Update: AEA cancels convention

The long-running spring gathering of avionics makers, retailers, and others involved in the industry had been slated to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, starting March 24. The association initially announced that the event was “postponed.” However, AEA on March 18 canceled the event “due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and the lack of available dates to reschedule.”

"There are even more critical decisions awaiting all of us," AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson told members. "As business owners and industry leaders, I encourage each of you to put the health and well-being of your staff, customers and families in the forefront of your decision-making process. This [cancellation] will no doubt create questions, and we ask for your patience in advance as we sort through this process and continue to provide our valuable benefits and services." AEA said it “will begin processing refunds to all registered attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.”

Avionics maker Avidyne followed up on news of the convention's initial postponement with an advisory to dealers that three training sessions it had been scheduled to present at the AEA convention will be made available online. “We expect to have these virtual training seminars scheduled during the same time period you would have received them at the AEA National event,” the company said. “We will begin the process of setting up these training sessions and will keep you posted shortly once we have a schedule set.” A link to Avidyne’s dealer portal was included in the message.