Helicopter lovers from across the globe recently gathered at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate the largest helicopter conference in the world.

They were in town for the annual Heli-Expo 2008, put together by the Helicopter International Association, a non profit organization, who is considered to be the voice of the helicopter industry.

With over 1,400 members worldwide, part of the organization’s purpose is to provide programs that enhance safety, encourage professionalism, and promote the unique contributions made by helicopters to society.

Here in Houston, those contributions can be measured at the United States Coast Guard’s Air Station Houston, located at Ellington Field, where hundreds of lives are saved each year thanks to the helicopters flying over the Gulf Coast; at the Texas Medical Center, where air lifts transport dozens of severely injured patients everyday; and even on the roadways and highways, where television choppers keep residents informed about traffic conditions on a daily basis.

Perhaps that is why the international association decided to hold this year’s conference in Houston for the first time.

“There (are) more than just the manufacturers of Helicopters at this Expo. Anyone associated or affiliated with the helicopter industry will usually have a booth there,” said Del Livingston, vice president for flight operations for American Eurocopter L.L.C., one of the participants at Heli-Expo 2008. “There is a lot of technology being shared. You can see all the new products that are coming out and that sort of thing.”

In fact, the expo contained an array of products and services ranging from avionics to networking sessions, all under one roof. Over 523 exhibitors showcased their new products and services, and 65 helicopters were displayed on the showroom floor.

The Expo also came complete with educational seminars, which are part of the Helicopter Foundation International’s professional education series.