By Emily Barnwell

In a matter of days, the Partnership team will take off to the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), showcasing the Air Capital of the World and its global reach.

As one of the world’s largest gatherings in business aviation, NBAA-BACE will feature more than 20,000 business professionals, owners, operators, government leaders and manufacturers from around the world.

“NBAA-BACE is a platform to showcase the Air Capital of the World and its significant role in the global aviation landscape,” said Partnership Executive Vice President of Economic Development Andrew Nave. “Our attendance helps build valuable relationships and attract new business opportunities.”

The Wichita region is the No. 1 manufacturing metro in the U.S. and home to an aviation ecosystem of more than 350 world-class suppliers.

Aviation is one of seven target sectors identified in the Regional Growth Plan, an economic strategy to grow the greater Wichita region’s economy, attract new businesses and expand existing industries. The plan is implemented by the collective efforts of community partners within the ten-county region and is led by the Partnership.

To promote the region’s robust talent pipeline, competitive advantages and rich aviation history, the Air Capital delegation will man a large booth on the NBAA-BACE show floor from Oct. 22-24 in Las Vegas.

Kiosk partners include Aerospace Systems & Components Inc., Bodycote, Modig Machine Tool, the National Institute of Aviation Research and WSU Tech.

Key economic development partners including the City of Wichita, Harvey County Economic Development, Kansas Department of Commerce, Sedgwick County, Wichita Airport Authority and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) will also attend.

The Partnership has exhibited at NBAA-BACE since 2005 and looks forward to the 2024 event as a chance to strengthen the region’s global visibility and attract new investments and business prospects.