For 2026, we’ve designed a Project Management/Construction Management Track that reflects the evolving realities of airport development: tighter schedules, shifting funding models, complex stakeholder dynamics, and an ever-increasing need for collaboration. Each workshop offers a focused look at strategies, lessons learned, and innovations that will help you manage these challenges more effectively and confidently.

Here’s what’s in store:

ORAT Unlocked: The Hidden Engine Behind Smooth Airport Openings

Opening day success doesn’t happen by chance. This session takes a deeper look at Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) as a framework for aligning every airport function — from airlines and concessions to IT, facilities, and finance. Through case studies and lessons learned, panelists will share how early ORAT planning can reduce last-minute changes, strengthen coordination, and ensure that new facilities open ready for service from day one.

Building Bridges: Collaboration with Airport Operations and Airline Leadership

Strong relationships with operations and airline leaders are key to project success — but they don’t happen automatically. This session offers practical strategies for earning trust, aligning with operational priorities, and maintaining engagement throughout design and construction. Attendees will gain approaches to turn potential disruption into collaboration, ensuring that project outcomes serve both travelers and the teams that keep airports running every day.

Demystifying CMAR Preconstruction for Vertical Airport Construction

As airports increasingly turn to the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery model for terminal and landside projects, understanding the full value of preconstruction is essential. This workshop breaks down how early CM engagement enhances budget control, schedule certainty, and decision-making. Panelists will discuss preconstruction best practices — from constructability reviews and early bid packaging to component GMPs and DBE participation — providing a roadmap for owners and designers to achieve more predictable results.

Jet Fuel for Teams: Powering Airport Projects Through Culture & Collaboration

Behind every successful project is a strong team culture. This session explores how structured partnering creates a unified “One Project Team” mindset, fostering collaboration and accountability across organizations. Attendees will see real-world examples of Partnering’s measurable impacts — cost savings, schedule performance, safety improvements — as well as its qualitative benefits, including stronger relationships, creativity, and professional satisfaction.

One Vision, One Team: Inside the LGA Terminal C Project

Few projects illustrate the power of teamwork and innovation better than Delta’s Terminal C redevelopment at LaGuardia Airport. This case study unpacks how the design and construction teams delivered a major terminal transformation amid tight site constraints, active operations, and an unprecedented public health crisis. Learn how clear communication, shared objectives, and adaptive planning have led to one of the most complex and successful airport redevelopment efforts in recent years.

The Project Management/Construction Management Track is built for those who lead, coordinate, and inspire — professionals who know that great airports depend not just on infrastructure, but on the people and processes behind it

I hope you’ll join us in Indianapolis this March to connect, learn, and help shape the future of airport development together.

See you at the Symposium!