AeroQuestUSA Global Trade & Conference Center
Background
Technology commercialization is at the heart of a nation’s economic growth and vitality. Such growth brings higher well being and adds value. It also enables a nation to ensure its defenses and promote its values. America’s Aerospace & Defense industry, comprising commercial, military, space, and general aviation segments, exemplifies this connection. Within a century the industry evolved from man’s first flight to changing the face of war and peace, with the nation’s economic welfare and security highly dependent on the dynamics of that industry. Not surprisingly, the U.S. Patent Office reports issuing more than 1200 patents in a recent 24 month period in the category of aeronautics and astronautics with the majority awarded to U.S. companies and organizations. These patents represent a major contribution to the nation and the world’s intellectual property. Thus, our nation’s leaders take a keen interest in maintaining and growing American aviation industry’s place in the global marketplace.
The U.S. aviation industry, providing the hardware and software that fuels the rapid global movement of people, cargo, and ideas is itself increasingly a global industry. Roughly three-quarters of its commercial aircraft are sold overseas, and about 20 percent of its defense products. The industry must therefore market its products internationally, and increasingly search out promising new technology wherever it may be to stay competitive. Additionally, international manufacturers and suppliers play a significant and expanding role in globalization of the aviation industry. Important mechanisms for this global outreach have been international aviation trade shows, conventions, and industry expositions. Beginning shortly after the dawn of flight, as a means of displaying new technology, these events have evolved into a widespread venue for marketing and selling products, establishing new business relations and sustaining existing ones, and ferreting out fresh sources of technology and manufacturing capability.
Status
AeroQuestUSA, LLC, a Nevada corporation, was part of a University of Nevada, Las Vegas led study team in 2008 that sought to determine the feasibility and viability of developing an international aviation trade center at an easily accessible airport site in the U.S. that could provide a all-year venue for buyers and sellers to do business and would host a wide variety of domestic and international aviation trade and business events. The comprehensive study, funded by a $1,000,000 U.S. Department of Commerce grant, confirmed strong interest within both domestic and international aviation communities for a permanent, full-time trade center located in or near Las Vegas, Nevada. International surveys of aircraft companies and organizations conducted as part of the study showed 81% of respondents expressing interest in a permanent U.S. aviation trade center, and an even stronger showing, 83% of respondents, indicating they would attend or consider attending such aerospace and defense events in or near Las Vegas.
Vision
Armed with the positive study results, AeroQuestUSA, LLC brought together a skilled management team and began planning the creation of America’s first airport situated international trade center. The Center will serve as a permanent host site for conducting aircraft industry business, meetings and conventions, research and education activities, and a venue for domestic and international aviation industry expositions. The AeroQuestUSA Global Trade & Conference Center is intended to complement the domestic and international marketplace by providing a reliable, full-time, full-service business venue easily accessible to aircraft developers, manufacturers, and associations.