HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The International Grumman Pilots Association, a division of the American Yankee Association (AYA), Board of Directors voted for Hutchinson to be the host of its 2018 annual convention. The convention will take place at the Hutchinson Regional Airport and other attractions around the Hutchinson community.
“This is an exciting event to bring to the Hutchinson Airport and the community. We have been working
with the association for many months and we are honored that they have chosen Hutchinson as their next convention site,” Holly Leiker, National Sports and Destination Sales Manager for the Greater Hutchinson Convention/Visitors Bureau, said.
The 2018 Convention will take place September 24-27, 2018, and will bring nearly 60 planes and over 100 attendees to Hutchinson for the week. Activities planned include flying and ground competitions, educational sessions, various social receptions and a closing banquet planned for the Cosmosphere. The public is welcome and encouraged to come to the airport to view the planes and watch the competitions take place.
“The Hutchinson Airport Advisory Committee and staff are excited to welcome the AYA Convention next September! Our central location and the ability to easily fly in and out of Hutchinson makes this event a great fit for the airport,” Pieter Miller, Manager of Hutchinson Regional Airport, said.
The Hutchinson CVB attended this year’s convention to present Hutchinson’s bid proposal for the 2018 convention to the board of directors. The CVB also attended various events during the conference including the opening dinner, welcome reception and flying/ground demonstrations.
The American Yankee Association membership includes pilots and those interested in the American Yankee, Model AA-1, and its descendants, Models AA-1A, 1B, 1C, 5, 5A, 5B, GA-7, AG5B and Tiger aircraft.