E352: From Oshkosh to Lakeland: Gene Conrad on Running Sun 'n Fun's $7M Aviation Spectacular

E352: From Oshkosh to Lakeland: Gene Conrad on Running Sun 'n Fun's $7M Aviation Spectacular

What does it take to run one of the world's largest aviation events? Gene Conrad, President and CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence and Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, pulls back the curtain on Florida's premier aviation gathering. Growing up in Oshkosh as the son of an airport director, Gene counted aircraft at EAA AirVenture as a teenager to see who had more planes. Now, he's running Sun 'n Fun—a six-day event that costs $7 million to produce, attracts over 60,000 attendees, and requires coordination with everyone from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Amazon Air operations. In this episode, you'll discover: - The real costs of running a major aviation event ($700K just for tents!) - How Sun 'n Fun coordinates with Amazon's massive Lakeland hub - Why they're making major schedule changes for 2025 - The difference between running an airport vs. running an air show - Future expansion plans including new 40,000 sq ft air-conditioned exhibit buildings - What makes Gene happiest: closing the airport because there's no more parking space - Behind-the-scenes secrets like the Island, the Swamp, and Chick-fil-A coming to the event Gene also shares candid insights about working with 3,000+ volunteers, learning from his biggest mistakes (like the WiFi disaster), and why his ultimate measure of success isn't attendance or revenue—it's making sure everyone goes home safe. Whether you're planning to attend Sun 'n Fun, curious about aviation event management, or just love air shows, this episode delivers insider knowledge you won't find anywhere else.

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Avsnitt(367)

E361: Electric Planes, Forest Fires & Vancouver Island: A Canadian Pilot's Unconventional Path

E361: Electric Planes, Forest Fires & Vancouver Island: A Canadian Pilot's Unconventional Path

Pilot to Pilot Magazine — Volume 002 is out now. Get yours at pilottopilothq.com/magSponsors — please support the people who support the show: • Avemco Insurance — Save 5% as a Pilot to Pilot listener...

28 Maj 1h 3min

E360: No Pilot's License, No Problem: How Marci Veronie Climbed to the Top of Aviation Without Ever Leaving the Ground

E360: No Pilot's License, No Problem: How Marci Veronie Climbed to the Top of Aviation Without Ever Leaving the Ground

Pilot to Pilot Magazine — Volume 002 is out now. Get yours at pilottopilothq.com/magSponsors — please support the people who support the show: • Avemco Insurance — Save 5% as a Pilot to Pilot listener...

19 Maj 53min

E359: The End of Spirit Airlines: What Happened, What's Next, and What It Means for Pilots

E359: The End of Spirit Airlines: What Happened, What's Next, and What It Means for Pilots

Spirit Airlines officially ceased operations on May 2 at 3am, and in this episode Justin sits down with Jim Higgins, Professor of Aviation at the University of North Dakota, to unpack what happened an...

7 Maj 51min

E358: Spirit Going Under? United-American Rumors & 2026 Pilot Hiring Forecast — Jim Higgins Returns

E358: Spirit Going Under? United-American Rumors & 2026 Pilot Hiring Forecast — Jim Higgins Returns

🎙️ Pilot to Pilot Magazine — Volume 002 is out now. Get yours at pilottopilothq.com/magSponsors — please support the people who support the show: • Avemco Insurance — Save 5% as a Pilot to Pilot list...

28 Apr 1h 5min

E357: Evan Davis - How Flying Saved My Life

E357: Evan Davis - How Flying Saved My Life

NEW SPONSOR ALERT!! Truly honored to have Avemco as new sponsor for the podcast. save 5% on your aircraft insurance by with Avemco. Call  (888) 635-4297 or visit www.avemco.com/4297-owner - www.avemco...

23 Apr 1h 26min

E356: From SWAT to Corporate Jet Pilot - How Josh Changed Careers and Built a Life in Aviation

E356: From SWAT to Corporate Jet Pilot - How Josh Changed Careers and Built a Life in Aviation

NEW SPONSOR ALERT!! Truly honored to have Avemco as new sponsor for the podcast. save 5% on your aircraft insurance by with Avemco. Call  (888) 635-4297 or visit www.avemco.com/4297-owner - www.avemco...

14 Apr 1h 13min

E355: From 9/11 to Special Ops: Flying Secret Missions

E355: From 9/11 to Special Ops: Flying Secret Missions

Most pilots dream of smooth 10,000-foot runways.Tyler Flagg trained to land a 30,000-pound aircraft on a 25-foot dirt strip… in total darkness.After 9/11 changed his life trajectory, Tyler went from z...

3 Mars 1h 9min

Ep. 354: Trent Palmer | FAA Called On Me Twice, Lost My License, and Almost Quit Flying

Ep. 354: Trent Palmer | FAA Called On Me Twice, Lost My License, and Almost Quit Flying

He's the most-requested guest in Pilot to Pilot history — and the wait was worth it. Trent Palmer, recreational bush pilot and one of aviation's most recognized YouTube creators, finally sits down wit...

24 Feb 1h 26min

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