The EAA Fly-In Convention Grounds (and air above) was buzzing with pilots and planes during this year’s AirVenture event. Attendance increased yet again, attracting approximately 550,000 attendees, with a total attendance increase of about 2 percent. By mid-week, Wittman Regional Airport and the convention site was filled to capacity with aircraft, campers and cars.
Phillips 66® Aviation was among more than 800 commercial exhibitors on-site this year. Our team was available to discuss the exclusive WingPoints® Rewards program and the benefits of the Phillips 66® Aviation Personal Credit Card. Hundreds of visitors took our pilot’s iPad survey, which gives us additional insight into our customers’ wants and needs. Those who participated in the survey walked away with a branded tee shirt, baseball cap or nylon backpack. And, of course, we didn’t let any visitor leave empty-handed. Free giveaways included lapel pins, appliqué stickers, postcards and the kid favorite, yo-yo balls.
Visitors who stopped by tent #310 early in the day were treated to a free cup of coffee courtesy of Synchrony Financial, who manages the Phillips 66 Aviation Personal Credit Card. And by far the most popular hour of the day was the Phillips 66 Popsicle Happy Hour. At 1:00 each day kids and adults of all ages stopped by and picked up a free cool treat to help beat the Wisconsin summer heat.
Lubrications expert Steven Strollo lead daily TechChat™ seminars that provided general information concerning the various aspects of piston aviation engine oils. In addition to the seminars, he made himself available to answer specific questions customers had on our premium single and multiviscosity engine oils.
By the end of the week, all cases of Phillips 66 lubricants were sold to customers who took advantage of the discounted prices. According to Bill Brown, Phillips 66 Lubricants director of marketing for the industrial segment, aviation lube product sales increased 5% as compared to 2014, making this year the strongest sales performance since Phillips 66 began participating at AirVenture. And those who purchased three or more cases scored a complimentary Phillips 66 golf cart ride back to their campsite or aircraft.
At the EAA Young Eagles banquet held on Wednesday evening, General Aviation Manager Greg Hart presented Fred Stadler with the Phillips 66 Aviation 2015 Leadership Award. The honor is given annually to an EAA Young Eagles volunteer who goes above and beyond for the program. Stadler reached an unprecedented milestone in July when he flew his 6,000th Young Eagle, setting the record for the most volunteer flights by any pilot participant in the program.
On Thursday morning, the Phillips 66 Aviation Director of Programs Development Kim Ruth spoke on the EAA Radio morning show, discussing Phillip 66’s involvement with the Young Eagles and the $1 per gallon discount available to those volunteers who use their Phillips 66 Aviation Personal Credit Card.
There were many smiles, handshakes and good conversations had throughout the entire event, and we expect no less for AirVenture 2016. We’ll be there – will you?