LEE'S SUMMIT, MISSOURI, Dec. 1, 2015 -- The Aircraft Electronics Association unveiled the dates and locations for its 2016 AEA Connect conferences. AEA Connect is the new name for what was formerly known as the AEA Regional Meetings. The 2016 AEA Connect schedule is as follows:

According to AEA President Paula Derks, the AEA Connect brand more accurately reflects the mission of these annual events that take place in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America and the South Pacific.

"Our regional meetings will operate under a new name in 2016 because these two-day events have become more than just a meeting -- they have evolved into a unique setting that personally connect industry professionals," Derks said. "The conferences have grown beyond simply receiving regulatory updates and technical training via a classroom-style lecture -- attendees are now more engaged than ever in the educational environment with interactive discussions and analysis. In addition, repair stations, manufacturers, regulators and educators show an increasing desire to come together, network and personally conduct serious business -- they want to connect in person. And with an exhibit hall filled with the latest avionics technologies and services, attendees feel a greater personal connection with the opportunity to see, touch and feel new products and visit face-to-face with the experts."

The first AEA Connect conference takes place Jan. 26-27 in Cologne, Germany, and registration is now available online at  www.aea.net/connect. Exhibitors and attendees who plan to participate should note that it is scheduled earlier than in previous years. The Hyatt Regency Cologne will serve as the site for the event, and hotel reservations must be made by Dec. 25.