Are you attending EBACE this year? Have you experienced EBACE FOMO?

Whilst most of the Martyn Fiddler team are attending EBACE our Legal Director, Heather Gordon will not be able to attend.

We know – lots of people said this at the beginning of the year.

Yet 75% of them have changed their mind and are now rushing to book more expensive flights at inconvenient times and pay extortionate prices for hotels. Why? The answer is clear: the fear of missing out. Also known as FOMO.

So why is EBACE 2025 FOMO so strong? Well, Heather and Ian Petts (an independent Business Aviation and Finance Broker) have determined a few key factors that play a role in EBACE FOMO.

It’s about the people, not the place

Heather: the FOMO of EBACE is about the people, not the place. The social draw of this event is incredibly hard to resist. Once you know that one or two industry colleagues will be attending – those you always enjoy having a discussion and working with (and possibly a drink too) – your mind starts finding ways to make it happen. Suddenly, your budget becomes more flexible, and your schedule becomes more fluid.

Ian: EBACE provides an excellent opportunity to renew contacts, ensure you are at the top of your game, and benchmark your product offering to others. There is a hunter/gambler in all of us who hopes to meet the ideal client or an introducer to an ideal client at the exhibition.

MF: it is clear that as more contacts confirm their EBACE 2025 attendance, a reasonable business case to attend the exhibition emerges. We are remarkably adept at making excuses when incentivised!

EBACE is great and clients do attend!

Heather: EBACE stands out as an exhibition rather than a conference. Exhibitors get the unique opportunity to showcase their ideas, services, and people in a bespoke manner. It’s time for face-to-face meetings and networking, designed by exhibitors to attract foot traffic.

Yes, there is a cost to exhibit (as there would be anywhere), but the benefits are substantial. You get to see parts of a business that you wouldn’t from a panel presentation, a sales pitch, or their website.

Exhibiting and coming up with new ideas and concepts each year for EBACE is a point of pride for all of us at Martyn Fiddler.

Ian: this year, more high-quality clients than ever have confirmed their attendance. For aircraft owners, the static display is intriguing but not essential; they have their own and access to OEM factories at their convenience. Aircraft owners are focused on aircraft operations, deals, and exploring new structure, finance, and tax solutions.

In the last week, two clients seeking aircraft and parts, plus one looking for a lease, have confirmed meetings with me – they’re traveling from another continent just to get to EBACE.

We love our industry

Ian: People from outside business aviation don’t realise we are so passionate about our industry; it’s a tight-knit community, we live and breathe business aviation every day. So, missing a show can be like missing a close family wedding, baptism etc. You never know who you might meet and who could help you realise your dream.

So, while there may be a few fewer people at EBACE this year, it will still be a good show. EBACE is about trust; demonstrating commitment to the industry, and reinvesting in it. The exhibitors who remain are high-quality.

MF: Each year we welcome our friends, colleagues and new contacts to our stand (number 1273 this year!) We have our amazing team, two drinks events, and of course, the Martyn Fiddler fun for which we are known!

Rumours and Rebellion

Heather: while we are reassured that EBACE will continue into the future, the business aviation rumour mill has been churning out speculation this is the last EBACE. OMG!!!

The threat of 2025 being the last time to walk up those red steps to the Palexpo, one more fondue, one more Café de Paris, and one last drink in the Leopard Lounge – EBACE memories to be experienced just one last time.

Perhaps this year will be the best EBACE ever – especially for those that want to relive their EBACE ‘best bits’!

Ian: it is true that people have other events on their agenda but that does not negate the draw of EBACE. People are definitely increase the list of must attend events: AERO Friedrichshafen for its static display and the IOM Conference for its tax, finance and structure solutions.

Don’t Panic – the IOMAC is in June!

MF: Don’t panic! If you are still on the fence about EBACE, we can provide the appropriate tonic – the Isle of Man Aviation Conference will take place on 26 June 2025.

You most certainly don’t want to miss that!