John “Lites” Leenhouts, President and CEO of SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In is quoted as saying that this change reflects the evolution the fly-in has been undergoing. “Renaming this iconic aviation event reflects our mission to engage, educate and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals. Our fundraising efforts enable us to provide extensive youth-based programs and scholarships that have been recognized as the model that is now being replicated across this country. Our focus on preparing the next generation to be inspired and trained as job-ready candidates to address the demands of today’s aerospace industry will be reflected in our new name, SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo starting in 2020”.
The SUN ‘n FUN Board of Directors are excited to announce this at this time. “45 years of tradition is a strong part of the culture here at SUN ‘n FUN. As we look to the future and where aerospace technology is taking us, we want to ensure that we’re best positioned to continue to be a part of it. Here at SUN ‘n FUN, our sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors look to us to enable their continued success to draw an audience – in our case attendees – so that they return each year” says Harley Richards, Chairman of the Board.
The event name and enhanced logo retains the rich history of 45 years of aviation comradery. The horizon line looks to the future as well as matches the organization’s tagline, “the sky is just the beginning”.
The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will be March 31 – April 5 2020.
About SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc.:
SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to preserve and enhance the future of flight through world-class events, inspiring and educating people of all ages. Year round events, including the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, formerly known as the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo, which is one of the world’s largest of its kind, raise funds for the Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE). SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In annually raises over $2M for ACE enabling the delivery of STEM-related and aerospace education programs engaging over 40,000 youth each year. Additionally, ACE manages and allocates up to $445K/year in aerospace scholarships. For more information,
www.flysnf.org.
About Aerospace Center for Excellence, Inc.:
The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has emerged as a nationally recognized leader in STEM-related and aerospace education through its various learning centers, outreach programs, summer camps and scholarships aimed at preparing students for tomorrow’s aerospace challenges. Located on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus in Lakeland, Florida, the organization is known for its annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, formerly known as the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo fundraising event as well as the Aerospace Discovery Museum which is Florida’s Official Aviation Museum and Education Center. ACE is the world’s leader in producing licensed teenage private pilots and delivers youth programs that engage over 40,000 students a year. For more information,
www.ACEedu.aero.
