The 2017 GSE & Ramp Ops event, the annual conference and exhibition that accompanies and complements Airside International, will be held between 25 and 27 April in Milan. The location will be the high-class Sheraton hotel at Milan Malpensa Airport
This year, EVA International is re-launching the event as a new and improved conference focusing specifically on the manufacturers, buyers and end-users of ground support equipment.
In addition to GSE procurement strategies, the GSE & Ramp Ops conference will also incorporate elements of aircraft de-icing, as well as cover how the industry can best prevent damage to aircraft on the ground. The 2017 event will again feature a plenary session, bringing together top-level industry experts to discuss the big issues facing all those involved in airside operations.
The conference will offer an insight into where opportunities and growing markets are to be found, as well as providing an important networking forum. Speakers and delegates will be leading industry decision-makers, with many years of experience in the GSE and wider ramp operations arena – including senior executives from airlines, airport authorities, ground handlers, GSE manufacturers, financiers and equipment lessors.
Discussions will be based on the integrated ramp operations ecosystem, showcasing interlinked subjects relating to GSE, airport operations, winter operations, baggage handling, safety and training. The aim is to discuss all aspects of ramp operation strategies amongst airlines, ground handlers, suppliers and airports, and to take a leading role in advocating change in the industry.
This year, the event introduces a brand new concept, whereby manufacturers and procurement executives go through an intensive session of three-minute meetings – Speed Networking. This represents a perfect opportunity for those involved to launch new business relationships, which in turn can develop into prosperous partnerships. It’s all about maximum impact, because after the three minutes are up, the whistle blows and another buyer comes along.
As at all of the annual Airside conferences, manufacturers of GSE and ramp operations equipment will be on hand, displaying their wares and keen to talk to potential operators and users of their equipment.
Building on 2016
Last year, we were in Brussels, where attendees heard from a wide range of industry experts on issues just as broad in nature. The 2016 Airside Event conference was held at the Brussels Sheraton Hotel just two days after a terrorist attack on Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport and just a couple of months after another such attack on Brussels Airport.
The shock of these events perhaps brought the airside community even closer together. Despite the challenges, however, the combined conference and exhibition was another big success, and we fully anticipate more of the same this year.
