Registration Now Available Online

LEE'S SUMMIT, MO., Nov. 30, 2012 -- Featuring more than 75 hours of avionics technical training courses and an exhibit hall bursting with new avionics technologies coming to market in 2013, the 56th annual Aircraft Electronics Association International Convention & Trade Show will convene in Las Vegas, Nev., March 25-28, 2013, at the MGM Grand 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, technicians and owners of government-certified repair stations. The event is the platform of choice for the introduction of new avionics products.
 
Some of the highlights during the four-day event will include:

• The introduction of several new avionics products and systems.
• More than 75 hours of regulatory, technical and business management training and professional development.
• An Exhibit Hall filled with the latest avionics technologies and more than 135 exhibitors.
• The latest regulatory updates with international agency personnel.
• More than $100,000 in scholarships awarded to avionics and aviation maintenance students.
• Recognition of the 2013 AEA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
• Recognition of the 2013 AEA Member of the Year Award recipient.
• Recognition of the 2013 AEA Associate Member of the Year Award recipient.
• Dealer discounts offered from manufacturers as part of the AEA Show Specials.
• Unique social events and networking opportunities with industry colleagues.
• 32nd Lowell Gaylor Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the AEA Educational Foundation.

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 Las Vegas for our 56th 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, 2013, will save $150 compared to a full on-site registration. The cost for a full registration before Jan. 4, 2013, is $525, and a full registration on-site is $675. 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 Closing Reception.
 
To register online for the 2013 AEA International Convention & Trade Show, click here.
 
AEA members should make their hotel reservations directly with the MGM Grand Hotel & Convention Center, which will serve as the headquarters hotel. To guarantee the special AEA room rate of $140 per night, reservations must be made no later than Feb. 21, 2013. The AEA encourages all attendees to make hotel reservations well in advance, as this year's event takes place during the traditional spring break season and the college basketball championships. To make a hotel reservation, click here or call 800-929-9411. 
 
Check the convention website often for continuous updates to the convention schedule. In addition, the official Twitter hashtag for the AEA Convention is #AEA13. 
 
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA:
To register for media credentials, click here. When completing the online registration form, check the box for "Press" to request a complimentary press registration. Media credentials allow access into all regulatory and general sessions, technical training, 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 provided. Media credentials will not be mailed prior to the convention; they can be picked up at the AEA registration desk at the MGM Grand Hotel & Convention Center. Please provide a business card when picking up media credentials. These credentials are required for entrance into the AEA Convention Press Headquarters and all other convention activities.