It’s been at the Greenbrier. It’s been held at Oglebay. It’s came to Glady Spring and a host of others. And now it’s coming to Bridgeport.

 

In August, the 16^th Annual West Virginia Aviation Conference will be coming to the city. The event will be held August 5-7 at the Bridgeport Conference Center and will likely see more than 100 of the state’s leaders in aviation visiting the city.

 

“The event is for industry professionals in the aviation field,” said Rick Rock, director of the North Central West Airport who is hosting the event. “It’s open right now for registration and we’re hoping for a solid turnout.”

 

Rock said the event is supported by the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission and the West Virginia Airport Manager’s Association. He added that it’s an event beneficial to everyone in the field or with ties to the aviation field.

 

“It’s a really good chance for all the airport managers and those with a stake professionally in aviation and airports across West Virginia to network,” said Rock. “It is also a chance to hear solid presentations and speakers in the business and with ties to the business.”

 

Rock said the event is geared toward helping the business side of aviation in the region and state. He also said like others that have hosted the event in the past it’s being geared toward another area as well.

 

“This is a chance for us to show off the community on a couple of fronts,” said Rock. “First, we get to show everyone about the very substantial aerospace industry we have right here in Bridgeport and the rest of the area. We also get a chance to show of what the community has to offer. If you make a good enough impression those attending may come back for another reason.”

 

Rock said there were 120 people attending last year’s event. He said he hopes to surpass that total this year and said he knows everything will be handled with care at the Bridgeport Conference Center no matter how high the number gets.

 

“We’ve held this in the past at some of the state’s top venues, but I’ll put (Conference Center Director) Scott Duarte and his team against anyone in West Virginia,” said Rock. “They’re second to none and I think everyone will like what Scott and the group at the Bridgeport Conference Center will have in store for them.”