AGENDA

SAF and Decarbonization

Capital and Construction

Air Cargo

Roundtable with FAA

Operational Readiness

General Aviation Hangar Development

CX Big Wins

Employee Retention

Touchdown to Torch Lighting – Airports, Cities, and Cultures Colliding on the World Stage

Technology: Ramp Operations, Baggage Operations; Camera AI

Discussion with CBP and TSA

Emergency Preparedness

Funding/Access to Capital

Legal and Regulatory

Advanced ATC Innovation & Runway Technology

Cybersecurity

Growth & Capacity Management

10:30 a.m. – 12p.m.: Academic Track: Welcome and Education Session

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Academic Relations Committee Meeting

2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Academic Track: Student Mixer with the Mentors

Get ready for one of the most exciting events of the Academic track! Mixer with the Mentors is your chance to connect face-to-face with airport professionals from across the industry in a fast-paced, roundtable format. Every 15 minutes, you'll rotate to a new table, gaining fresh insights, career advice, and maybe even a few future contacts along the way. Whether you're looking for internship tips, curious about different career paths, or just want to build your network, this high-energy session is designed to help you make the most of your time—and make connections that last.

4:30 p.m.: AAAE Academic Track: Student Mentor/Mentee Match-up

Kick off your conference experience by getting matched with a mentor – an industry professional who will be your go-to guide throughout the event. Mentors are here to offer advice, answer questions, share insights, and help you make the most of your time at the conference. Whether it’s navigating sessions, making introductions, or simply sharing their story, your mentor is a resource you can count on during the week, and potentially well beyond. This is your first step in building meaningful professional connections that last longer than just a name badge.

6:45 PM - 7:45 p.m.: Young Professionals Mixer

9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.: AAAE Academic Track: Student Career Exploration Fair

Looking to land an internship, explore career paths, or simply build your professional network? The Student Career Exploration Fair is your gateway to connecting with airports, consultants, and industry partners. While not all participating organizations are currently hiring, many are eager to meet emerging talent and share insights into future opportunities within their teams. Be sure to bring copies of your resume – on-the-spot resume reviews will also be available to help you put your best foot forward.

1:30 - 3 p.m.: Peer Perspectives: A Student-led Discussion and Q&A

This session is just for students—a candid, student-led space to connect over the real challenges and opportunities faced in today’s academic and professional landscape. From navigating coursework and chapter leadership to finding internships, exploring job prospects, and building a career in aviation, this open forum is designed to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. Come ready to talk, listen, and leave with new ideas and a stronger peer network.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Faculty Advisor Meet-up

While students engage in their open forum, faculty advisors are invited to connect in a dedicated session designed just for them. This session offers a space to share best practices, common challenges, and creative strategies for supporting AAAE Student Chapters and to exchange ideas and insights on the broader experience of being a professor in today’s academic environment – what’s working, what’s evolving, and how to stay ahead of the curve.