COVID-19 Forces Cancellation of NBAA BACE 2020

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced the cancellation of its 2020 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which was scheduled to take place in Orlando, FL, October 6-8.

Citing concerns about safety in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen released the following statement which both noted the cancellation of the annual convention and exhibit this coming October and the announcement of the 2021 event which will be held once again in Las Vegas, Nevada:

Dear NBAA Member:

I write to inform you that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of 2020 NBAA-BACE. A copy of our press release can be found at the bottom of this message.

As we know, business aviation has always been a close-knit community, with important events characterized not just by exciting new product introductions, but also an emphasis on bringing professionals together in support of our shared success. However, for the reasons set forth in the press release, NBAA is unable to move forward with 2020 NBAA-BACE.

On behalf of the NBAA Board of Directors, Advisory Council and association staff, we are most grateful for your continued understanding and support for NBAA’s work to support your company and others through valued events, critically needed advocacy work and daily flight support, especially during this unique and highly challenging moment.

We look forward to hosting you in next year in Las Vegas, Oct. 12-14, 2021, and we thank you again for your continuing support of NBAA and the business aviation community.

Sincerely,

Ed Bolen
President and CEO
National Business Aviation Association

The press release referenced by Mr. Bolen provided the following details:

NBAA CANCELS 2020 NBAA-BACE

WASHINGTON, DC, JULY 1, 2020 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced the cancellation of its 2020 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which was scheduled to take place in Orlando, FL, October 6-8.

The cancellation is based on clear guidance from public health officials at all levels of government addressing the unique, complex COVID-19 related challenges associated with large indoor venues. For example, the Florida Department of Health has recently issued an advisory recommending that individuals avoid participation in gatherings of more than 50 people.

In addition, numerous states, including Florida, have onerous travel restrictions in place, and flights to and from many international countries are banned. These restrictions make it not only difficult, but in many cases impossible, for individuals and companies to participate in the world’s largest business aviation event.

“The promotion of safety is a primary reason NBAA was founded in 1947, and safety is at the foundation of all we are today,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “As COVID-19 has emerged as a pandemic, NBAA has consistently looked to local, state, federal and global health officials to inform our decisions and guide our actions with regard to live events.”

According to Bolen, “NBAA has always advised its members to conduct a thorough risk evaluation before every flight to determine whether or not the mission can be safely conducted. We have brought that same discipline to the upcoming NBAA-BACE, and we regret that this year’s event must be grounded. We will immediately begin working with exhibitors and others as we wind down this year’s event and begin preparations for next year’s NBAA-BACE.

“On behalf of the NBAA Board of Directors, Advisory Council and association staff, we thank our convention exhibitors, attendees and other participants for their patience, loyalty and partnership as we move through these unprecedented and challenging times,” Bolen concluded.

The 2021 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition will take place from Oct. 12-14 in Las Vegas, NV.