I’ve never flown in a helicopter and until attending last week’s HAI Heli-Expo in Louisville, I’d never even been close to a helicopter. But here I was sitting in a cockpit, posing for pictures and imaging what the view must be like flying high over a city or the wide expanse of a mountain range.

The Kentucky Exposition Center was noisy with the sound of electric tools, fork lifts and exhibitors rustling through their shipping crates as we arrived on Monday afternoon to set up the Advanced Torque Products' (ATP) booth. Since I was never into erector sets as a kid, I was glad my co-workers were well experienced with setting up our booth. I just followed directions and tried not to get in the way as our booth emerged from the 3 crates that had been delivered to the space which would be our office for the next three days. As final preparation, we polished our torque wrenches, cleaned the signs and lined up pens and brochures in anticipation of the crowds that would pass through the show the following morning.

Tuesday morning, I’m nervous, trying to rehearse my “elevator speech” and review the steps for each product’s demonstration. So many things to remember, I want to make sure I sound like I know what I’m talking about. The show starts to get busy, and the day flies by. During my time at the booth, many visitors comment on our hand-held click-out wrenches, “Wow, I would love these wrenches in my shop!” or ask if the TruCheck is a calibration system (no, the TruCheck verifies calibration but does not calibrate a hand-held wrench). Pilots tell us about the aircraft they fly, and mechanics discuss the torque wrenches they use in their shops - how big and heavy some of them are compared to the much smaller and lighter ATP ones on display in our booth. Tuesday passes into Wednesday and I get used to the repetition of telling visitors how our digital torque multipliers are the most accurate on the market and are used by many of the most recognizable names in the helicopter business. I feel comfortable demonstrating products, but am still glad my co-workers are around if I get stumped by a question.

Finally on Thursday, the last day of the show, I get some time to explore the 700+ exhibitor booths and take a closer look at over 50 colorful helicopters from Airbus, Sikorsky, Bell and Finmeccanica Agusta Westland to name just a few. Each booth - if you can call them booths with their large meeting rooms, sofas, coffee bars and huge video screens - is buzzing with activity; folks climbing into and out shiny aircraft, posing for selfies, and most importantly, discussing potential business. Discussions center on how these aircraft improve the safety of individuals through their use in the military, firefighting, public safety and medical transportation services or support mining, wind power, and oil & gas exploration. How new lighter weight composite engine materials are helping to reduce harmful exhaust and fuel consumption. The annual Heli-Expo brings the very best manufacturers and buyers from the around the world to one central location to ensure the future of this very important industry. The “little guys” are there too – booth after booth of companies that support the “big guys”. Aviation training and support software, MRO shops, tooling, leasing and financial companies – all trying to tell their stories and get a piece of the aviation business.

And then as soon as it starts, the show is over and our booth is being dismantled. Taking it down is much easier than setting it up. I’m a bit sad that my first trade show is over, but relieved too that this show is under my belt with no major snafus to speak of. Now it’s time to review our show contacts and send out promised information and quotes. Soon we will be packing our crates again and preparing for the next trade show – MRO Americas in Dallas from April 5 – 7. If you’re there, visit us in Booth #3820, I can always use extra practice on my elevator speech!