EGBKFlyer,
I can only comment on what I saw after attending for a couple of years. Although there were crowds of people around each stand if one airline rep spotted one of his old buddies, then it would be handshakes all round and a decent chat whilst ignoring the people who'd paid to attend.
I'm tempted to say that your blanket assessment of unions is rubbish but I will refrain from being so impolite on a medium such as this. You are right that BALPA is a union and helping wannabees is not one of its core aims. My point is that low houred pilots shouldn't fund any event run by such an organisation if it only pays lip service to the supposed aim of the event. This would ensure BALPA sticks to what it knows best. The IPA are an excellent tool for helping you get a foot on the ladder. They helped me re-format my CV and prepare a decent application letter that led to securing my first job with Flybe, along with access to a cheap simulator prior to the simulator assessment. I find their monthly market analysis very accurate. When I started applying for jet jobs I ended up with firm job offers from Monarch and Britannia (largely I feel, thanks to their selection notes and the fact they put me in touch with line pilots from these companies). I subsequently turned these down and took a position on the 320 with BA, for which the best source of info is actually this forum.
I wish I could say I was just lucky or very employable. Probably not the latter! However, I do feel they played a part in me getting to where I am now. That is why I will retain my membership and am more than willing to help IPA members in any way I can, as it's important to give something back to those trying to break into this difficult minefield we call aviation.
Never give up, it is worth the pain and the heartache.
