Established in Washington, D.C. in 1956 by a group of air traffic controllers, the Air Traffic Control Association has been from the outset dedicated to progress in the science of air traffic control and the preservation of a safe flight environment. It provides a forum in which those concerned can address the myriad issues inherent to the development of viable air traffic control systems and aviation infrastructures, and the ever increasing demands on the global navigable airspace environment. Those in the aviation community; the providers of air traffic control, system architects, manufacturers, suppliers, system operators and users join together in ATCA to share their collective experience and knowledge, and efforts in pursuit of common goals. ATCA is unique in representing the broad spectrum of civil-military cooperation typical of global flying activities. Its Annual Technical Meetings and Exhibits feature North America's largest and most diverse display of aviation related technology. These events are attended by thousands of civilian and military members and representatives from around the world. ATCA also sponsors Technical Conferences and Symposia annually in Europe, the Pacific Rim and Latin America. ATCA’s Civil Military Air Traffic Management Summit known as CMAC™ attracts Civil and Military Aviation leaders from around the world. Beginning in 2009 this will be held annually. ATCA is a non-profit, non-government, professional organization.