If you’re an ag pilot with less than five years of experience or you’re interested in becoming an ag pilot, attend the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo Dec. 3–6 in Reno for professional growth opportunities and to network and meet other pilots, operators and allied companies. We are offering a special price to attend the NAAA Ag Aviation Expo for pilots with less than five years of experience; further details below.

Special Ag Aviation Expo Pricing for low-time Ag Pilots

NAAA is pleased to announce a special discounted registration price new this year to pilots with less than five years of experience. Qualifying pilots can attend the 2018 Ag Aviation Expo for $185. (Price includes everything but the Monday Kickoff Breakfast or Thursday Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet; tickets can be purchased for these events.)

To qualify for the low-time pilot registration, you must:

1. Be an NAAA member.
   
2. Be a pilot with less than five years of experience.
3. Be sponsored by an NAAA Operator, Allied or Pilot member. Sponsorship will be verified. 
4. Attend one Compaass Rose and/or “Ask the Expert” Speed Mentoring Session at the Ag Aviation Expo in Reno. Attendance must be confirmed.
5. Complete and return the low-time registration form by Nov. 3.
   

If you qualify as a low-time member pilot, please email Lindsay Barber at lbarber@agaviation.org for a registration form; forms will be emailed after July 1 when attendee registration opens. The registration form MUST be received by Nov. 3.

CompaassRose Sessions

Attend two Compaass Rose sessions in Reno on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (immediately following the close of the NAAA Trade Show).  Under a new format NAAREF initiated in 2017, Compaass Rose separates new and experienced pilots at the beginning of the session. This allows the new pilots a secure venue to ask the questions they might not feel comfortable asking in the larger group. A series of guided questions asked to both groups helps drive the discussions. The two groups reunite afterwards to discuss responses and have an overall group discussion.

The goal is to enhance your knowledge, continue to gain agricultural aviation experience and improve your individual professionalism. Attendees have an opportunity to discuss ideas and philosophies about the business, make informed decisions about their future and interact with some of the industry’s top operators.

‘Ask the Expert’ Speed Mentoring Session

Attend the “Ask the Expert” Speed Mentoring Session on new day, Monday, Dec. 3, from 4:15 to 6 p.m.  At this session, a group of experienced industry experts meet with small groups of attendees in short mentoring rounds to answer questions in a more personal setting. The experts may represent operators, pilots, ag flight schools, ag insurance representatives and regulatory advisors. Speed mentoring is a great forum to find an expert to answer your questions about starting out in the agricultural aviation industry.

Other Sessions and Events of Interest

And don’t forget all the networking opportunities, including the Kickoff Breakfast, Welcome Reception, Pratt & Whitney Reception, on the NAAA Trade Show floor, at the Auction Reception, Farewell Reception and Excellence in Ag Aviation Banquet.

Additional Details for 2018 NAAA Ag Aviation Expo

• Dates: Dec. 3–6, 2018
• Location: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and Reno-Sparks Convention Center
• Schedule of Events: Current schedule here. Subject to change.
• Hotel: Hotel Details Below
• Auction Donations: Thank you to Pratt & Whitney Canada for donating a PT6-34AG engine to this year’s NAAA Live Auction. While we’re still several months away from the Ag Aviation Expo, but it’s never too early to donate an item for the Live and Silent Auction. The earlier you inform us of your auction donation, the more advertising you’ll receive on the NAAA website and in NAAA publications. Support the aerial application industry by donating an item today. Email Lindsay with your donation details.
  
• Attendee Registration: Will open July 1
  
• Exhibitor Booth Sales: Will open July 12 for 10x10 and 10x20 spaces. Email Lindsay if you’d like a large booth space (aircraft, island or 10x30+) or plan to be a Diamond or Platinum sponsor.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsorship opportunities here. Please email Lindsay to discuss your sponsorship! We offer sponsorships for all budget sizes.
  

Book Your Hotel Room

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is a world-class, Four Diamond resort destination. A splendid oasis created for relaxation, celebration and rejuvenation, the Atlantis has always been a favorite resort destination for travelers near and far, recognized for luxurious accommodations, a world-class revitalizing spa and salon, award-winning dining and fun casino action.

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

• Rate: $109/night + taxes (NAAA has negotiated to waive the resort fee. Included in your room rate is complimentary in room Wi-Fi or wired internet, self-parking, use of fitness center, use of indoor pool, extended check out time of 12 p.m. and complimentary airport shuttle service)
• Reservations: Book Online Here or call (800) 723-6500 and reference the NAAA Convention (SNAA18). Online reservations require a deposit of one night’s room charge + taxes. Call-in reservations will not be charged a deposit, but require a credit card to hold reservation.
  
• Block Deadline: Monday, Nov. 12
• Hotel Address: 3800 S. Virginia St. Reno, NV 89502
• Airport Shuttle: Atlantis provides a free airport shuttle that runs at 15 and 45 minutes after the hour from 5:15 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. leaving the airport. The shuttle leaves the hotel on the hour and 30 minutes after the hour from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.