April 29 , 2005

For more information contact:
Tim McClung
515-239-1689

National Association of State Aviation Officials
to hold convention in Des Moines

AMES, Iowa - The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) will hold its 2005 National Convention in Des Moines Sept. 10-14, 2005.

More than 300 attendees, including state aviation directors, government officials and aviation industry representatives, are expected to attend the five-day event at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott Hotel.

“We are excited to host this prestigious event. This is the first time in NASAO's 74-year history the convention is being held in Iowa,” says Michelle McEnany director of the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation. “Convention attendees will address important aviation issues that affect the quality of air service to our nation. Some key topics will include aviation security, federal appropriations and issues affecting flight service stations.”

The Des Moines Visitors and Convention Bureau is assisting with the event. In addition to convention activities in downtown Des Moines, attendees will also participate in activities at the Ankeny Regional Airport and Des Moines International Airport.

“This is a great example of how people in Iowa can have a positive effect on luring national conventions to our state,” said Greg Edwards, President/CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Without the support of the Iowa DOT, this event would not have been booked here. Thank you to these supporters for bringing their convention 'home' to Iowa.”

NASAO represents state government aviation officials serving all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.

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For more information on the NASAO Convention, contact:

Michele Frank, Iowa DOT Office of Aviation at 515-239-1691 or michele.frank@dot.iowa.gov ; for sponsorship opportunities visit: www.iawings.com
or Michelle Lewis, NASAO, at 301-588-0587 or mlewis@nasao.org

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