Your cabin connectivity system may work well on a demo bench. At NBAA-BACE, you need to decide whether that demonstration can start useful conversations with aircraft operators—or whether a visit aboard an aircraft is essential. The two options involve different venues and, in 2026, different show dates.
What NBAA-BACE brings together
The NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) is organized by the National Business Aviation Association. It combines business aviation exhibits with education and industry networking. The 2026 event takes place in the Las Vegas area on October 20–22. Official event website
NBAA describes an audience that includes aircraft owners and operators, flight department leaders and maintenance professionals. Its product categories include satellite communications and cabin audio/video equipment. That gives a cabin connectivity supplier a clear reason to investigate the show, but it does not mean every visitor can authorize a purchase. About NBAA-BACE
Your conversation with a flight department may concern what passengers can do during a flight. An installation partner may want to discuss how your system fits a particular aircraft. Prepare to answer both within the limits of your product documentation. A working demonstration is useful; unsupported claims about aircraft compatibility can undo its value.
NBAA's September 1 announcement identifies avionics and interiors among the technologies coming to the 2026 exhibit hall. You would be presenting within a broader aircraft operating and ownership context, with competing demands on visitors' time. Lead with the cabin problem your system addresses, rather than expecting a general connectivity display to explain its relevance. NBAA's 2026 show update
NBAA-BACE 2026 dates and venues
The indoor exhibition is in the Las Vegas Convention Center's West Hall. Aircraft Connection takes place at Henderson Executive Airport, a separate site. The following times are local. Official hours and locations
| Date in 2026 | West Hall indoor exhibits | Aircraft Connection at Henderson |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, October 20 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.: invited customers only; 1–5 p.m.: all NBAA-BACE attendees |
| Wednesday, October 21 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.: all NBAA-BACE attendees |
| Thursday, October 22 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | No show hours listed |
Keep the venue in every meeting invitation. A Thursday appointment can work at your indoor booth, but the published schedule does not support a Thursday Aircraft Connection visit. For Tuesday morning at Henderson, obtain the invitation arrangement before promising access to a customer.
Decide what the aircraft adds to your demonstration
Aircraft Connection offers close access to business aircraft, including opportunities to inspect cabins. Boarding permission remains with each exhibitor or aircraft representative; NBAA recommends advance appointments for most aircraft. An event badge alone therefore cannot promise your prospect a cabin visit. Aircraft Connection visitor information
For your connectivity system, start by identifying what cannot be shown on a bench. If visitors mainly need to see the passenger interface and discuss service support, an indoor demonstration may be sufficient. Bring a clear explanation of what the demonstration represents and which operating conditions it does not reproduce.
A live aircraft demonstration makes more sense when the cabin itself is necessary to explain the product and you have a participating aircraft partner. Agree on the aircraft, host and appointment before arranging the visit. Do not present another exhibitor's aircraft as part of your own demonstration without that agreement.
There are also indoor aircraft display options. An aircraft-related exhibit does not automatically belong at Henderson; review the relevant option with NBAA if your proposed presentation includes a physical aircraft. Official exhibit options
The indoor options need a fresh availability check
Standard and island exhibits are listed among the 2026 options. For a first appearance, choose the footprint around the equipment you need to demonstrate and the number of conversations your team can handle at once. Extra floor area cannot compensate for a demonstration that leaves visitors unsure which aircraft or use case it serves.
As checked on September 7, the official options page marks SkyPod Turnkey Exhibits, First-Time Exhibitor Turnkey Kiosks and SkyLounge Cabana Meeting Space as sold out. Do not build your plan around an entry package simply because an older brochure features it. NBAA also lists enclosed turnkey meeting rooms; these deserve consideration when your visit is built around booked discussions rather than passing traffic. Availability still needs confirmation. Current exhibit options
Put the demonstration inside an approvable booth
Indoor demonstrations must stay within the purchased space and away from aisle edges. Design the viewing position inside the booth, so a visitor can stop and use the interface without standing in the aisle. Indoor exhibitor rules
Island and custom-built exhibits require drawing review. The published 2026 deadline for booth drawings was August 7, which has passed as of this guide's September 7 check. If you are starting now, ask the NBAA exhibits team what they can still accept before committing to fabrication. A late submission is not an approval. Drawing and rigging requirements
Once NBAA confirms the route forward, use its Exhibitor Resource Center for service orders and deadlines. Keep a short description of your demo beside the plan: what visitors will handle, where they will stand and what equipment must operate. This helps your booth designer discuss the actual presentation with the organizer. Manage your exhibit
FAQ
Does your company have to be an NBAA member to exhibit?
Yes. Primary exhibitors and co-exhibitors must be current NBAA members. Check your company's status before arranging participation through another company; sharing its booth does not remove your own membership obligation. Membership and co-exhibitor rules
Can you rely on free Wi-Fi for a connected demonstration?
NBAA does not provide internet in the exhibit halls; limited Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Arrange booth service through the official provider. For your demo, confirm the connection you need and prepare an offline explanation of the product in case the live demonstration cannot run. Internet service rules
Where can you find the current exhibitor list and floor plan?
Use the 2026 NBAA-BACE directory and floor plan links on the official Map Your Show site. Check the year before using a saved map. Use the directory to identify relevant companies, then confirm appointments directly; a company listing does not tell you who will attend or whether that person will be available.
Before you commit
Send NBAA a description of the demonstration and your preferred exhibit format to confirm availability and the remaining approval route. If the presentation requires a particular aircraft, secure that partner's agreement first. Those answers will tell you whether to proceed with an indoor booth or develop an aircraft-based appointment plan.
