Sept. 26, 2003

For more information contact:
Michele Rouse
515-239-1691
michele.rouse@dot.state.ia.us

Iowa Aviation Conference to be held in West Des Moines

AMES, Iowa –  The Iowa Aviation Conference, to be held Oct. 16-17 in West Des Moines, will provide an opportunity to learn more about the benefits and challenges facing aviation in Iowa and the nation.

This year’s conference will be held at the West Des Moines Marriott.  The event is co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation and Iowa Public Airports Association, and is open to the public. 

Participants are invited to “An Event to Celebrate!”  Orville Wright (as played by Jim Spence) will be stopping by to help celebrate 100 years of powered flight. Other invited speakers are Colonel Bud Day, Sioux City native and former prisoner of war;  Pamela Hamilton from the Transportation Security Administration; and Experimental Aircraft Association officials Steve Buss and Dick Knapinski. 

Anyone interested in Iowa’s air transportation system is welcome to attend. Seminars will focus on education, planning and a discussion of aviation issues facing Iowa. Recent conferences have included community leaders, legislators, educators, business representatives and members of the aviation community.

Register for the conference by visiting www.iowaairports.org and click on the 2003 Iowa Aviation Conference box located in the middle of the Web page; calling Association Insight at 515-251-8640; or via e-mail at registration@iowaairports.org.