Prior to 2002, EAC has held numerous conventions in different parts of Europe.
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1997 - Genk, Belgium
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1998 - Eindhoven, Netherlands
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1999 - Reims, France
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2000 - Barcelona, Spain
- 2001 - Sliema, Malta
In 2002 the EAC set itself on a more formal arrangement with a Board and Executive to take work further and provide the management and leadership of the EAC. A most successful Convention was held in the city of Hasselt, Belgium from 28 February to 2 March 2002. 63 Delegates from 14 countries enjoyed the opportunity to hear from experts and participate in Working Groups and Open Forums. Airshow matters were covered not only in the formal Convention Programme, but also when they met socially for informal discussions.
An Airshow Manual, giving advice on the organisation of Airshows, was issued to all EAC Members after the Convention
From 2002 until 2010 the EAC continued to hold its Convention annually in Hasselt. The holiday Inn and Express by Holiday Inn were kind and helpful hosts and the annual “Airshow Dinner” at the Sanicole Aeroclub firmly established itself in the programme as a gourmet evening during which delegates enjoyed the opportunity to network and discuss the events of the day. The Hotel staff became members of the ‘Airshow family’ and the popularity of the event grew year on year. By 2010 the number of delegates had reached 160 with representation from 26 nations and also included countries outside Europe. The facilities in Hasselt were becoming overwhelmed by the numbers and the decision was taken to move the 2011 and 2012 Conventions to Brussels.
In 2011 every effort is being put into ensuring the high standards of the Convention presentations and discussions are sustained along with excellent facilities in a 4* star Hotel only some 650 meters from the Brussels North/ Nord Railway Station. The new location is the Husa President Park Hotel which offers a far larger Convention meeting room and Exhibition Area whilst retaining the exclusivity of the Convention’s own separate dining and reception facilities. Advantages for delegates include the reduction in travelling times from the International Airport and main Brussels Midi Railway Stations by 1½ hours as well as being located within walking distance of the fascinating and vibrant centre of Brussels.
The Downloads area of the website contains the main presentations from Convention 2007 to date and they can be accessed by those who Register as EAC members on the website. Those already registered should Login and select the category or Convention they are interested in. From there they can also read the Programmes of each recent Convention and select the document or presentation they require.
Themes of past Conventions include:
2010
Managing Resources to ensure safety and provide entertainment at Airshows!
2009
100 Years of Airshows – from safety to marketing; have we made good progress?
Are we improving safety and learning lessons from experience?
2008
Too many accidents in 2007 – how do we improve the safety of the Display Pilot?
2007
Back to the Fundamentals of Airshow Activity – seeking safe and attractive airshows
What innovations are shaping the future of the Airshow world?
2006
New Challenges for Airshows: Youth, Excitement and Safety
2005
Successful and Safe – by luck or judgement?
2004
Safely Taking Airshows to a New Dimension
