Schedulers, dispatchers, pilots, and operators alike poured into the San Jose McEnery Convention Center during the first week of February, 2015 for the annual NBAA Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference. The week was filled with training courses, informational sessions, an expansive exhibition, and lively client gatherings, making this year’s conference one of the most well-attended.
Educational sessions covered many topics, ranging from advanced scheduling and human factors to recurrent dispatcher training and a live emergency response drill. These valuable learning sessions fostered many positive connections, which were strengthened as attendees made their way to the exhibit hall. Exhibiting companies included fixed based operators, fuel providers, charter operations, flight planning solutions, airports, and many others. The intimate yet vibrant atmosphere clearly contributed to the conference’s success. Many companies had grand prize giveaways and engaging activities to enjoy throughout the exhibition and receptions. The exhibtion concluded with a night of friendly conversation and refreshments at San Jose’s Tech Museum of Innovation.
While the conference attendees and exhibitors certainly considered the show a success, the community did as well. In its fifth year running, the Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference held “Pay It Forward,” a program where conference participants donate a gently used business outfit to organizations offering professional career servies to those in need. This year, the conference donated over 1,300 articles of clothing to Sacred Heart and Dress for Success, two San Jose non-profit organizations helping the community. Attendees could also participate in the Charity Fitness Challenge, counting their steps throughout the week via a pedometer to raise additional support for Sacred Heart and Dress for Success.
Overall, NBAA’s Schedulers and Dispatchers Conference was a great encouragement and success for all involved. JETPUBS will be sure to return in 2016, eager to improve operators’ manuals processes through its Online Manuals Service and excellent customer care.
– Rochelle Johnson, JETPUBS Inc.