Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/517560
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 27 MAY 2015 13 Business Today L ast week the Palexpo Building at Geneva Switzerland hosted the 15th edition of EBACE, the largest European Business Aviation Convention & Ex- hibition which was spread out over three consecutive days. PKF Malta attended as a represented delegate under the Aviation Malta umbrella, a Malta Enterprise initiative that brought together several different operators, including representatives of the regulator Transport Malta and Malta Enterprise in one harmonious and entirely prestigious contingent. Notwithstanding having been on numerous business missions and delegations previously, at the offset EBACE singled itself out as filled with the promise of being an experience unlike any of its predecessors. The layout comprised a vast expanse of exhibition space, where glamour was the order of the day and everything reeked of brand new and very expensive. True to its reputation, the expo was extremely well attended seeing people from different walks of life, whether seeking to buy or sell their product / service come together under one roof. In terms of products this included everything imaginable that was somehow aviation-related, ranging from private jet soft furnishings to fuel suppliers, from VIP logistics service providers to on- board catering, the list is truly endless. In terms of numbers, the expo housed over 500 exhibitors inside and hosted over 60 business aircraft outside in a static display, and spread out against a backdrop of Swiss mountain-sky, it all came together as an altogether most majestic outline. Being the new face on the block among the other seasoned EBACE attendees there was an added air of excitement around the PKF stand, synonymous with the novelty that only comes with a first time's shine. The Aviation Malta block was an elegant structure that housed all of our respective stands back to back, giving the impression of a comprehensive bulwark of streamlined knowledge that was holistically equipped to cater for whatever needs arose. As far as image goes, the Maltese contingent also had it up there with the best, as the stage was set complete with soft white sofas and tailored art works show-casing the respective brands, and lending the required touches of class that set the desired scene for business meetings hosting the CEOs of various firms. Among the Maltese, camaraderie, collaboration and genuine bonds were formed fuelled by the good-natured Maltese charm which was never in short supply. Having firms attending that were not in direct competition with one another was perhaps the optimal buffer in this regard that can be held as having come quite close to any ideal. In terms of legacy, among the delegation we had the co-founders of the Malta Business Aviation Association and having the regulator there was an especially sound touch as it purported an infrastructure with a tangible support system, such that while we were selling Malta as having an approachable regulator, he was literally capable of being approached at a distance of a few metres. Pulling one rope with a view of growing our 150 strong aircraft register into bigger numbers exuding quality is no mean task as the days quickly rolled by into a mesh of pre-scheduled meetings and an impromptu in-flow of persons to your stand asking the vastest array of questions imaginable, lending the scene an air of game-show adrenalin where successful completion of one tough sequence will qualify you to the next round. In this regard one particularly memorable chance exchange occurred with a gentleman who was himself instrumental in the drafting of the Cape Town Convention, which in regulatory terms is equivalent to the Mecca of aviation. In good humour, one also comes across the most random characters who indulge you in casual conversations about the current state of British politics and the good old days gone by. Instead of tea time, four o'clock summoned the social calls whereby every day around this time, different stands would host little receptions with some drinks and nibbles, and on occasion even a live saxophone or two, creating a serene ambiance wherein contacts forged during the morning were at ease to effortlessly blossom into casual exchanges that sometimes are better positioned to close in on a deal. In this respect the Maltese culture definitely gave us a visible edge above the rest as our innate ability to befriend people in the shortest time cannot easily be surpassed. In the most ardent attempt to refrain from bias, one can safely say that the Aviation Malta party was in a league of its own and a true sensation, dressed in an array of delicacies and graced with the presence of the Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations and its Agencies in Geneva, Dr John Paul Grech. Having said that, the aviation market is a very selective one and it is amply clear that 'making the cut' in such circles takes its own good time. After interest has been expressed, the clients feel you out, they shop around, and they wait to see if you will re- surface next year and the year after that. A lot of emphasis is placed on trust in terms of relationship building g but this manner of doing business is encouraging as it is filled with the promise of sound foundations, that once laid, graciously execute the meaning in the saying 'ye shall reap what ye shall sow'. In summary a brief press release following the event read as follows: "As it has every year, EBACE2015 also served as an advocacy platform, showcasing the industry's importance to government leaders. At the show's Opening General Session, Francois Longchamp, state counsellor of the Canton of Geneva, reiterated his support for business aviation as essential to regional commerce. Patrick Ky, the executive director of the European Aviation Safety Agency, outlined his plans to ensure that future policymaking by the agency reflects the diversity of companies and mission profiles in business aviation." Having come back with what was overall a most intriguing experience, PKF look forward to participating in the next edition of EBACE in the coming year and continuing to fly the Maltese flag high. Marilyn Mifsud The author is a lawyer and business & securities associate at PKF Malta, an audit and business advisory firm An apron fit for a runway Marilyn Mifsud Aviation Malta at EBACE 2015 From left: Dr Marilyn Mifsud (PKF Malta), Dr John Paul Grech, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations and its Agencies in Geneva, and Capt. Charles Pace, Transport Malta