By Marie C. Peinado
Aviation Division
AUSTIN-The 21st Annual Texas Aviation Conference, cosponsored by Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division and the Texas Airport Management Association, was held at Austin’s Double Tree Hotel North from Wednesday, March 19 through Friday, March 21.
There were 551 conference participants at TAC this year. The increase of attendees participating this year gives us great satisfaction in that our efforts of keeping the aviation community abreast of current and relevant issues is on track, TAC through special guest speakers, topic panels. special meetings. and workshops accomplished this feat!
The “Get Acquainted Reception” sponsored by the 58 aviation exhibitors proved to be very popular and was superbly done with cordiality and open hospitality to all.
The 4th Annual Golf Tournament was held at the Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club with approximately 50 players eager to enjoy the day and renew friendships. The Pool Tournament was also well attended and looks like an established feature at TAC. Unfortunately, at press time, the participant figures were not available.
The “Casino Night,” including DJ Music, was another popular event with great participation and enjoyed by many.
At the Awards Banquet the following Aviation and Art Contest Awards for the Year, 2003 were presented:
General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year: Mike Wilson, Brownwood Regional Airport, Brownwood
General Aviation Airport of the Year: Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport
Reliever Airport of the Year: Stinson Municipal Airport. San Antonio
Reliever Airport Manager of the Year: Tim O’Krongley, Stinson Municipal Airport, San Antonio
Most Improved Airport of the Year: Gillespie County Airport, Fredericksburg
Lifetime Achievement Award in Aviation: Emma C. Browning, Austin
The 2003 International Aviation Art Contest Texas winners were:
Category I (Ages 6-9) Amber L. Wang, 8 Gleason Elementary School, Houston
Category II (Ages I 0-13) Calvin Lane, 13 Sibyl’s School of Art, Wheeler
Category III (Ages I 4- I 7) Kathyrn Lee, 16 Clements High School, Sugar Land
Again, it was a great conference! We would like to thank you for attending the Texas Aviation Conference; also, thanks to all of our exhibitors and sponsors for your contributions to TAC. We appreciate your support and efforts in helping us provide another successful conference to our public.
We invite you to mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Texas Aviation Conference which is scheduled for April I 4-16, 2004, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Town Lake in Austin.
