WELCOME

Oh, what a night! On February 7, 2024, the VABA hosted its annual Aviation, Aerospace and Advanced Air Mobility Legislative Reception with a record 700 registered attendees at Richmond's Main Street Station. We were delighted to be joined by and hear from Gov. Glenn Younkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Remarks were also made by Tracy Tynan, Director for the Virginia Unmanned Systems Center at VIPC, and Bud Oakey, President of the VABA.

​

Special awards were presented to Virginia General Assembly Aviation & Aerospace Caucus co-chairs Sen. Bill DeSteph and Del. Karrie Delaney in recognition of their work to revitalize the Caucus after 6 years of dormancy. Also recognized was Mary Sandy, Director Emerita of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, for her 38 years of contributions to the aviation industry in Virginia. 

 

With more than 48,000 square feet of exhibit space, Reception attendees enjoyed seeing our sponsors' impressive exhibits and interactive demonstrations including a NASA weather balloon, flight simulators, drone demonstrations, and much more. Guests also enjoyed delicious catering courtesy of Mission Barbeque and beverages including a specialty "No Turbulence" cocktail created by Groovin' Gourmet. Click here to see photos!

​

We were honored to have volunteer support by Cadets from the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol as well as a wonderful group of students from Liberty University's School of Aeronautics.

​

An event of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of the VABA Board and our Reception partners, the Virginia Department of Aviation, NASA Langley Research Center, NASA Wallops Flight Facility, and the Virginia Innovation Partnership Council. We are deeply grateful for the support of each of our sponsors as shown here. Please join us in supporting their work.

​

We can't wait to see you next year. Click here to be added to our mailing list, and you'll be among the first to know the date and details for the 2025 Reception.