When NBAA-BACE 2023 opens in Las Vegas in October, it will be minus one major business jet manufacturer and long-term exhibitor—Gulfstream Aerospace.
The Savannah, Georgia-based company says it made the decision after reviewing its marketing investments and after creating a number of private events for customers.
Dan Hubbard, NBAA SVP communications, says companies base their show presence on “business considerations” and altering their exhibit or static display presence happens.
The National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition runs Oct. 17-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center with a static display at the Henderson Executive Airport in Las Vegas. Gulfstream will not participate in the static display or host an exhibit on the exhibit floor.
“Gulfstream consistently reviews and evaluates our marketing investments to ensure we are delivering on our mission—to create and deliver the world’s finest aviation experience for our customers,” it said in a statement to The Weekly of Business Aviation. “Over the past few years, Gulfstream has successfully created private events and experiences that have exceeded our customers’ expectations while delivering on our business objectives. We will continue to evaluate opportunities and invest in those that best support this mission.”
A spokesperson said Gulfstream plans to showcase its products at the Dubai Airshow in November and at other venues, which it will announce when the time is appropriate. It was an exhibitor during the Paris Air Show in June.
During the European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, in May, about 100 well-organized climate activists broke into two groups to rush the gates to the main entrance and far east end of the static display, outnumbering security guards on site. The protesters were from Greenpeace, Stay Grounded, Extinction Rebellion and Scientist Rebellion along with others. Some were prepared to handcuff themselves to business jets, while others took video recordings.
With millions of dollars’ worth of aircraft on display, some business jet manufacturers increased their security during the show.
In February, a handful of protesters disrupted the opening session of a Corporate Jet Investor conference in London.
Other manufacturers are in the midst of making preparations for NBAA-BACE.
Bombardier is in the early planning phases for the show, says Mark Masluch, a Bombardier spokesperson. “As it was with EBACE, our security team is very involved with planning what our presence looks like,” he said. Details are now being worked out, although for security reasons, the company may not be able to say what they are.
The company is planning a variety of activities there.
Textron Aviation plans to hold a press conference on media day of the show at its exhibit at the static display at Henderson Executive Airport. It also will have an exhibit in the hall.
“We’re looking forward to a great show,” a spokesperson says, adding that the company has “nothing else to add at this time.”
Regarding event preparation and security, “Security and safety have always been top priorities for NBAA-BACE, and all of the association’s events,” says Dan Hubbard, NBAA senior vice president communications. “NBAA is coordinating security planning for NBAA-BACE in conjunction with law enforcement, security professionals, the convention center, airport officials and other parties to ensure a safe, secure and successful show in Las Vegas this year.”
