As ABACE15 draws nearer, AsBAA shares its thoughts on this regionally recognised Business Aviation industry event and gives an insider’s viewpoint into what we can expect from AsBAA at ABACE15.

ABACE, founded by the US based National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has grown to become a truly Asian Pacific show, with a growing numbers of local exhibitors.

“The annual ABACE event has become a strategic highlight in the Asian business aviation calendar, and one that creates opportunities for networking and discussing key issues”, says Kevin Wu, Chairman, AsBAA. “Beyond creating an exhibition for manufacturers to show off their latest designs and models, ABACE is recognised as a platform for open dialogue with its peers and the industry media. It’s a moment-in-time barometer on how our industry is doing, stimulating discussions about the goals, the hurdles we continue to face but most importantly the benefits of business aviation among business associations.

"It is a further opportunity to educate the market and its stakeholders which will ultimately drive further public and private investment into our industry in Asia. An event like ABACE creates significant and positive sentiment as well as driving change, which is why it’s such a vital show for AsBAA to be involved in, and we’re proud to be ramping up our presence and involvement for 2015 in support of our members.” New for 2015, AsBAA will have its own stand located at P533 which is next to the NBAA and IBAC booths. Kevin Wu continues, “ABACE is a really important time for us to connect with our members and wider stakeholder groups. Our goal is to update our membership face to face as much as possible over the course of these 3-4 days, in order to update them on our latest objectives, raise awareness of what we have been doing these past 12 months, but more importantly what we have planned
	AsBAA Chairman Kevin Wu
for the coming 12 months ahead. This is why we need YOU! to participate and attend. Overall, I believe our existing members, potential members, and those that have watched AsBAA grow with interest will be pleasantly surprised by the increased activity, passion and drive we now have as an association in striving to be better and offering a true value-add for our members.”

AsBAA AGM

Immediately prior to ABACE15, AsBAA will hold its Annual General Meeting on Monday 13th April 2015 at the Hongqiao Hilton Hotel, Shanghai. This year’s meeting is also the point at which the Executive Committee will stand down for the 2 year election process to take place for the new AsBAA Executive Committee to be elected. We therefore hope all of our entire existing membership will be in attendance.

“As a member of the Board of Governors, I will be picking up the microphone to be master of ceremonies for the day; so I hope to guarantee both an informative and entertaining speech/presentation on AsBAA’s latest activities, its achievements, the new rotating chairman initiative, and of course our commitments, goals and objectives for the year ahead.” said Mike Walsh, Board of Governor, AsBAA. The association has also invited fellow IBAC member associations in the region namely: BAOA (India), ABAA (Australia) and JBAA (Japan) to attend a luncheon together with AsBAA, NBAA, IBAC and GAMA.

“The working lunch immediately after the AGM will form an opportunity to discuss the hot topics and challenges our members face, as well as prioritising the key issues we will address within ASEAN/APEC aviation working groups and with the local airports and DCA's (Directors of Civil Aviation) in the coming 12 months.”

AsBAA, as an associated organisation of NBAA and IBAC plays a key role in contributing to the development strategy and delivery of ABACE. As part of its commitment to its members, AsBAA works closely with the organisers and the show’s committee at ABACE to help create an outstanding catalogue of events on the agenda.

“At the core of our function at AsBAA is a commitment to creating a communication platform for our members, and of course for the regional industry to support its continued growth," said Vivienne Bourke, Regional Director, AsBAA. "At AsBAA, the board of governors and its executive committee work closely with the organisers of ABACE to ensure that the issues that really matter to our members not only get plenty of “airtime” in the media but also that we reach the ears and desks of the highest authorities in the land.”

AsBAA @ ABACE15, April 14-16, Shanghai, China | Booth P533.