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W. Brett Wilson, father, entrepreneur, philanthropist and business aviation enthusiast will open the Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) annual convention and exhibit as the keynote speaker on July 10 in Calgary, Alta.
Wilson is best known for being a “fan-favourite” on CBC’s hit reality TV show Dragons’ Den where he established himself as the all-time lead deal-making “dragon.” He has built extensive holdings in the power, hydrocarbon, real estate, cannabis, agriculture, sports and entertainment industries. His business and philanthropic leadership have brought him considerable recognition including the Order of Canada (2011) and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit (2012).
Wilson continues to simplify and organize his life to focus on what is most important–his family, friends and health. His semi-autobiography “Redefining Success: Still Making Mistakes” makes the Canadian bestseller list, despite being released seven years ago.
Wilson’s keynote is a highlight of what promises to be a high-energy, high-impact event. Taking place from July 9 to 11 during the Calgary Stampede, CBAA 2019 will feature critical topics, not-to-be-missed sessions and an exhibit featuring about 60 vendors and 20 aircraft.
“CBAA is one of Canadian aviation’s largest events, and Calgary is one of our most popular venues,” said president and CEO Anthony Norejko. “We expect over 700 business aviation entrepreneurs including business aircraft owners, chief pilots, [and] flight management companies to attend some or all of CBAA 2019.
“CBAA’s new mandate is to promote and simplify business aviation; CBAA 2019 is being developed to ensure that we can deliver on that, with exciting opportunities to connect with colleagues and potential partners, share knowledge, learn new strategies and best practices and demonstrate the power and value of business aviation to local and national political and business leaders.”
The keynote presentation will set the stage for a series of high-level plenary and educational sessions that will deal with–and provide a way forward–on some of the most important issues facing our sector, including:
- An update by government agencies and departments including Transport Canada, Nav Canada, Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), and Canada Border Safety Agency (CBSA) among others;
- Roundtable open discussions between 604 operators, government representatives, CBAA staff and others to discuss critical topics and identify best practices;
- A high-level CEO panel and roundtable discussion on pilot and staff recruitment, retention and retirement issues and solutions;
- Challenges and approaches for new fatigue rules for 704 operators;
- Tax mitigation and financial planning for BA owners; and
- Personal and career growth strategies.
Key sessions were identified using an industry-wide survey, with the program content designed by an industry-led CBAA committee made up of business aviation leaders drawn from key sectors within BA, including representatives of chief pilots from major flight departments, executives from flight management companies, OEMs, educators, small operators, suppliers and others.
All activities will be held on or near the Calgary International Airport, with Diamond sponsor Sunwest Aviation hosting the exhibit and static, and the Wednesday sessions held at the new Westin Calgary Airport Hotel, with both the Westin and Hotel Clique providing accommodations.
