Details of the very successful convention that was held in Hasselt, Belgium between the 20th and the 22nd February 2003 are still available..

The theme of the Convention was "Bringing Europe together - by sharing experience to face the future"  Speakers from 5 countries provided some fascinating and valuable contributions to the event and stimulated lively discussions.  A summary of the content of the Convention and his short summary of the Convention can be obtained from the Executive Co-ordinator. 

You can also have a Full summary by the Chairman of the EAC, Gilbert Buekenberghs from the same source.

A fuller summary of all the programme, together with conclusions drawn by EAC Members and the future actions proposed to take the Council forward have been prepared by the Chairman. This document is available to all Members and Honorary Observers of the EAC

 

PROGRAMME

 

 

FOR THE EAC CONVENTION IN HASSELT

 

20 - 22 FEBRUARY 2003

 

 

Theme:

 

“Bringing Europe together – by sharing experience to face the Future”

 

 

 

Thursday 20 February

  

           

1930 for 2030              Welcome Drinks and Dinner at the Holiday Inn, Hasselt.

 

Welcome drinks sponsored by Gan Media

 

 

 

Friday 21 February

 

 

0900    Delegates assemble - Administrative points –  Bob Dixon - EAC Executive Co-ordinator

 

            “What is the Future for Airshows – Decline or Progress?”

 

0915    Keynote Address – Paul Bowen - EAC Vice-Chairman and Director Royal International Air Tattoo, UK

 

            “Variety is the Spice of Life – Competing for the Public”

 

0945    On the Beach – Ray Thilthorpe -  Director Southend and Southport  Airshows, UK        -followed by  questions and discussion  

 

1015    Theatre of the Air – Graham Hurley and Sean Maffett – Producer and Airshow Commentator, UK   -followed by  questions and discussion

 

1045    - Coffee

            -opportunity to visit exhibitors’ stands

           

1115    A Theme – 100Years of Flight in 2003 – Ron Nield – 100 Years of Flight Programme Director, Royal Aeronautical Society, UK  -followed by questions and discussion

 

1145    From Concerts to Big Screens - Gilbert Buekenberghs – EAC Chairman and Director Sanicole International Airshow, Belgium   -followed by questions and discussion

 

“Improvements needed - Efficiency and Costs”

 

1215    Sponsorship of Performers and Airshows – Jacques Bothelin – Director Apache Aviation and Director Khalifa Jet Team, France  -followed by questions and discussion

 

1245    - Lunch

-opportunity to visit exhibitors’ stands

 

1415    Safety Requirement for the Next 10 Years –Rod Dean - Head of General Aviation Department, Civil Aviation Authority, Safety Regulations Group, UK    -followed by questions and discussion

 

1445    Air Display Systems – Martin Schoonderbeek (ADS Solutions, Netherlands) and Jurgen Freytag (Ground Operations Director, Berlin Airshow FDS, Germany)

-demonstrations of IT used for Airshow Management and Performers

 

1515    Small Group Discussions

 

            – Event Organisers, Performers, Civil Aviation Authorities, Military Authorities and National Display Teams form small discussion groups

 – Opportunity for “Hands on” experience of Airshow IT software.

 

1715    EAC Chairman closes session.

 

1900    Delegates and spouses/partners assemble for drinks and Airshow Dinner

-Transport provided to and from the Sanicole Aeroclub

- Dress informal “airshow kit” (Flying suits to Airshow T-shirts and hats)

 

Saturday 22 February

 

 

            “Future of Airshows – Working Together”

 

0900    Future Planning for Airshows - from a Performers Viewpoint – Dieter Thomas – Aeronautical Consultant  and Flight Operations Director Berlin Airshow, Germany 

 -followed by questions and discussion

 

0930    Promoting the Organiser and Performer on the Internet – Carl Hall – Director, GAN Media group, UK   -followed by questions and discussion

 

1000    Results from the Small Group discussions

–short presentations and discussion in open forum

 

1030    - Coffee

             -opportunity to visit exhibitors’ stands

 

1100    Major Public Event Organisation and Funding  - Mike Brennan - Chief Executive Officer Main Event Catering, UK  -followed by questions and discussion

 

1130    Airshows – The North American Way Forward -  Mike Cudahy - President of the International Council of Air Shows, USA

 

1200    The Way Ahead for European Airshows – Alan Smith – Non Executive Director, Royal International Air Tattoo, UK  -followed by questions and discussion

 

1230    The EAC’s Contribution to the Future

–Open forum chaired by the EAC Chairman and Vice Chairman

 

1300    Convention ends