SDC2022

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) holds annual conferences and events like SDC2022 for members and the community, bringing together those in all fields of aviation and aerospace to network and stay up to date on the industry. Its most recent conference, the Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference 2022, was a special event bringing together NBAA members and exhibitors in San Diego. Members and exhibitors gathered for a chance to network, learn, and stay connected within aviation and aerospace.

SDC2022 Overview

Tuesday, April 5, 2022 was a day to give back. SDC2022 attendees spent the day at a local San Diego beach where they participated in cleanup and beautifying the community. The purpose of the experience was not only to give back and make an impact locally, but also to work together outside the structure of the daily norm.

Attendees returned to the San Diego Convention Center on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, for a full day of speakers and exhibits. NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Chairs Lori Montgomery and Mitch Greene welcomed everyone to the conference with a keynote address, and NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen shared an update on the aviation industry as a whole. Jackie Freiberg was awarded the S&D Outstanding Achievement & Leadership Award Winner for her exceptional contributions.

As the conference continued, attendees were able to listen in on panels about weather management, spanning everything from hints of climate change’s impact on flying to how to effectively collaborate within S&D to handle unexpected events. How to prepare for when a weather pattern suddenly manifests in your flight path, or more urgently, what to do when a category 5 storm heads your way. Other highlights included regional reviews of Europe and Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands; along with FBOs and a how-to guide on active flight following.

Thursday, April 7, 2022 saw attendees returning to SDC2022 for a final day of learning and networking. Ryan DeMoor, CAM, MySky and Laura Sandusky, PACT, presented on Aviation Tax 101. The two discussed legal and financial requirements and regulations for business aircraft operators. Their discussion dove into details like  IRS and basic SIFL disallowance, introduction to leases, and even time share agreements. In addition to aviation tax, participants eagerly joined as many presentations as possible, including more regional overviews, this time with a focus on North America and South America; how to develop an S&D training program; and maintaining a work/life balance in the aviation industry.

Aviation and aerospace is a rapidly growing industry, and events like SDC2022 is an opportunity for schedulers, dispatchers, and others to come together and discuss current events, changes, and what lies ahead on the horizon.