE.
NBAA registration manager Sierra Grimes said, “If you are in this industry, you are looking to grow and you’re looking to gain knowledge and access and get to the pulp and the heart of what business aviation is, Europe’s EBAA is the association that provides that for you. If you want to get to know what’s happening with that, [the YoPro Brunch] is where you have to go as a young professional.”
Looking forward, EBAA and NBAA will host events like these at other airshows and conferences around the world. These events, and others like them, serve as a way for individuals in the business aviation industry to get in touch and strengthen relations. Each region has different challenges, and a global network allows individuals to better understand what is happening in the business aviation industry in other countries.
