An aviation event (also known as an air show) is a public event characterized by an aircraft display. This display often includes aerobatic aircraft demonstrations in the air, while static air shows occur in cases where the aircraft are parked on the ground.
Most air shows are organized for business purposes, and planes are displayed to potential clients and collaborators. Others, for generating charity funds for the local, national or military communities, etc. There are several factors to consider before hosting an aviation event. These factors to view can be split into three categories:
- Attraction
- Entertainment
- Safety
Aviation Event Attractions
Attraction is an essential factor in any social event. It would be best to keep your audience (the spectators) glued to the end of the show through visual or emotional methodologies. Still, before that, you need to grab your audience’s attention at the first impression. Due to differences among individuals, it is essential to understand what attracts your target audience before the show commences. Here are a few things to look out for under attraction:
Decoration and Event Theme
Knowing and choosing a suitable theme for an air show is crucial. It’s essential to set themes following the current season and societal trends. Remember that a homogenous piece leaves a lasting impression on the spectators more than the heterogeneous one.
Unobstructed Aerial Displays
Everyone wishes to witness aerial displays without getting distracted by buildings and vegetation. Most spectators prefer little to no distraction throughout the show. Also, proper ventilation and space uniformity are vital factors before hosting indoor aviation events. It’s necessary to book indoor or outdoor spaces for such occasions.
Top Aviation Event Entertainment
Entertainment is any activity that holds an audience’s attention and interest or gives pleasure and delight. This could vary from idea to task, but most specifically has to be an event to keep an audience’s attention. After you have gotten the attention of the spectators, these series of events must follow suit to keep their attention focused till the end of the event:
Immersive Social Activities
The most significant air shows have a variety of activities ranging from the display of aircraft for exhibition and grand aerial displays to others. For instance, since air shows aren’t continuous, there should be a meet and greet meeting with aviation experts and other present personnel, musical performances, and other engaging activities for all attendees, including children.
Refreshments
Refreshment is a big part of any event. Champagne is served for adult-themed parties, no matter the season or period. However, drinks should not be limited to champagne alone. Juices (e.g., cocktails, fruit juices, etc.) or other liquor and gins could be mixed to create a signature drink for the event. Aside from providing refreshments, most aviation centers have food and refreshment stalls nearby since attendees are bound to get thirsty or hungry.
Aviation Education and Promotion
A good time for presentations, fundraising, and other activities are during the event. The purpose is to:
- Educate;
- Inform;
- Educate;
- Celebrate;
- Drive behavioral change;
- Introduce a new concept;
- And improve skills.
An experienced industry expert should take the attendees through the event’s goals. Whatever the goal is will influence the rest of the event, from planning to organizing and decoration, content choice, and approach. This is necessary when calculating ROI. The exhibition of merchandise also makes air shows exceptional.
For this event, aviation stakeholders showcase their products and services to prospective clients in spectators. Attendees get leads on events like pilot training, aircraft parts, and other merchandise in stands. Exhibitions also serve as a form of networking for attendees and business lead generation.
Aviation Event Safety
The safety of individuals and property is a necessity at any social event. The following should be considered to ensure aviation safety and an accident-free event:
Parking
The organizers should provide a safe space for parking vehicles and accessible transportation for people to the event venue. Another thing to note is the accessibility of the air show venue. The ideal venue for an air show is a locally recognized environment for open-air events.
Concessions
Since many attendees have to travel to the event venue, decent accommodation with meal plans should be provided and catered for by the organizers. This could be paid for with the event ticket or paid on-site. Concessions are also a great option to add value to the overall experience.
Aviation Equipment
To ensure the safety of everyone present at the air show, the proper equipment and gear must be used to prevent accidents. For pilots and other flyers, a helmet is required to be worn on their heads. Parachutes and other lifesaving gear should also be inspected before takeoff.
Parents should provide noise-canceling devices for their children. Individuals with allergies (noise-sensitive individuals included) and diseases like asthma should take heed and use first aid as appropriate.
Incorporating Lost and Found
At many significant social events, one out of four people loses their property or family member to the crowd or rowdiness of the environment. Setting up a mini booth for lost items or individuals will help attendees find their lost possessions easily and build a good reputation for the aviation company.
Proper Communication
Communication lines between the pilot and the aviation center must be kept open during the event. It would be best to inform the flying attendees what to expect during the flight and how to use available safety equipment before takeoffs.
Final Takeaway
Conclusively, any aviation show that takes any of these stated points is set to have a great event and leave a lasting impression on the attendees’ hearts. After gaining the spectators’ attention, you should prioritize open communication and adherence to safety requirements.
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