Two .aero external service providers were present at the 2008 Oshkosh Air Venture convention inWisconsin, US, at the beginning of August.

Registry operator Afilias and .aero registrar Names Beyond welcomed visitors from all sections of the aviation community - from airport authorities to professional aviators. Their presence was part of a broader strategy to raise awareness of the .aero domain with business aircraft operators, pilots and aviation professionals - as well as air sports participants. Names Beyond offered on-the-spot two-year .aero domain name registration for a promotional price of US$ 100.

Every year Oshkosh becomes the place of choice for up to 750,000 people with a passion for flying. It is also the annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association - known universally as EAA - whose 170,000 members include 20,000 from over 100 countries in Europe, South America and Africa.

As well as aviation enthusiasts, the event also attracts business jet manufacturers, pilot-training companies, representatives from NASA and the US military, and the inevitable gadget manufacturers.

Next year's event takes place from 27 July to 2 August. To find out more, go to www.eaa.org for the EAA's website, or www.airventure.org for the Oshkosh convention.