Class of 2026
Founding Fellows
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Kristina Bade
Teledyne
Kristina's logbook entry is still in flight - check back soon!
Steve "Big Steve" Barry Jr.
TWI Group Inc.
In 1969, my husband Stephen J. Barry Jr. “Big Steve”, was working for a shelving company and put in a bid to for work at the US Library of Congress in Washington, DC. One of the requirements for this job was the need to remove all the materials being stored on the old shelving and replacing the materials onto the new shelving and being onsite involved having a very professional team of motivated workers. To make this happen, Big Steve hired Noncommissioned Officers from Fort Meade Maryland Army Base as his labor force. He was approached during this job and was asked if he could have his crew unload trucks for an upcoming show at the D.C. Armory in Washington DC. From there, he was asked to do a similar project for the Transpo ‘72 – the U.S. International Transportation Exposition at Dulles Airport. During that show, Big Steve was asked to give assistance to one of exhibitors to move a late arriving trailer into the hall. This is where he met Rick Roguski of Sundstrand Aerospace and during Transpo 72, Rick asked Big Steve to put together a logistics plan for the Paris Air Show 1973. As Big Steve tells the story, he went home and looked up the definition of logistics and that is how TWI provided its transportation and onsite services at its first international air show in 1973 in Paris. He shipped one client to the show being onsite and servicing US clients. For the return, he had six clients hiring Steve to assist them to move their shipments back to the U.S. Besides his beginnings at Paris Air Show in 1973, Big Steve was proud that he was then involved in the first international air shows in Brazil, China, Australia and Dubai. Regarding the rest of the industry, TWI was involved in Farnborough since 1974, Japan (1973), Hanover (1974), Abbottsford (1976), Helsinki (1977), South Africa (1977), Singapore (1981), Chile (1982), China (1984). According to Big Steve, “It was very exciting to be at the beginning of an industry that I loved so much. I was blessed to do many airshows around the world and make many friends from organizers to exhibitors to partners and associates. TWI has far exceeded any expectations for success that I could ever imagined.”
Steve Barry
TWI Group Inc.
Steve Barry and Greg Keh have been colleagues and partners since 1985. As co-owners of TWI Group, we chose to write this bio together, since so much of our story is shared: nearly forty years spent building our careers side by side with so many involved internationally in the air show industry. Steve's introduction to the airshow world began in his youth, volunteering at Transpo '72 in Washington, D.C., and later at the 1979 Paris Air Show, where he served as a “Monsieur Guardian” at the Emerson Electric chalet. His clearest memories from that summer are the long hours, the crowds, and the hard work. His first airshow as a young professional was Asian Aerospace 1986, followed by Farnborough (1986), Paris (1987), Dubai (1989), and Australia (1991). Across those same years, Steve's work also took him to Hannover, Berlin, Johannesburg, Seoul, Beijing, Santiago, Tokyo, and Abbotsford. According to Steve, “I am thankful to have been part of some of the first-time displays that defined aerospace innovation: the 777X cabin mockup, the first full-scale GE90 engine mockup, the 747 main landing gear, the V-22 Osprey, and the Comanche attack helicopter, along with the first full-scale displays of civilian and military aircraft. We also supported military aircraft flying at multiple airshows with spare parts and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) parts.” Greg joined TWI's operations department in April 1985. Those were the days of telex machines, followed by fax, and the postal system, as the primary ways of reaching agents and clients overseas. His first airshow was Asian Aerospace 1986, which he joined at the last minute after a change in TWI's staffing plans. From there, his path ran alongside Steve's through the same circuit of shows. According to Greg, “Despite how slow communications were in the 1980s, what stayed with me was the high standard everyone in the air show industry held us to: the best service, the best plans, the best product, the best organization, the best shows. That pursuit of excellence, and the accountability that came with it, was a culture I wanted to be part of for the rest of my career.” Steve is quick to point out that no airshow succeeds on the strength of one company, or one team. “The collaboration and teamwork have always been exceptional and extraordinary. So many groups of people, from the organizers to the design and build companies, the logistics teams, the carpeting crews, cleaning staff, catering, badging and registration, delegation coordination, security, and traffic, are necessary to create a world-class event.” As the official U.S. and Canadian freight forwarder for many of the largest aerospace and defense shows in the world, TWI has been part of a number of industry milestones: 1. Chartering Flying Tigers out of Asian Aerospace 1986 to get freight to Singapore in time for the Expo/China '86 show, helping open new trade routes between the United States and China. 2. Filling the inaugural Northwest Airlines cargo flight from Shanghai to the United States with U.S. clients' exhibits returning home from China Aviation 1986. 3. Serving as the official U.S. freight forwarder for the first Dubai Air Show (1989) and the first Australian Bicentennial Air Show (1988), alongside our long-standing roles at Farnborough and Paris, among the contributions we're proudest of. Not every memory from those years is about successful logistics. One faux pas we experienced was when Gerald Kallman Sr. sent his son Tom to work alongside TWI at the 1989 Paris Air Show. Steve and Greg, caught up in the rush of the show, forgot to pick him up from the airport. Tom ended up in what amounted to a closet in the team's Paris apartment, since every other room was booked, and may also hold the distinction of having been the eighth passenger in a seven-passenger rented Renault Espace. TWI counts itself fortunate to have shared that Paris Air Show experience with him. More than any single achievement, our proudest association is with the airshow industry itself, and with the esprit de corps, pioneering spirit, and pursuit of excellence we have found in everyone involved in the air show industry that we have worked with over the past four decades.
Gary Beglin
Communicor Limited
Gary's logbook entry is still in flight - check back soon!
Peter Bradfield
Aerospace Media
My very first exhibition was in 1995 at what was then called the Royal Navy and British Army Equipped Exhibition, RNBAEE, better known as BARNEE. Coming from a farming community in Norfolk, this was an entirely different world to me — but what a world. It was a genuinely positive experience to be part of. One person who sticks in my mind from that first exhibition is Richard Coltart, who at the time was working with GEC Marconi. I was a complete unknown to him, yet he was kind enough to ask if I would like some refreshments and a sit down. A small gesture, but a memorable one. My first international air show was Asian Aerospace in Singapore in 1996 — what an experience. Not only the heat, but my first ever international exhibition, flying display, static display, and, at that time, several different exhibition halls. In the Singapore heat I quickly learned to heed the advice of an experienced attendee: always wear comfortable shoes, take every opportunity to sit down, and don’t get caught outside in the sun. That advice remains relevant today for anyone attending their first exhibition. Later that year came my first Farnborough Air Show, and I was staggered by the size of the event. As a youngster in the 1970s and 80s, I had seen Farnborough on the BBC with programmes hosted by Raymond Baxter and later Noel Edmonds, but I had no idea of the true scale of the show. The air show calendar rolled on, and in June 1997 I attended my first Paris Air Show. This was a revelation — the flying display was extraordinary, the size of the event incredible, and I was in Paris! The Paris Air Show had such an impact on me that I am very proud to still be associated with it more than 30 years later. One of the wonderful things about air shows is that they give you a clear sense of what you’ll be doing up to two years in the future. My calendar is continually being updated with exhibition dates, and friends are amazed that I already know where I will be in the world months and years ahead. I’ve been fortunate enough to know some legendary air show attendees — people such as Colin Morris, Brian Pugsley, and the enigmatic Mike Savage. Their stories educated me about air shows and the people who shaped them, going back to the events of the 60s and 70s. In 2012 I created the Aerospace Media Awards to recognise excellence in aviation journalism and to highlight the critical role the aviation and defence press play in exhibitions. Over the years I’ve seen media evolve to reflect new styles of reporting and delivering news. Show dailies are increasingly less in print and more online or video-based. However, with limited connectivity at some venues, accessing content online is not always easy. The print show daily still plays a vital role. The number of times I see exhibitors and visitors reading a copy to catch up on developments is a constant reminder of the importance of the press at air shows and exhibitions. And now, as I reach a certain age, I do wonder what the future might hold. Like many people I’ve known, air shows almost become an addiction, so for the foreseeable future I am looking forward to many more shows and events. See you at the next one!
Gerri Cozic
Kallman Worldwide
Gerri's logbook entry is still in flight - check back soon!
Vivien Davis
Vivien Davis Consultancy
I joined UK’s only Rotorcraft design and manufacturing company, Westland Helicopters Limited in the late 1980s working in PR. Early in the 1990s GKN took full ownership of the company with the resultant GKN Westland Helicopters and GKN Aerospace. As Promotions Manager to mid-2000s, our team was involved globally in promoting and showcasing company products and technologies and during this time I was elected Vice Chair of the SBAC’s SP&E Committee. Membership of this was formed of representatives from leading UK Aerospace and Defence companies. PARIS – FARNBORUGH – DUBAI - SINGAPORE – AVALON - AERO INDIA - ZHUHAI - BEIJING – AFRICAN AEROSPACE - IDEX - DSEI - IMDEX – DSA – SEOUL – FIDAE and more, was the event schedule with stand - chalet and Aircraft assets GSE and crews to plan in!!! Long hours, sleepless nights. The unique camaraderie and buzz that spans the years! Fondly remembered Dubai Airshows when aircraft static display space was free! Look at it now – what growth for that show. The old Changi Asian Aerospace editions – watching out for the occasional Monitor lizards from the Chalet terrace and looking forward to the Kallman Sentosa evening. Australian Airshow Geelong with all the great volunteers helping and the historic Dump and Burn. The first IDEX – when an approaching MIL-8 lifted the roof on the chalet. Indonesian Airshow 96 (IAS 96) when the ILS 76 freighting in the helicopter for aero display didn’t land as scheduled at Soekarno-Hatta airport. Fortunately, it did turn up later that evening. 2000 saw formation of AgustaWestland (now LEONARDO Helicopters) announced at Farnborough. Our joint teams worked to put in place a Pavilion approach which provided hospitality, conferencing, Press and aircraft static display located close to B Gate. What a fantastic arena now under the LEONARDO banner. In 2005 my Consultancy business was established. I have been fortunate enough to remain working on projects in the industry. Our sector provides enormous opportunities and is the bedrock of powerful economic and strategic advantage, driving global breakthrough technology and innovation. It’s been a great journey. Until we meet again.
Sherry Epperson
Aerospace Industries Association
I began on this career by agreeing to help my husband’s army buddy at his new job. He started working at an association and was excited to focus on the opportunity to write white papers, help set policy in the defense industry, and go up to Capitol Hill to meet with US government leaders. He did not realize when he took the job that so many logistics were going to be involved, especially when it came to the airshow portion of his portfolio. I am good with operations, logistics, and project management so we both thought this was going to be a good short-term, 9 month fit while I was in the process of looking for new career opportunities and getting a house built. Looking back, I realize every opportunity along the way helped prepare me for a profession that I never dreamed would become my life's work. I was hooked on this “short-term job” and simply could not think of leaving. Before joining the Aerospace Industries Association in 1998, my career centered on leadership, operations, and serving others. I earned my degree in Organizational Psychology and Management, helped operate a catering business that supported diplomatic events for Ambassadors and heads of state, and later managed assisted living residential programs that required building strong teams, solving complex challenges, and caring for people that were working to find their place in society. At the time, I could not have imagined that those experiences were preparing me for a career in international aerospace exhibitions. When I joined AIA, I found an industry unlike any other. I quickly discovered that successful tradeshows are built on relationships, trust, and collaboration. I had a boss who encouraged me to ”rewrite the script” on the role AIA played at the shows and to work to influence how we could promote the U.S. as a whole and highlight our military might and FMS programs while working to also strengthen our industrial base. I am so proud that I work to promote all aspects of the TEAM USA approach to tradeshows. Over the past twenty-eight years, I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary colleagues while organizing U.S. participation at many of the world's premier aerospace exhibitions, including Paris, Farnborough, Dubai, Singapore, Avalon, and others. The support I have is amazing; the U.S. industry trusts my ability to be a good steward of their funds to show off their amazing products, the U.S. military has the confidence in me to support the crews and the equipment, and the U.S. Embassies trust me to partner with them to negotiate the TEAM USA presence. Every event represents months of planning, but the real reward comes from watching American military crews, US industry, international partners, military leaders, and government officials come together to build lasting relationships. Add to that the hearts and minds that we touch around the world as the general public visit our US corral towards the end of the show and walk away thinking “WOW, the U.S. is pretty cool”. One of the accomplishments that has brought me the greatest satisfaction has been helping establish the American Rocketry Challenge. What started as a one-time event for the anniversary of flight has turned into an annual competition with thousands of students and schools in the U.S. participating. With the help of Mike Olson at the Raytheon Company, along with ADS and GIFAS, I was able to expand the STEM program to an international competition at the two biggest airshows, Farnborough and Paris. That same passion for investing in others continues today through my role as Chief Financial Officer of the PROPEL Science Foundation, helping expand STEM opportunities for underserved students while inspiring the next generation of aerospace innovators. I have also been blessed to have the opportunity to share this industry with the next generation through our work with the U.S. Naval Academy Sponsor Program. Dozens of students from PROPEL and Naval midshipmen have supported international air shows alongside us, gaining firsthand exposure to the aerospace community. Many have gone on to pursue aerospace engineering, naval aviation, and other careers in military aviation. Watching that spark of excitement turn into a profession has been every bit as rewarding as the shows themselves. Whether supporting students, future military officers, or young aerospace professionals, I have come to believe that our greatest legacy is the people we inspire and encourage along the way. The air show industry has changed dramatically over the years. Technology has transformed how we communicate, global partnerships have expanded, and the pace of innovation continues to accelerate. Yet the one constant has been the remarkable community of professionals who make this industry so special. Many of the colleagues I first met through an exhibition booth or planning meeting have become lifelong friends. Being named a Founding Fellow of the Air Show League is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It represents not only the work of one career, but the friendships, partnerships, and shared commitment to advancing aerospace and defense that have made this journey so rewarding. It means that the fantastic mentors that I have had did not waste their time investing in me, and now it is my turn to pay it forward in mentoring and encouraging others. I am grateful to have spent nearly three decades representing an industry that continues to inspire me every day, and I am honored to stand alongside so many individuals whose dedication has shaped the global air show community.
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Philippa Ewart
Kallman Worldwide
Philippa's logbook entry is still in flight - check back soon!
Heidi Grant
USAF (Ret.)
My air show journey began in 2010 at Farnborough, supporting Secretary of the Air Force Mike Donley as Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs (SAF/IA). That week started a 16-year adventure focused on aligning "Team USA" and our allies toward a common global security purpose. During that first show in 2010, the US presence was heavily focused on the Air Force. Serving as SAF/IA, I recognized that each military branch possessed unique capabilities vital to fully representing American "air power." To bridge this gap, DSCA Director Admiral Joe Rixey and I collaborated to enhance the US Government presence. Together, we influenced the establishment of the Defense Security Cooperation Booth, shifting our footprint from a single-service focus to a unified, joint-service front at international air shows. For years after, my calendar was consumed by the international air show circuit. I’ve spent more birthdays at the Avalon Air Show and Valentine’s Days in Singapore than I can count, though I rarely saw the flying. My time at the shows became the heartbeat of my professional life, hosting back-to-back meetings with defense leaders, and experiencing the electrifying impact when military, government, political, and industry leaders join forces. It didn’t take long to learn that the real business happened outside of scheduled meetings—around breakfast tables, opening ceremonies, in reception halls, and in passing. Those are the places where connections formed and trust was built that made formal work possible. That trust has stayed with me longer than any title; from the Pentagon, to Boeing, to my own global security consulting business, defense leaders turned friends have continued to multiply. I'm proud to have supported the Endeavour Scholarship founded in 2019 by late astronaut Al Worden, Apollo 15, and Tom Kallman, to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. Attending the scholarship presentations during the air shows is one of the most inspirational events. While I have held several different roles over the past 16 years and attended shows in numerous countries, the air show community has supported and trusted me throughout. Ultimately, we have become stronger together through our air show relationships. That remains the privilege of a lifetime.
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BongSoo Han
KAIA
I joined the Korea Aerospace Industries Association (KAIA) in 1997. My journey in the airshow industry began the following year, when I was responsible for public relations for the second Seoul Air Show hosted by KAIA. My first overseas airshow was Farnborough in 2000, where I managed the Korean pavilion where I served as an operations manager for a pavilion representing just two Korean companies. But in 'Farnborough 2026', I am serving as the director of operations of the Korean Pavilion with more than 50 exhibitors. I have participated in the Paris, Farnborough, and Singapore Air Show without fail since 2000, except during the COVID-19 period, and I have visited countless other air show across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the Americas. They gave me the opportunity to observe the industry firsthand, meet people from different countries, and learn from every experience. Also, airshows around the world became my real classroom where I could sharpen my expertise in aerospace marketing. When I first entered the field, there were few Korean aerospace products of its own. Today, Korea has become a global player, producing advanced satellites, space launch vehicles, and the 4.5-generation fighter aircraft. I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed this remarkable growth firsthand at the air show around the world. I take particular pride in having contributed to the growth of the Seoul Air Show since 1998 and its transition to Seoul ADEX in 2008. The journey has not always been easy, but Seoul ADEX now stands as a major international aerospace exhibition. Even after all these years, I still look forward to every airshow. New technologies and products continue to inspire me, but what matters most are the colleagues and friends I have met along the way. Wherever in the world an airshow takes me, their familiar faces make it feel like home.
Ann Kallman
Kallman Worldwide
I was born into the trade show industry. I was two years old when my dad founded the company that would become such an important part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of standing around the dining room table with my siblings, helping prepare mailings for upcoming events. As the youngest, my job was simple — I placed a stamp on each envelope. I didn’t realize it then, but those small tasks were my first glimpse into an industry built on teamwork, attention to detail, and the belief that every contribution matters. Throughout my journey in the air show exhibition industry, there have been moments I will never forget. I was on-site managing operations when a tornado came through the Paris Air Show on a Tuesday afternoon in 2003, and I experienced the flooding rains in Farnborough and Dubai that closed down the halls and tested everyone’s ability to adapt. Yet some of my greatest memories are the unexpected ones—meals shared with Apollo astronauts, friendships formed around the world, and the camaraderie that can only be felt “on the road” after months of planning and seeing your hard work come together. The Global Airshow Exhibition Community has given me an incredible journey, with the greatest gift being the people I have met along the way. During my 23 years at Kallman Worldwide, I built friendships with people around the world that remain as strong today as they were decades ago. This industry has taken me to places I never expected to visit, introduced me to people I never thought I would meet, and allowed me to experience moments that will remain in my heart forever. Looking back, the little girl placing stamps on envelopes could never have imagined where that journey would lead. I am grateful to continue the work my father began and to be part of a community that has given me a career, lifelong friendships, and memories I will always treasure.
Tom Kallman
Kallman Worldwide
On April 27, 1989, I parked my F-15 for the last time, bringing my active-duty U.S. Air Force career to a close. Four days later, I reported for work with my father, Jerry Kallman Sr., at his then 27-year-old company, Kallman Associates, as… of all things… a trade show organizer. A month later, my dad asked me a question that would change the course of my life. “You’re not having fun, are you?” I smiled and replied, “Well… it’s not as much fun as flying fighters, but I’m trying.” With that, he suggested, “Why don’t you go to the Paris Air Show? My friend, Steve Barry, handles all the U.S. freight forwarding there, and they can always use someone who knows how to operate a walkie-talkie and push boxes.” Apparently, those were the only talents my father had recognized in me thus far! And that is where it all began. In Paris, I was introduced to Ron Price of Abbotsford, British Columbia, who had a dream of creating North America’s great international aerospace exhibition - Airshow Canada. Ron and I immediately clicked, and before I knew it, I was recruiting American companies to exhibit at an international aerospace trade show - something I have now been doing for 37 years. Over those years, I have worked at more than 100 aerospace and defense exhibitions - and nearly 400 trade shows in total - across 32 countries and the experience has never lost its excitement. Every show still brings a sense of excitement, reward, and of course, exhaustion. Today, however, I measure my career less by the number of exhibitions than by the friendships they’ve created. Of everything I’ve been fortunate enough to accomplish, I believe my two greatest achievements have been the creation of the Endeavour Scholarship and the Air Show League. The Endeavour Scholarship reflects my conviction that our industry has a responsibility to inspire and invest in the next generation. Watching young people from different nations learn together, work together, and form lifelong friendships brings a sense of purpose and satisfaction that even exceeds what Kallman Worldwide is doing for our business partners through our trade show work. The Air Show League is built on the same belief. It recognizes the remarkable men and women whose careers have strengthened our global air show community while ensuring that the friendships, traditions, and spirit of service that define this profession endure for generations to come. After 37 years, I’ve come to realize that airplanes may be what first bring us together, but it is people who keep us coming back. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to be part of this extraordinary international family. Ad Astra.
Tracy Keen
General Atomics
Tracy's logbook entry is still in flight - check back soon!
Greg Keh
TWI Group Inc.
Steve Barry and Greg Keh have been colleagues and partners since 1985. As co-owners of TWI Group, we chose to write this bio together, since so much of our story is shared: nearly forty years spent building our careers side by side with so many involved internationally in the air show industry. Steve's introduction to the airshow world began in his youth, volunteering at Transpo '72 in Washington, D.C., and later at the 1979 Paris Air Show, where he served as a “Monsieur Guardian” at the Emerson Electric chalet. His clearest memories from that summer are the long hours, the crowds, and the hard work. His first airshow as a young professional was Asian Aerospace 1986, followed by Farnborough (1986), Paris (1987), Dubai (1989), and Australia (1991). Across those same years, Steve's work also took him to Hannover, Berlin, Johannesburg, Seoul, Beijing, Santiago, Tokyo, and Abbotsford. According to Steve, “I am thankful to have been part of some of the first-time displays that defined aerospace innovation: the 777X cabin mockup, the first full-scale GE90 engine mockup, the 747 main landing gear, the V-22 Osprey, and the Comanche attack helicopter, along with the first full-scale displays of civilian and military aircraft. We also supported military aircraft flying at multiple airshows with spare parts and AOG (Aircraft on Ground) parts.” Greg joined TWI's operations department in April 1985. Those were the days of telex machines, followed by fax, and the postal system, as the primary ways of reaching agents and clients overseas. His first airshow was Asian Aerospace 1986, which he joined at the last minute after a change in TWI's staffing plans. From there, his path ran alongside Steve's through the same circuit of shows. According to Greg, “Despite how slow communications were in the 1980s, what stayed with me was the high standard everyone in the air show industry held us to: the best service, the best plans, the best product, the best organization, the best shows. That pursuit of excellence, and the accountability that came with it, was a culture I wanted to be part of for the rest of my career.” Steve is quick to point out that no airshow succeeds on the strength of one company, or one team. “The collaboration and teamwork have always been exceptional and extraordinary. So many groups of people, from the organizers to the design and build companies, the logistics teams, the carpeting crews, cleaning staff, catering, badging and registration, delegation coordination, security, and traffic, are necessary to create a world-class event.” As the official U.S. and Canadian freight forwarder for many of the largest aerospace and defense shows in the world, TWI has been part of a number of industry milestones: 1. Chartering Flying Tigers out of Asian Aerospace 1986 to get freight to Singapore in time for the Expo/China '86 show, helping open new trade routes between the United States and China. 2. Filling the inaugural Northwest Airlines cargo flight from Shanghai to the United States with U.S. clients' exhibits returning home from China Aviation 1986. 3. Serving as the official U.S. freight forwarder for the first Dubai Air Show (1989) and the first Australian Bicentennial Air Show (1988), alongside our long-standing roles at Farnborough and Paris, among the contributions we're proudest of. Not every memory from those years is about successful logistics. One faux pas we experienced was when Gerald Kallman Sr. sent his son Tom to work alongside TWI at the 1989 Paris Air Show. Steve and Greg, caught up in the rush of the show, forgot to pick him up from the airport. Tom ended up in what amounted to a closet in the team's Paris apartment, since every other room was booked, and may also hold the distinction of having been the eighth passenger in a seven-passenger rented Renault Espace. TWI counts itself fortunate to have shared that Paris Air Show experience with him. More than any single achievement, our proudest association is with the airshow industry itself, and with the esprit de corps, pioneering spirit, and pursuit of excellence we have found in everyone involved in the air show industry that we have worked with over the past four decades.
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Tetsuo (Ted) Kikuta
SJAC (Ret.)
In 1990, as a buyer for IHI Corporation, I attended the Farnborough International Airshow as a visitor, beginning my involvement with international aerospace exhibitions. I also visited shows in Farnborough, Paris, and Singapore, successfully developing new business partners in the UK, the US, France, and Austria. My contribution to reducing IHI engine costs earned me a special commendation. These achievements were only possible thanks to the cross‑sectoral nature of airshows and the many relationships formed there. Later, as the overseas exhibitor recruitment manager for SJAC’s Japan Aerospace 2004 and 2008, I traveled to exhibitions worldwide, deepening ties with numerous people and companies. I was also fortunate to meet lifelong friends, including Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide, Inc., who supported our efforts to attract North and South American companies. Sharing a glass of wine in a chalet with these global airshow friends, celebrating the success of participating companies, is an unparalleled joy and a deeply meaningful moment for me. And then, I continue to serve as an advisor to the Japanese government, local authorities, and domestic and international aerospace companies, working to further develop the industry. I strongly recommend participation in international aerospace exhibitions, as they create opportunities to build cross‑border supply chains and new partnerships, offering companies fresh possibilities and growth. This conviction comes from my experience as a visitor, exhibitor, and exhibition support provider. As we enter an era where space is used as infrastructure, I am confident that the aerospace industry will grow into a larger market by integrating with a wide range of sectors. International aerospace exhibitions will undoubtedly play a key role in this growth, and I intend to contribute to their development to the best of my ability—and to celebrate those achievements with friends over a glass of wine in a chalet.
Yousif Mohammed Mahmoud
Bahrain International Airshow
My career in aviation began in 1988 when I joined Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs as an Air Traffic Control Officer. At the time, I was focused on ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft through Bahrain's airspace. I never imagined that my journey would eventually take me far beyond the control tower and into the world of international aviation exhibitions and airshows. My first airshow was the Dubai Airshow in 1996. As a young aviation professional, I was captivated by the aircraft, the technology, and the people who gathered from every corner of the world. Walking among industry leaders, manufacturers, military delegations, and aviation enthusiasts, I realized that airshows were much more than exhibitions—they were where relationships were built, innovations were introduced, and the future of aviation took shape. In 2003, I was appointed Head of Media and Marketing at Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs, with responsibility for promoting Bahrain's aviation sector internationally. The role opened a new chapter in my career, allowing me to represent Bahrain at major aviation events around the world and strengthen the Kingdom's presence within the global aerospace community. One of my proudest milestones came in 2006, when I organized Bahrain's first national pavilion at the Singapore Airshow. It was a significant achievement that showcased Bahrain's growing aviation capabilities and marked the beginning of a stronger international presence for the Kingdom. Around the same period, Bahrain embraced an ambitious vision: to establish its own international airshow. The idea was introduced in 2004, and I was honored to be selected as one of the pioneering team members entrusted with transforming that vision into reality. It took six years of planning, collaboration, and determination before we proudly welcomed the world to the inaugural Bahrain International Airshow in 2010. That first edition remains one of the defining moments of my career. Watching aircraft perform over Bahrain while witnessing industry leaders, government officials, exhibitors, and visitors gather for an event we had spent years building was deeply rewarding. It demonstrated that Bahrain could stand alongside the world's leading aviation exhibition destinations. Since then, I have had the privilege of participating in many of the world's premier aerospace events, including the Dubai Airshow, Singapore Airshow, Farnborough International Airshow, Paris Air Show, NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in the United States, ILA Berlin, Aero India, EBACE Geneva, MEBAA Dubai, World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Airshow, Egypt International Airshow at Al Alamein, Marrakech Airshow in Morocco, and MAKS Air Show in Moscow. Each event has offered new experiences, lasting friendships, and valuable opportunities to promote Bahrain on the global aviation stage. Looking back, what I treasure most is not only the aircraft or the exhibitions, but the people. Every airshow brings together a community united by a shared passion for aviation. The friendships developed over the years, the partnerships created across continents, and the opportunity to represent Bahrain have made every journey worthwhile. In 2023, I was honored to be appointed Director General of the Bahrain International Airshow. Returning to lead the very event I helped establish more than a decade earlier has been both a privilege and a responsibility. It represents the continuation of a journey that began over three decades ago in an air traffic control tower and has evolved into serving Bahrain's aviation industry on the international stage. As aviation continues to innovate and connect the world, I remain committed to supporting the growth of Bahrain as a leading aviation and aerospace hub. I look forward to welcoming colleagues, partners, and friends from around the world to many more editions of the Bahrain International Airshow in the years ahead.
Peter McKenna
Kallman Worldwide
My first airshow was Asian Aerospace in Singapore in February 1990, when I accompanied Andrew Kay, organizer of an aviation exhibition in Beijing where I served as U.S. agent. Watching jets perform over the ocean, I hoped it wouldn’t be my last airshow. It wasn’t. Later that year I attended the Farnborough Airshow and met Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. At the time, the exhibition was still housed in blue-and-white striped marquees that looked like circus tents. Over the past 35 years, I estimate I’ve attended the world’s “Big Five” airshows—Paris, Farnborough, Dubai, Singapore, and Avalon—more than 60 times, first as a visitor and later as an exhibitor, sponsor, pavilion manager, and member of show management teams. Beyond those, I’ve participated in more than 100 additional airshows across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Rather than blending together, each show is remembered through moments: touring the first prototype A380 at Farnborough, Diana Ross’s five costume changes at the Dubai Airshow, President Macron greeting Gerri Cozic with a kiss at Paris, touring the Avalon control tower with Endeavour scholars, and the temperature checks at the Singapore Airshow just before COVID brought the industry to a standstill for a year and a half. During that long pause, I realized what I missed most wasn’t the roar of the jets—it was the people. I missed the shared stress of build-up, the excitement of opening day, exhibitor parties, and waving goodbye at the end with, “We did it!” followed by, “When will I see you next?” Every airshow feels like a global family reunion, and I hope there are many more reunions ahead. Among my proudest accomplishments has been advancing sustainability within the aerospace industry. Beginning with an Airbus initiative at Farnborough in 2008 highlighting environmental innovation across an aircraft’s lifecycle, I helped keep sustainability at the forefront. In 2009, I assembled the first global group of alternative aviation fuel companies to exhibit together at the Paris Air Show, a collaboration that continued in Singapore, Farnborough, and ILA Berlin. Despite inevitable setbacks, I remain convinced that synthetic aviation fuels represent the industry's future.
Joe Muir
Farnborough Airshow
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Michael Olson
Raytheon
I started my career as a graphic designer with Texas Instruments in August 1988. My job was to improve the creative messaging at all of our trade shows, including our international events. I was quickly put in charge of designing the 1989 Paris Airshow and many other domestic events and was promoted to a trade show manager for both our major domestic and international events for our company. As Texas instruments became Raytheon, I was challenged with maximizing our relationships in the industry - vendors, show management, customers and even our own communications teams. I’m very proud of the work I did at Raytheon, and attribute much of my success to the strong relationships I held in the industry. I championed our partnership with AIA and Sherry Epperson to form the TARC initiative, which supported bringing the winners of the Rocketry Challenge to the two premier airshows: Farnborough International and the Paris Airshow. Kallman Worldwide expanded this STEM initiative with their Endeavor Scholarships. I also played a pivotal role in defining a customer database that provided our business development team with a tool to further customer relations in a very structured manner. As I pushed for more accountability at our marketing events, we looked to maximize the brand of our company, but also leaned on industry - the airshow industry - to provide the best venues to engage our customers. Many of the leaders shown in this presentation today, including Tom Kallman, understood the importance of global events in reaching our customers, and the strength that a tradeshow had as a business case to maximize those relationships. In the latter years of my career, I pushed for exceptional brand execution and technical innovation, always focused on the customer engagement piece at our trade shows. I am honored that this committee would feel that my career warrants any attention, and I am proud to be among such a successful and exceptional class of trade show professionals. I stand in awe of their talent, and appreciate their partnership in helping me achieve my goals over 35 years in the industry.
Mike Petrassi
Kallman Worldwide
Like many careers, mine began with an opportunity I never expected would become a lifelong passion. After graduating from the University of Hartford with a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies, I joined Kuehne + Nagel in their export department, supporting aerospace clients shipping exhibits and equipment to air shows around the world. While I was helping companies get to the shows, I quickly became fascinated by what was happening once everything arrived. The relationships, the business being conducted, and the global nature of the industry all drew me in. That curiosity eventually led me to Kallman Worldwide, and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the past 20 years, I've had the privilege of growing alongside an incredible organization, from an entry-level sales position to Vice President of Sales. Tom Kallman has always encouraged an entrepreneurial mindset, giving me the freedom to develop new ideas, build partnerships, and help expand our presence around the world. Looking back, I'm incredibly proud to have played a small part in the company's growth and success. What has made this career truly special, however, isn't the shows themselves… it's the people! The air show community is unlike any other industry. We may represent different organizations, countries, and events, but after seeing one another several times each year, those professional relationships become genuine friendships. We've celebrated successes together, worked through challenges together, and shared countless stories both inside and outside the exhibition halls. Many of these colleagues have become extended family. It's remarkable to see how our industry has evolved over the past two decades. The aerospace sector is stronger than ever, and the international collaboration that takes place through these events continues to create opportunities for businesses and friendships alike. Being recognized as a Founding Fellow of the Air Show League is an honor I never expected, especially because it comes from peers whom I respect so deeply. I look forward to contributing to this remarkable community for many years to come, and, with a little luck, another 20 years of air shows, partnerships, and friendships.
Cédric Post
GIFAS
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Peta Richards
Avalon Airshow
It was November 1998 when a fresh communications and journalism graduate, unsure of where life might lead, accepted a three-month contract with Airshows Downunder to work in exhibition and sales operations ahead of the February 1999 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition at Avalon. Little did she know that three months would become a career. That first contract turned into an invitation to stay on for the next event in 2001, but in the interim, in early 2000, to be involved in a new show called Pacific, held in Sydney and launched in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy. From there, I worked my way through the business from exhibition and sales operations, becoming more involved in developing the shows via their programs, dealing with major stakeholders including the Services, evolving our VIP, Official Guest and Delegations programs, and promoting the shows internationally. Avalon and the Airshow has always been home. But over the years I have had the privilege of being one of the drivers across the shows that followed, Indo Pacific, Land Forces, Rotortech and IODS, each an extension of the same mission: our events are not ends in themselves, but enablers; platforms for continued industry promotion, collaboration and global engagement. I have come to deeply believe in the Defence Industry, and becoming a particular advocate for the Australian Defence Industry and their capabilities, innovation and resilience. In distilling nearly thirty years, I am acutely aware of how fortunate I have been to have had incredible mentors. Ian Honnery, our former CEO and the visionary of all of these shows, set a standard that continues to inspire. Penny Haines and Bob Wouda, my original sales team colleagues, taught me that it is always about the relationships and investing in people, a lesson that has never left me. I have been exposed to many remarkable people, often across the highest ranks and levels, and I am always impressed by their sense of duty and drive for something greater than themselves. One of my greatest highlights has been being part of the Kallman Foundation Endeavour program. Watching young Australians apply, be selected and then go to Space Camp, and seeing where that spark has taken some of them reminds me why this work matters (and that the future is indeed very bright!). What I have come to understand is that the global air show community is not simply a business ecosystem. It is driven by purpose and duty, but above all, by its relationships. The friendships and fellowships forged across tarmacs and trade stands, across time zones and decades, are what make this industry truly remarkable, a reunion of sorts that always brings me back to why I do this. To be named a Founding Fellow of the Air Show League is a profound honour, not just for what it represents professionally, but for the community it reflects. I look forward to watching the Air Show League evolve in the years ahead.
Clive Richardson
Access Group Media & Events
I became involved in the aerospace events business after a 10-year career in aerospace media. Reed Exhibitions asked me to join them from Flight International to head up their international sales and marketing for Asian Aerospace (as it then was). My time at Asian Aerospace in Singapore, and later Dubai Airshow (as CEO) were important missions in that I was exposed to the very tops of respective governments and made important contacts and friendships along the way. The growth and development of Dubai Airshow under my tenure was particularly gratifying. I remember my first meeting with the Sultan of Johor where I failed to call him “Majesty”……if looks could kill. I also distinctly remember escorting the president of Iraq at the Dubai Airshow, not knowing who he was for at least one hour. It was clear that people were not saluting me!! I met my wife Ali through the business whilst I was CEO of Dubai Airshow….she was later to become MD of the same organisation and take the show to new heights, launching MEBA along the way. In recent years, running our own business, I have been particularly proud of initiating MRO Australasia in Brisbane; but in general I have enjoyed major projects which have grown quickly during my tenure. In many ways the Airshow business hasn’t changed that much, other than perhaps the growing financial ambitions of the organisers/owners; but it’s been interesting to watch the rise of the more vertical defence and aviation events which have challenged the Airshow norm. Having said that, the Airshows remain strong and robust. The global airshow community in many ways has been my life for 43 years, after my first visit to Paris Airshow in 1983. I’ve been lucky to have been offered ever-challenging roles over the years which has kept me on my toes and alive!
Mirja Schüller
BDLI
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Kim Scott
SBAC
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David Scotter
ADS Group Ltd
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Geoff Shepherd
ADS Group Ltd
I first became involved in the Avalon International Airshow at the inaugural event in 1992. I was a middle-ranking Royal Australian Air Force officer and had been detailed to escort a senior US visitor. I remember being quite impressed by the scale of the event - and its ‘international’ flavour. My previous experience of major airshows was limited to having attended two of the previous iterations of the Singapore show at Changi while I was a Defence Attaché there in the late-80s/early-90s. In those days I was a fairly over-confident fast-jet Pilot (a necessary attribute for the job!) and I thought that I knew it all concerning the aviation world - but, boy was I wrong, and it was the Avalon Airshow involvement over the following years which broadened and educated my viewpoint. I came to realise that it wasn’t always just about us aircrew, but that there was a whole industry and endeavour underpinning all things aerospace. Some years later as the Air Commander responsible for all operational activities in the RAAF and subsequently as Chief of Air Force I was more heavily involved with the Airshow and was extremely glad when I was approached towards the end of my tenure as CAF in 2008 to joint the managing Board following my Air Force separation. Since then I have seen hands-on all the components which go to deliver a successful trade display and flying activities. We at Avalon have had our difficult times - as our founder Ian Honnery said ‘staging airshows is not for the faint hearted’ - however we have persevered and have delivered an always-improved event each successive year thanks to our great professional team. I have been fortunate to be a regular visitor at many of the marquee airshows around the world - those visits reinforce personal connections and serve to allow us to benchmark our show. I believe that, despite being somewhat a bit smaller, we do in quality stand proudly with the older and larger events. Avalon and the international friendships in the aerospace trade and Airshow world, such as with Tom and his always inventive and highly professional team at Kallman Worldwide, have been a large and important - even vital - part of my later life and post-RAAF career; I treasure them greatly. Airshows are a tough gig - we all should be very proud of having the guts and courage to take this huge task on - good luck to us all for the future.
Danny Soong
Singapore Airshow
I was a refugee from the dot-com bust in the early 2000s. Searching for a meaningful job, I was introduced to a startup tasked with taking over the Singapore Airshow from its previous organiser. They were looking for a hungry sales staff with no exhibition background. Looks interesting: aerospace, defence —boy’s toys but the real thing. Thankfully, I landed the job! And it has been 20 years since. I learned the air show business on the job, met a lot of associates from around the world, made a lot of friends from different countries and cultures, and had (still having) tons of fun. Beyond the business aspect, what makes this field special is its people. The global air show community shares a genuine camaraderie and bond that spans cultures and continents, forged through years of shared experiences on and off the circuit. I am deeply honoured to be included in this esteemed list of Founding Fellows of the Air Show League, among so many long-time colleagues and friends. I look forward to giving back to this community for many years to come.
Jason Sproule
U.S. International Trade Administration
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Amanda Stainer
Stainer Associates
I joined SBAC (now ADS) in 2000 having previously run conferences, events and fashion shows in the UK and overseas for various trade organisations including the CBI and the BBC. One of the standout moments was organising the Conference at the Barbican for the state visit of Nelson Mandela in July 1996. Having run a variety of trade and public events, it was fabulous to be involved in Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) that catered for both these audiences. I quickly learnt what an amazing and inspirational industry I had become part of and the privilege of being involved in not just one of the largest airshows in the world, but the opportunity to visit and work at equivalent airshows around the world. In 2005, Farnborough International Ltd was formed, a wholly owned subsidiary of SBAC, of which I was a Board Director. There are so many memorable moments during my time at Farnborough and the partnerships formed with colleagues, clients and suppliers are extremely special and have led to long term friendships. For me it was not like any other industry I had worked in, we spend so much time together and often overseas, that everyone is there to give help if needed, and cringy as it may seem, it is a real family atmosphere. Partnering alongside FICCI to run Aero India in 2007 and help them launch a Civil Aviation Show in Hyderabad was challenging and rewarding. In 2010 working with the Bahrain Royal family and Civil Aviation of Affairs we launched the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) which similar to the Hyderabad show has grown in stature year on year. Both Shows offer bespoke tailored events that the industry welcomed and are now part of the Airshow global calendar. In 2019 I was part of a team on behalf of GAMI to launch a new defence show in Saudi Arabia. A major project not least as it was during Covid restrictions and an event, on a scale, that the Kingdom had not witnessed before. The first show took place in March 2022 in a purpose-built venue and runway. It was a huge success amongst international exhibitors, delegations and visitors and subsequent shows have gone from strength to strength and arguably WDS is now one of the largest global defence shows. The highlights have therefore been many and having worked at FIA, one month shy of 20 years, I am delighted to see the show continuing to evolve and maintain its status as one of the worlds must attend Airshows. For me however, one of the most special and memorable moments was being awarded in 2016 the Highest Order of the Kingdom of Bahrain by His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as recognition of the work and commitment dedicated to BIAS over the years.
Kim Wells
U.S. Department of Commerce
My first air show was the 1997 Paris Air Show, where I ran the "Aerospace Products Literature Center" for small U.S. companies who couldn't attend the show themselves, but still wanted to have a presence. On the first day of setup, TWI invited us to have lunch at their trailer at the end of the runway, and when the fighter jets started running their qualification flights right over us, I knew this was something I wanted to do every year. (Someone was actually going to pay me to do this? Heck, yeah!) As a Presidential Management Fellow, I admittedly tripped into the aerospace sector, but I loved it from the start. Over the years, my role grew from staffing exhibits, to escorting senior U.S. Department of Commerce officials, which meant that I had the honor of working with all the various show staff every year. I have been lucky enough to participate in shows in Paris, London, Dubai, Singapore, Australia, Berlin, Poland, Morocco and Moscow. Every show included its own excitement. For instance, I supported David Cameron's 2016 visit to the U.S. corral one Farnborough morning, only to watch him resign that afternoon. At the 1999 Paris Air Show, a Sukhoi 30-MK fighter jet crashed--but the pilots ejected sideways and walked away! The announcer didn't miss a beat when he announced that "the program would be delayed, but the ejection seat manufacturer could be found in Hall 5". And of course, the Gala Dinners at the Dubai Air Show are always hard to beat--with acts like Katy Perry and Maroon 5. That said, none of these celebrities can hold a candle to time spent with the Apollo Astronauts who have supported the shows over the years. But with all the intrigue and adventure, the best part of working air shows has, and always will be, the people with whom I shared these experiences. I consider my air show colleagues to be a part of my family, and some of my very best, lifelong friends. Air show staff are some of the most upbeat, reliable, accomplished, and supportive people I have ever had the chance to work with, and I am honored to not only be a part of this community, but also to call these people my dear friends. I remember looking at one of my mentors, Tony Largay, who had already worked air shows for 10 years when I began in 1997, and thinking "what a dream it would I be if I could get to follow in Tony's footsteps. This work and these people are amazing." Apparently, dreams do come true!