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WAEA concluded a record-breaking Annual Conference &
Exhibition with more than 2,300 participants in Long Beach,
California, USA. Delegates representing 72 different airlines
and 231 vendor companies congregated at the inflight entertainment
(IFE) industry's premiere event to network with leaders and explore
the future of IFE. The sold-out exhibition was co-located for the
first time this year with Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas. The
conference was highlighted by the 20th Annual WAEA Avion Awards
ceremony; presentations from top industry leaders; and an unprecedented
12 hours of IFE and Communications educational sessions spotlighting
connectivity, legislative updates and technology trends.
aWARDS
Thirty-three commercial airlines from around the world competed
for the 20th Annual WAEA Avion Award of distinction
honoring excellence in inflight entertainment and voted on by passengers
around the world. Members of the IFE and Communications industry
celebrated with a spectacular show produced by Walt Disney Motion
Pictures as a salute to 40 years of inflight entertainment.
Winners in each of the four regional categories as well as Best
Overall in large and small airline categories were announced at
a fanfare event sponsored by Walt Disney Motion Pictures during
the WAEA 29th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Long Beach.
Swiss International Air Lines won Best Overall for Small airlines
and Emirates received the honor as Best Overall for the Large airlines.
Complete
list of 2008 Avion Awards winners.
Steve Harvey received the WAEA Lifetime Achievement Award for his
long-term efforts, dedication and sustained commitment in support
of airline inflight entertainment and communications. Lonnie Webber
is the 2008 recipient of the WAEA Outstanding Contribution Award
for his significant contribution to innovation in airline inflight
entertainment and communications.
Keynote Executive Summit Series
For the first time this year, an "Executive Summit" session
kicked off each morning with candid and thought-provoking keynote
addresses featuring high-profile industry executives addressing
market challenges, stirring creativity, tackling global business
issues and sharing their strategic visions. More...
Educational sessions
WAEA offered an unprecedented 12 hours of educational sessions
addressing pressing industry topics spotlighting connectivity, legislative
updates and technology trends. Presentations from the Educational
Sessions can be found in the Members
Only section.
Back by popular demand, the Hot Topics Session: Connectivity and
Beyond! put CEOs in the hot seat as attendees participated in a
"Town Hall" style forum. More...
exhibition
With 26 hours of exhibit hall time to see over 100 exhibitors and
airline representatives from around the world, the WAEA Exhibit
is the premier display of IFE hardware, systems, content, applications,
services, products and support.
Representatives from airlines and vendor companies had schedules
filled with sales appointments. Attendees conducted business at
networking events throughout the week and at the sold-out exhibition.
New exhibitors had an opportunity to showcase their products and
services to top airline IFE executives during the conference’s
opening day. The addition of the Vendor Theater this year, where
exhibitors gave brief presentations on their products and services,
provided an additional forum for vendors to connect with potential
clients.
networking events
Time to share ideas and laughs with old friends and new at networking
events was offered every evening of the conference. This proved
to be valuable time for delegates eager to make connections and
build relationships with colleagues and customers. A special night
at the Aquarium of the Pacific gave attendees the opportunity to
mingle with colleagues, pet live sharks and dance to a live band.
more detailed coverage and photos:
Educational
Session Presentations (Members Only)
Airline Attendees
Vendor Attendees
WIN Daily
WAEA
20th Annual Avion Awards
2008
WAEA Board of Directors
Exhibition Photos
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