The goal of our expansive track is to inspire new ideas, collaboration with various airport stakeholders, and innovative ideas to elevate passenger experience. Therefore, I had to go on a quest with my Young Professional Host Victor Murillo from Hanson Professional Services, Inc. to seek out professionals in the industry who were thinking outside box, have empathy for our airport passengers, and were considerate of the challenges we encounter in the terminal space. We reviewed over hundreds of submissions, and we are thrilled to be featuring the following workshops:

Guiding the Journey: Smart Systems for Parking, Queues, and Wayfinding

Don’t you love it when you get lost at the airport? Even parking your vehicle can be daunting. Every time I go to Chicago Midway Airport, I drive by the parking garage entrance and need to turn back! Many first impressions occur at parking then at check-in. We were able to pull together a group of experts who are implementing and leveraging new technologies to improve passenger flow. For this workshop, we will be learning about new technology to aid passenger flow in the parking garages, check-in points, and terminals. We will be engaging airport representatives to learn what innovative solution they are implementing.

Expanding Horizons: Strategies for Small-Hub Airport Expansion

We are five years out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for many of us it feels like a dream, like it never really happened. Yet, the pandemic resulted in permanent changes that significantly changed airport traffic patterns – as many professionals relocated to fulltime remote work, and when I say relocated, I mean they moved, bought a new home, some acreage and chickens. The introduction of remote workers has altered population distribution as well as shifted which airports passengers’ “home” airports. In this workshop, our panel will discuss the complexity of managing expansions at small-hub airports, specifically detailing the challenges of smaller budgets, innovative design approaches, and project management. As the demand increases, more of these small to medium-hub airports will benefit from learning about Progressive CRM and GMP contracts as well as innovative design solutions to accommodate new aircraft and traffic needs.

Beyond the Basics: Reimagining Restrooms and Adult Changing Facilities

Bathrooms take on a lot of damage, and these can be very unwelcoming spaces depending on the design, cleanliness, and ease of use. Restrooms play a significant role in shaping passenger perceptions of the airport. Additional amenities may be needed to accommodate passengers’ needs, including adult changing tables. In this session, be prepared to learn about the growing need for accessible solutions and how to design an award-winning bathroom.

Preserving the Past While Preparing for the Future: Restoring the Historic Long Beach and Expanding San Antonio International Airport

In 1980, one of my favorite comedies was released: Airplane! — a film that captured all our travel nightmares while showcasing the glamorous airport terminals of the era. Those once-iconic terminals from the 1980s and 1990s are now 30–40 years old and in need of a major facelift. Many airports in urban areas cannot expand their footprint, which means it’s time to get creative with redevelopment, historic reuse, and revitalization of existing terminals. This session highlights two transformative airport projects: the restoration of Long Beach Airport’s (LGB) historic terminal and San Antonio’s (SAT) Terminal A expansion. Learn how each team balanced preservation with modernization, integrated future-forward design features like sensory rooms and enhanced accessibility and navigated complex construction challenges. Industry experts will share key insights and lessons learned, followed by an interactive Q&A.

Approach to Resilience and Sustainability at PDX and TPA International Airports

As the environment continues to be a significant factor in how we design spaces, many airports are taking the initiative to be creative when it comes to sustainability and design. In this session we will explore solutions airports are implementing to reduce energy use while improving the overall airport aesthetic and passenger experience. Join industry leaders from Portland (PDX) and Tampa (TPA) International Airports for an in-depth discussion on resilience and sustainability in aviation. This session will feature presentations on PDX’s Terminal Core Redevelopment (TCORE) and TPA’s strategic initiatives, followed by a moderated panel exploring planning, analysis, and implementation strategies that reinforce airport missions and prioritize infrastructure resilience.

You don’t want to miss these dynamic sessions! Join us March 4-6 in Indianapolis, IN!