LEE'S SUMMIT, MO., Nov. 30, 2011 -- Featuring more than 75 hours of avionics technical training courses and an exhibit hall bursting with new avionics technologies in 2012, the Aircraft Electronics Association's 55th annual International Convention & Trade Show will convene in Washington, D.C., April 3-6, 2012, at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center.

The AEA International Convention & Trade Show is the preeminent venue dedicated solely to the general aviation avionics industry. Not open to the public, this event's primary focus is providing avionics professionals with educational and marketing opportunities, as well as training and networking among equipment manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations.

Some of the features during this four-day event are:

• The introduction of several new avionics products and systems.
• More than 75 hours of technical and business management training sessions.
• An Exhibit Hall filled with the latest avionics technologies from more than 135 exhibitors.
• Manufacturers offer dealers discounts as part of the AEA's Show Specials.
• The latest regulatory updates with international agency personnel from the FAA, TCCA, EASA and others.
• More than $100,000 in scholarships awarded to avionics and aviation maintenance students.
• Unique social events and networking opportunities with industry colleagues.

In addition, the AEA Educational Foundation, in partnership with the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT), will offer registered attendees free Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification and endorsement exams. Attendees may test their knowledge in achieving the NCATT's highly regarded avionics technician certification. This $100 value is only available through the AEA at the convention.

"The AEA is thrilled to be in the nation's capital for our 55th International Convention & Trade Show," said Paula Derks, AEA president. "Our attendees will have the opportunity to network with their industry peers and keep up-to-date with industry trends by seeing new products with the major suppliers under one roof. In this new world of social media, text messaging, emailing and webinars, one thing remains constant: Our attendees still want to see, touch and talk product face-to-face."

The AEA is offering its members an early bird registration rate. Members who register before Jan. 4, 2012, will save $125 compared to a full on-site registration. The cost for a full registration before Jan. 4, 2012, is $525, and a full registration on-site is $650. A full registration includes all AEA Fast Trak sessions, seminars and technical workshops, as well as AEA Exhibit Hall entrance for three days and the AEA's First-Nighter Party, Awards Luncheon and Farwell Reception.

To register online for the 2012 AEA International Convention & Trade Show, visit www.aea.net/convention.

Members should make their hotel room reservations directly with the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center. To guarantee the special AEA room rate of $229 per night, reservations must be made no later than March 1, 2012. The hotel is located just eight miles due south of Washington, D.C., with convenient access to three major airports. It is located on the Potomac River in National Harbor, Md. For a hotel reservation link, click here or call 301-965-4000.

To view the official AEA Convention schedule, visit www.aea.net/convention/DC2012/Schedule.asp.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Linda Adams, AEA director of member services, at 816-374-8400 or lindaa@aea.net.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA:
To register for media credentials, visit www.aea.net/convention/DC2012/Press.asp. When filling out the registration form, under "Fee," scroll down to "Press" on the pop-up menu, for a complimentary registration. Media credentials allow access into all regulatory round tables, general sessions, seminars, classes, new product introductions and the AEA Exhibit Hall. Media credentials do not include tickets to AEA-hosted social functions, which may be purchased separately from the AEA. After registering online, a confirmation will be sent to the email address you provide. Media credentials will not be mailed prior to the convention; they can be picked up at the AEA registration desk at the Gaylord National Hotel. Please provide a business card when picking up media credentials. These credentials are required for entrance into the AEA Convention Press Headquarters, sponsored by Aspen Avionics and Sporty's, and all other convention activities. High-resolution images of the official 2012 AEA International Convention & Trade Show logo are available online at www.aea.net/convention/DC2012/LogosAndImages.asp.