
Aircraft Electronics Association - AEA
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About this event
Aircraft Electronics Association - AEA International Convention & Trade Show 2026
Date: March 23-26, 2026
Venue: The Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas, USA
Event Type: Aviation Avionics, General Aviation Avionics, Technology and Innovation, Trade Show, Training and Professional Development
Estimated Attendance: Not explicitly stated, but historically attracts a global audience of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors, government-certified repair stations, technicians, and business leaders.
1. Who attends (BUYERS / ATTENDEES)
The AEA International Convention & Trade Show primarily attracts a professional audience from the general aviation avionics sector. Key attendee groups include:
- Avionics Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Government-certified Repair Stations
- Technicians and Engineers
- Business Leaders and Decision-makers
- Airlines and Aircraft Operators
- Regulatory and Industry Representatives
- Training and Development Professionals
2. Location + Attendee Geographic Origin
Show Location: The Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas, USA
Attendee Origin: Global, with a strong presence from North America, Europe, and the South Pacific, reflecting the AEA's international membership spanning over 40 countries.
Best Geographic Targeting: Companies with a global footprint in aviation electronics, particularly those with operations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the South Pacific.
3. Audience Reach
Reach Type: Global, as the event is recognized as the largest gathering of its kind in the world, attracting a diverse international audience of avionics professionals.
4. Sample Buyer Company Names + Websites
| Priority | Company | Website | Best Title to Target | Why This is a Good Buyer Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garmin International | https://www.garmin.com | Avionics Product Manager / Business Development Manager | Prominent avionics manufacturer with a strong presence in general aviation. |
| 2 | Honeywell Aerospace | https://www.honeywell.com/aerospace | Avionics Systems Engineer / Procurement Manager | Leading provider of avionics and aerospace solutions globally. |
| 3 | Rockwell Collins (now part of Collins Aerospace) | https://www.collinsaerospace.com | Avionics Sales Manager / Technical Support Manager | Major player in aviation electronics and systems integration. |
| 4 | Bose Aviation | https://www.bose.com/aviation | Avionics Marketing Manager / Product Development Manager | Renowned for avionics and communication systems in aircraft. |
| 5 | Thales Group - Aerospace | https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/aerospace | Avionics Program Manager / Business Development Director | Global leader in avionics solutions and systems for commercial and general aviation. |
| 6 | Leonardo DRS Inc. | https://www.leonardodrs.com | Avionics Systems Director / Sales Director | Key provider of advanced avionics systems for general and commercial aviation. |
| 7 | Rocky Mountain Instruments | https://www.rmiavionics.com | Avionics Sales Representative / Engineering Manager | Specialized in avionics systems and support services for general aviation. |
| 8 | Elbit Systems of America | https://www.elbit.com | Avionics Program Director / Business Development Manager | Offers a range of avionics solutions for military and commercial aviation sectors. |
| 9 | Metro Aviation | https://www.metroairmed.com | Avionics Installation Manager / Procurement Director | Leading provider of avionics upgrades and installations for a variety of aircraft. |
| 10 | TE Connectivity - Aerospace | https://www.te.com | Aerospace Product Manager / Avionics Engineer | Major supplier of connectivity solutions for avionics and aerospace applications. |
| 11 | Kitewheel | https://www.kitewheel.com | Avionics Marketing Director / Sales Manager | Provides avionics and aerospace components and solutions for general aviation. |
| 12 | Collins Aerospace - Avionics | https://www.collinsaerospace.com/en/products/avionics.html | Avionics Sales Director / Technical Support Manager | Leading provider of advanced avionics systems and solutions for the aviation industry. |
| 13 | Integrated Aircraft Services (IAS) | https://www.iasaviation.com | Avionics Maintenance Manager / Procurement Director | Offers comprehensive avionics maintenance, repair, and upgrade services. |
| 14 | Avionics Magazine | https://www.avionicsmagazine.com | Advertising Sales Manager / Editorial Director | Key media outlet for the avionics industry, reaching a broad audience of professionals. |
| 15 | Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. | https://www.aircraftspruce.com | Avionics Product Manager / Sales Director | Major distributor of avionics equipment and supplies for general aviation. |
5. Job Profiles, Industries & Event Type
Best Job Profiles to Target:
- Avionics Engineers
- Procurement Managers
- Technical Support Managers
- Business Development Directors
- Avionics Product Managers
- Training and Development Coordinators
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Aircraft Maintenance Technicians
- Sales and Marketing Professionals
Best Apollo Industries to Use:
- Aerospace & Defense
- Airline Industry
- Aviation
- Avionics Manufacturing
- General Aviation
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)
- Technology & Equipment Suppliers
6. Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall
While the exact number for 2026 is not provided, the event has historically drawn a significant global audience. The AEA represents nearly 1,300 member companies in over 40 countries, indicating a substantial international presence. The convention is expected to attract several thousand attendees, including manufacturers, distributors, repair stations, and aviation professionals.
7. Key Focus Areas & Buyer Engagement
Key Focus Areas:
- New Avionics Product Introductions
- Regulatory Updates and Compliance
- Technical Training and Professional Development
- Business Networking and Partnership Development
- Avionics Skills and Technology Competitions
- Innovations in General Aviation Avionics
Buyer Engagement Angle: Position your offerings as solutions that address the evolving needs of the avionics industry, emphasizing innovation, compliance, and technological advancement. Highlight how your products or services can enhance operational efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction in the general aviation sector.
8. Client-Product Fit Note
Please share your client's website to enable a tailored analysis of the best buyer fit based on the client's specific product or service offering. This will allow for a more precise targeting strategy aligned with the AEA International Convention & Trade Show's audience.
9. Final Recommendation
The AEA International Convention & Trade Show is a prime event for B2B engagement within the avionics sector. With its global reach and focus on innovation and professional development, it offers a unique platform for companies to connect with key decision-makers, showcase new products, and stay abreast of industry trends. The event is particularly recommended for clients in the aerospace, avionics manufacturing, and related services sectors.
Data sheet
| Event Name | Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) International Convention & Trade Show |
| Event Date | March 23-26, 2027 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Savannah Convention Center |
| City | Savannah |
| State / Region | Georgia |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) |
| Official Event Website | aea.net |
| Event Type | Convention, Trade Show, Training Conference, Professional Development Event |
| Primary Category | IT & Technology |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Industrial Engineering; Logistics & Transportation |
| Audience Reach | Global |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Low for numeric attendance; high for audience type and industry positioning. The supplied official source set verifies the 2026 Dallas edition in detail. The 2027 Savannah date and venue were provided by the user and should be treated as pending organizer-page verification. |
| Main Purpose of Event | Industry networking, product launches, avionics training, dealer and repair-station engagement, regulatory and technical education, and business development across the general aviation avionics market. |
The AEA International Convention & Trade Show is the Aircraft Electronics Association’s flagship annual gathering for the general aviation avionics sector. According to the official AEA convention site for the 2026 edition, it is positioned as the largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world, and as a preferred launch platform for new avionics products and services.
For suppliers, service providers, manufacturers, training organizations and B2B sales teams, this event matters because it concentrates technically qualified buyers, repair and installation businesses, dealer networks, business leaders and regulatory-facing professionals in one setting. Its value is strongest for companies selling avionics equipment, maintenance tools, software, compliance support, training, certification-related services, component distribution, and operational technology relevant to aircraft electronics installation, service and lifecycle support.
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avionics manufacturers | OEMs and subsystem producers serving general aviation electronics | Product selection, partnerships, channel strategy, component sourcing | High-value buyer group for components, software, test systems and manufacturing support |
| Distributors and dealer networks | Aviation electronics distributors, stocking representatives, dealer principals | Line-card expansion, vendor onboarding, pricing negotiations, reseller agreements | Critical route to market for suppliers seeking channel penetration |
| Government-certified repair stations | FAA-certified avionics installation and maintenance businesses | Purchase influence for tools, parts, software, documentation and training | One of the event’s most directly addressable buyer groups per official event description |
| Technicians and engineers | Installation technicians, avionics specialists, systems engineers | Technical evaluation, product trial feedback, implementation influence | Important for adoption of tools, diagnostics, certification workflows and training |
| Business leaders and owners | Company owners, presidents, general managers, divisional leaders | Final budget authority, strategic partnerships, growth investments | High decision-making density makes the event useful for senior-level outreach |
| Aircraft operators and fleet support teams | General aviation operators, maintenance groups, business aviation support teams | Retrofit planning, maintenance procurement, operational reliability decisions | Relevant for aftermarket, upgrade and lifecycle solutions |
| Regulatory and compliance professionals | Certification, airworthiness, standards and compliance stakeholders | Influence on approved processes, documentation and repair procedures | Useful for companies selling compliance, quality and documentation support |
| Training and professional development buyers | Technical training managers, apprenticeship leads, workforce development contacts | Curriculum selection, certification prep, continuing education budgets | Good fit for training content, LMS tools and technical education programs |
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city | Savannah, Georgia | Moderate local concentration | 2027 location supplied by user; official organizer verification for this edition was not included in the source text provided. |
| Host state / region | Georgia and the U.S. Southeast | Moderate regional aviation and MRO relevance | Regional draw is likely for repair stations, installers, distributors and operator support teams. |
| Nearby business hubs | Atlanta, Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Tampa, Dallas, Wichita and other aviation hubs | High | Likely source markets for avionics manufacturers, channel partners and service organizations. |
| National reach | United States and Canada | High | Official AEA positioning supports broad North American industry participation. |
| International reach | Europe, South Pacific and other AEA member-country markets | High | AEA states it represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries. This supports global relevance even where the 2027 attendee roster is not yet published. |
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Global | Primary classification | The official AEA convention description calls the event the largest gathering of its type in the world, and AEA states it has member companies in more than 40 countries. This supports a global audience profile, with especially strong relevance in North America and selected international aviation markets. |
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) | Organizer / industry association | Central industry body connecting member companies, repair stations, training and regulatory stakeholders. | aea.net | President, Convention Director, Membership Director, Partnerships Director | Confirmed Government / Procurement Organization |
| Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. | Aviation distributor / sponsor organization | Officially identified on the convention website as the sponsor of the convention site; relevant channel organization in avionics distribution. | aircraftspruce.com | Purchasing Manager, Category Manager, Product Manager, VP Sales | Confirmed Sponsor / Exhibitor |
| Official current-year buyer, attendee and exhibitor company lists for the 2027 Savannah edition were not included in the provided source set. Prior-year participation evidence is referenced at the event-type level only. Not a confirmed attendee list for the current edition. | |||||
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | President / Owner / General Manager | Executive Office | C-Level / Owner | Often holds final authority in repair stations, distributors and specialty avionics firms. |
| 2 | Director of Procurement | Procurement | Director | Relevant for component sourcing, vendor onboarding and purchasing strategy. |
| 3 | Strategic Sourcing Manager | Supply Chain / Procurement | Manager | Directly involved in evaluating suppliers, pricing and availability. |
| 4 | Director of Maintenance | Maintenance / Operations | Director | Key buyer-side role for repair stations and operator support teams. |
| 5 | Avionics Manager | Technical Operations | Manager | Common technical decision-maker for implementation and vendor evaluation. |
| 6 | Engineering Director | Engineering | Director | Influences technical compatibility, certification and design integration. |
| 7 | Product Manager | Product | Manager | Relevant where the event is used for new product introductions and roadmap evaluation. |
| 8 | Training Manager | Training / HR / Technical Education | Manager | Important because the event includes substantial professional development content. |
| 9 | Business Development Director | Business Development / Partnerships | Director | Strong fit for partnership, channel and dealer network expansion. |
| 10 | Compliance / Quality Manager | Quality / Regulatory | Manager | Useful for offerings tied to documentation, standards and approved repair workflows. |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aviation & Aerospace | Direct core market for avionics manufacturing, integration and technical operations. | OEMs, avionics houses, integration providers, component manufacturers |
| 2 | Airlines/Aviation | Captures operators, aviation service firms and broader aircraft support organizations. | Fleet support, maintenance, retrofit and operational buyers |
| 3 | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Strong match for avionics hardware, assemblies, connectors and systems suppliers. | Hardware sourcing and technical partnerships |
| 4 | Industrial Automation | Useful for test systems, diagnostics, shop-floor technology and workflow tools. | Repair station tooling and automation solutions |
| 5 | Information Technology & Services | Relevant for software, documentation, workflow, cybersecurity and integration support. | Digital transformation and support services |
| 6 | Computer Software | Good fit for maintenance software, compliance tools, engineering data platforms and training software. | MRO workflow, technical publications, training delivery |
| 7 | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Matches engineering-led firms involved in systems integration and aircraft modifications. | Engineering partnerships and technical evaluation |
| 8 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Relevant for parts movement, stocking, fulfillment and aviation supply channels. | Distribution and inventory support |
| 9 | Wholesale | Useful for aviation parts distributors and multi-line resellers. | Channel sales and stocking distribution |
| 10 | Government Administration | Relevant where regulatory-facing organizations and certification stakeholders are involved. | Compliance, standards and public-sector coordination |
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. | Unconfirmed | No numeric total present in supplied official source content | Do not use a numeric estimate for list-sale claims without organizer data. |
| Exhibitor count | Not publicly confirmed in supplied source text | Unconfirmed | Official site references an exhibitor list and floor plan but no count was included in the provided extract | Possible to verify once official exhibitor directory is published for the edition in question. |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | No buyer-registration count provided | Audience composition is clear; buyer volume is not. |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Only one keynote speaker was explicitly visible in the supplied 2026 page content | Do not extrapolate 2027 speaker volume from this alone. |
| Training volume | More than 75 hours | Historical / prior-year evidence | Official 2026 convention page | Useful indicator of technical depth and professional-development draw. |
| Historical attendance profile | Largest gathering of general aviation avionics manufacturers, distributors and government-certified repair stations in the world | Historical / prior-year evidence | Official organizer positioning | Strong qualitative proof of market relevance, not a numeric attendance figure. |
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avionics product innovation | Access to newly launched products and system upgrades | Product demos, spec reviews, launch meetings | New equipment, components, embedded electronics, product roadmaps |
| Technical training | Skill development for technicians and installers | Classroom training, certification support, tool demonstrations | Training programs, LMS platforms, technical manuals, certification prep |
| Repair station operations | Faster turnaround, quality control, documentation compliance | Workflow improvement discussions, vendor qualification | MRO software, calibration equipment, documentation systems |
| Distribution and dealer network growth | New vendors, better stocking strategies, channel expansion | Line-card reviews, pricing discussions, territory partnerships | Wholesale programs, distribution support, channel marketing |
| Regulatory and compliance education | FAA-aligned procedures, documentation, standards awareness | Compliance workshops, standards briefings, process updates | Compliance software, consulting, approved forms and guides |
| Business development and partnerships | Dealer recruitment, OEM relationships, supplier partnerships | Executive meetings, networking receptions, partnership talks | Co-selling, integration alliances, private-label or channel programs |
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event is tightly focused on a specialized buyer ecosystem: manufacturers, distributors, repair stations and technical leaders. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Official messaging emphasizes business leaders, decision-makers and industry influencers. |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Useful for account-based targeting, but the public source set provided does not yet include a validated 2027 attendee directory. |
| Apollo targeting potential | High | The market is well suited to filtering by aviation, electronics, engineering, operations and procurement titles. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | North America can be prioritized first, with international follow-up tied to AEA member-country presence. |
| Best outreach approach | High | Use account-based outreach centered on training, product upgrades, compliance support, repair-station productivity and dealer/channel value. |
| Overall lead quality | High | Especially strong for niche aviation technology suppliers and B2B service providers targeting qualified avionics organizations. |
| Best use case | High | ABM prospecting, exhibitor targeting, repair-station outreach, dealer development and partnership-led sales. |
| Limitations / risks | Medium | Public numeric attendance and company-level attendee verification for the 2027 edition are not yet confirmed in the supplied official source set. This limits list-building precision until a current exhibitor or attendee directory is published. |
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Aviation & Aerospace; Airlines/Aviation; Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing; Information Technology & Services; Computer Software; Industrial Automation; Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; Logistics & Supply Chain; Wholesale; Government Administration | Covers the most relevant buyer-side and partner-side sectors aligned with the event audience. |
| Departments | Procurement, Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Product Management, Supply Chain, Training, Quality, Business Development | Surfaces both technical evaluators and commercial decision-makers. |
| Seniority | Owner, Partner, CXO, VP, Director, Head, Manager | Balances strategic authority with day-to-day buying influence. |
| Job titles | President, Owner, General Manager, Director of Procurement, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Director of Maintenance, Avionics Manager, Engineering Director, Product Manager, Training Manager, Quality Manager, Business Development Director | Best title set for aviation electronics and repair-station buying environments. |
| Geography | United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand; priority U.S. states: Georgia, Texas, Kansas, Florida, Arizona, Washington, California | Targets the core North American market with selected international AEA-relevant regions. |
| Employee size | 11-50, 51-200, 201-500, 501-1000 | Captures specialized avionics firms, distributors, MRO shops and mid-market aerospace businesses. |
| Keywords | avionics, aircraft electronics, FAA repair station, MRO, aircraft maintenance, panel upgrade, retrofit, airborne systems, dealer network, technical training, avionics installation | Improves precision for event-like companies that may not be tagged perfectly by industry alone. |
| Technologies, if relevant | ERP, MRO software, compliance/document control systems, LMS, engineering documentation tools | Useful where the client sells software or workflow systems into technical operations. |
| Revenue range, if relevant | $5M-$250M | Practical mid-market band for specialty aerospace and distribution companies. |
| Company type | Private companies, public companies, association members, certified service organizations, distributors | Supports both direct-sales and channel-led targeting motions. |
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEA Dallas 2026 | The AEA International Convention & Trade Show | Official event website | Verified official event positioning, 2026 dates, venue, city, training volume, attendee-type language, sponsor reference and event purpose. | High |
| The Aircraft Electronics Association | Official organizer website | Verified AEA organization profile, founding year, global member footprint and event ownership. | High |
| User-supplied event brief | Provided input | Supplied the requested 2027 date range, Savannah location and Savannah Convention Center venue. | Medium |
| Verification note | Research limitation | A current official 2027 attendee list, exhibitor count, attendance total and buyer roster were not present in the provided source set. The report therefore distinguishes confirmed organizer statements from user-supplied 2027 logistics and avoids unsupported attendance claims. | High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Aircraft Electronics Association - AEA — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.