AEA CONVENTION RECAP Continued from page 31 ABOVE: Plenty of business and networking was being conducted inside the AEA Exhibit Hall, which was filled with the latest avionics technologies and more than 130 exhibitors. “We’re just getting our feet wet,” Derks noted, referring to a three-phase process the AEA has designed to spread the word to elected officials on the value of the avionics market and the economic importance it contributes not only to the U.S. economy, but around the world. “We’re in phase one.” The next phase will expand the report to include not only the dollar amount of sales, but also to break out both certified and noncertified aircraft electronics sales. Additional manufacturers will continue to be invited to contribute sales data, according to Derks. Among the data points the AEA intends to include in its reporting are: the amount (using net sales price, not manufacturer’s suggested RIGHT: More than 75 hours of regulatory, technical and business management training and professional development was offered at the 2013 AEA Convention & Trade Show. 32 avionics news • june 2013