Why the Innovation Track Matters for Young Professionals
Hi, I’m Keleigh Ketelhut, an architectural designer at Populous on track to licensure in Kansas City, MO. This year, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to help organize the Innovation Track alongside Colleen for the 2026 Airport Planning, Design, & Construction Symposium, which invites attendees to see the future not as some far-off dream, but as a human-centered reality already taking shape. Under the theme “Aviation Evolves. Humanity Leads,” this track explores how true innovation in our field isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. How we think, connect, and imagine a better tomorrow.

Working on an event this technical has given me a grown appreciation for the complexity behind airport design. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about understanding how every system, decision, and human experience connects to make the entire operation work seamlessly. Organizing within the Innovation Track has made me see firsthand how much coordination it takes to bring those ideas to life, and how every moving part depends on another.
It’s taught me to slow down and think more holistically—to recognize that even one small decision can have a ripple effect down the line. I’ve also developed a much deeper understanding of the technical side of what we do, beyond the high-level concepts. It’s been an incredible reminder that innovation only works when creativity and logistics move together, and that true progress in design is as much about empathy and awareness as it is about form or function.
This is such a fantastic event for any young professional, no matter your background or what corner of the aviation world you come from. This Symposium truly bridges all aspects of the industry, from the evolving logistics of operations to forward-thinking ideas that challenge how we imagine the future of flight and passenger experience.
The Innovation Track is all about pushing boundaries. It invites us to question norms and reimagine what airports and aviation design can be through a more human lens. It’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in this evolving field, connect with passionate people across disciplines, and gain a broader understanding of how empathy, technology, and design intersect.
The sky honestly isn’t even the limit here—and as a young professional, your voice matters. This is your chance to be part of the conversation shaping what comes next, and to help define not just what the future of aviation looks like, but why it matters and who it serves.

Keleigh Ketelhut
Young Professional Innovation Track Host
Architecture Designer
Populous

