What Is The A-Team?
By Heidi Hamm, EAA 788453, Program Fulfillment Manager and Robin Kasel, EAA 1101159, Donor Development Manager
It began in 2010, when there was a need to coordinate experiences for business and VIP guest groups during AirVenture Oshkosh. The volunteers who had worked separately to assist in these areas were organized into a single, coordinated group called the Ambassador Team (or A-Team). This concept was further refined this year when the A-Team created two groups - one to handle business development groups and one to handle VIP guests.
Thanks to the support of Aviall, a Boeing Company, the two A-Teams aim to provide an Oshkosh experience that surpasses all expectations of the guests they serve. The A-Team groups are enthusiastic and professional in providing VIP guests with one-of-a-kind experiences that will inspire and encourage them to return to AirVenture each year.
The A-Team customizes tours based on direction from EAA staff members. These tours throughout AirVenture Oshkosh week include destinations such as specific sponsorship venues, unique exhibitors, Ultralights, Vintage, IAC, Homebuilts, Warbirds, Camp Scholler, Air Academy, KidVenture, Museum, Boeing Plaza, Aviators Club, Flight Line Pavilion, Air Academy Lodge, Kermit Weeks Hangar, Jack Mark Hangar and Pioneer Airport.
More than anything, A-Team volunteers share The Spirit of Aviation at AirVenture and help develop those relationships that lead to committed members, donors and business partners who will support our mission to grow participation in aviation.