Heli-Expo 2012. February 11-14, Dallas, Texas, USA

It's never too early to start planning for the world's largest helicopter trade show in the world, HeliExpo 2012. HeliExpo 2012 is February 11-14, 2012 held at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, United States of America.

(Reminder: The exhibit hall is open February 12-14, 2012. Sunday - Tuesday. For those who are only interested in attending the trade show floor area.)

Regulars Know The Routine
If you are planning to attend, it's about that time to start booking flights and hotel rooms for HeliExpo 2012. The regulars know what to do.

Are You New To HeliExpo?
For those who love helicopters and are new to HeliExpo, you'll have an experience you'll soon not forget. The exhibit hall is open February 12-14, 2012, Sunday through Tuesday.

Not only does the showroom floor have typical trade show booths but many of the booths include real helicopters, in the flesh. There are also static displays around the perimeters of the show room floor. During HeliExpo 2011, they also had free helicopter rides. Hopefully this will happen again at HeliExpo 2012. Talk about anticipation.

Freebies!
Many freebies are given away at the show including full color helicopter posters, pens, helicopter calendars and magazines. Make sure to bring an extra suitcase and if you have a poster tube you can get your posters back home in good condition. Here's the Blick website detailing their well made PVC poster tubes with shoulder strap. See: http://www.dickblick.com/products/alvin-ice-tubes

They also have about every helicopter magazine available at no cost! You can grab one or two or a stack full of your favorite helicopter magazines. Look for the long magazine rack against the wall when you first enter the showroom floor. You probably have to make 2-3 trips from the show floor back to your car or hotel room, there are that many freebies.

Some More Tips For Newbies
For those newbies on a budget and driving to Dallas, you can buy a one day pass. Be sure to get there a good 1 or 2 hours prior to opening to get your pass. The lines will be long. And if you have a have a valid student ID, you can get in for a big discount. If you are a helicopter fanatic the HeliExpo is worth the time and money spent.

See Helicopter Association Internationals's website for more details.