Delegates to the COPA Convention and Trade Show in Saint John took part in the annual kick-off reception at the Italian By Night Trattoria in downtown Saint John. Beautiful weather has greeted the convention, which gets under way in earnest on Friday. Thursday was move-in day for the more than 25 exhibitors in the trade show, which is growing in importance and influence. While Thursday was a day for most delegates to relax and enjoy the beautiful waterfront market and restaurant district right outside the convention centre, directors spent a full day dealing with the business of protecting your freedom to fly.

A full board of directors meeting was held and it included all the new directors elected in the highest-turnout election in the history of the organization earlier this year. Kevin Elwood, Clark Morawetz, Doug Ronan, Dave McElroy, David Black and Mathieu Delorme are joining the board. After Thursday’s business session, there will be new executive members, including a president, elected during the convention. President Jean Messier withdrew from this year’s election in March.