IAAE Executive Certificate in Applied AI for Airports
April 15-17, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. US ET Daily | Virtual
Presented in Partnership with
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About the Workshop
The Executive Certificate in Applied AI for Airports is designed to equip busy airport leaders with a quick, far-reaching understanding of how artificial intelligence can be strategically embedded across planning, operations, and commercial functions. Participants will discover how to drive direct, measurable value from translating AI concepts into strategic outlook scenarios; upgrade AOCC/AEMC decision support with real-time predictive insights; audit and increase the value of their own data assets; examine high-return pilot projects; and craft board-ready roadmaps, RFPs and governance frameworks.
Why Attend?
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Time-Efficient and High-Impact: Condensed into 3 intensive days to accommodate the schedules of busy executives.
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Practical and Action-Oriented: Focus on real-world use cases, decision-making frameworks, and potential immediate pilots.
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Strategic and Business Focus: Emphasizes AI’s role in strategic planning, operational decision support, and commercial growth.
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Hands-On and Interactive: Use of sandbox tools, decision-loop canvases, and team work to foster experiential learning.
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Immediate ROI and Implementation: Guides participants through developing frameworks for pilot projects, Data Analytics Services RFPs, and Board-ready AI Roadmaps.
Course Agenda
DAY 1: AI science 101, understanding the concepts and the terminology; Airport business strategy and AI linkages to enable strategic agility in real time; Scenario building/Activity Forecasting to enhance high performance related to governance, infrastructure planning, operations management and human competency development; Leveraging AI for data-analytics and decision support systems for predictive insights, coordination and accuracy. AI implementation key success factors, benefits, and limitations.
DAY 2: Smart airport planning, data audits, real-world AI case studies, and hands-on sandbox exercises to explore and experience AI tools in action.
DAY 3: Integration Exercise (in role-play format): Develop and present an AI Implementation Action Plan for submission to an Airport Board.
Target Audience
Practicing airport executives and managers across all functions who are seeking a strategic understanding and practical tools to leverage AI (no data science of AI background required).
Format
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Interactive three days, live online, in real time that accommodate the schedule of busy executives.
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Optimal interaction among a cohort of seasoned professionals limited to a maximum of 24 participants.
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Private, password protected online community space available for all materials as well as host expert drop-ins during the event.
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Participants receive an e-certificate "Executive Certificate in Applied AI for Airports" following successful completion.
Monday, March 23, 2026
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Rolling Tour of New GSP ConRAC Facility
3-5 p.m. GSP ConRAC Facility
Set the tone for this year’s RAC workshop! You’ll have the opportunity to experience Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport’s new state-of-the-art Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC), scheduled to open December 2025. This $97 million project, built as part of Parking Garage C, will feature a five-level structure with 750 public parking spaces and 750 ready-return rental car spaces, as well as a centralized customer service lobby and transaction counters. The lower levels include Quick Turn-Around facilities for fueling, washing, and servicing vehicles, while upper levels incorporate public parking enhanced by smart Park Assist technology. Designed by LS3P and constructed by Brasfield & Gorrie, the facility will be operated by Conrac Solutions under a multi-year contract. Tours will run at 20-minute intervals during the 3-5 p.m. timeframe, with additional on-demand opportunities supported as available by Conrac Solutions staff for those who arrive outside the official start times. GSP will provide storage space for bags for those attending the tour upon arrival in Greenville.
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Registration
4:30-6 p.m.
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Welcome Reception
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by AvisBudget
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
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Registration
7:30 - 4 p.m.
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Networking Breakfast
7:30-8 a.m.
Sponsored by MVI Facility Services
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Welcome Remarks
8-8:20 a.m.
Speakers:
Holly Ackerman, Associate Vice President, Global Operations, AAAE
Carter Strothman, P.E., LEED-AP, Vice President, Jacobsen|Daniels
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Official (TBD) -
Session 1: Rental Car Industry Trends
8:20- 9:05 a.m.
Hear from an executive from the rental car industry who will provide an update on the rental car industry, what is new in the business, what is important to the rental car operators, and what are the opportunities and challenges ahead for this important business operating at every commercial airport.
Introduction:
Carter Strothman, P.E., LEED-AP, Vice President, Jacobsen|Daniels
Speaker:
Jeffrey Luna, Vice President, Real Estate, Avis Budget Group, Inc. -
Session 2: The ConRAC of the Future – 2035 and Beyond
9:05 - 10:05 a.m.
This forward-looking session will examine how designers and planners envision consolidated rental car facilities evolving over the next 10-30 years. Presenters will highlight how programming, analytics, and emerging technologies are influencing design scope and shaping facilities that balance efficiency, sustainability, and customer expectations.
Moderator:
Justin Ritter, Associate Principal, Paslay GroupSpeakers:
Traci Holton, Vice President, New Horizon, Nashville International Airport
Tracy Thompson, Chief Business and External Affairs Officer, Austin Bergstrom International Airport
Payal Harrell, Principal, PGAL
Scott Goldstein, Director of Facility Planning, Programming & Architecture, Enterprise Mobility (confirmed) -
Refreshment Break
10:05-10:20 a.m.
Sponsored by Walter P Moore
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Session 3: Contracts and Agreements – What Works and What Doesn’t
10:20-11:15 a.m.
Explore the critical elements of rental car agreements, highlighting the non-negotiables for RACs, successful case studies from airports of varying sizes, and strategies to strengthen partnerships. Hear about lessons learned on what drives effective agreements, where common pitfalls occur, and how airports and rental car companies can collaborate more productively to achieve win-win outcomes.
Moderator:
Deven Judd, A.A.E., IAP, Vice President/Chief Commercial Officer, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District
Speakers:Jim Boucher, Vice President, Global Corporate Real Estate, Hertz
Mardi Mendenhall, Airport Property and Contracts Coordinator, Boise International Airport
Margaret Martin, Partner, Thompson Burton -
Session 4: ConRAC Maintenance Strategies – Balancing Costs, Sustainability, and Long-Term Value
11:15 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
Discover how airports and rental car operators can make design, construction, and preventive maintenance decisions that yield long-term savings while advancing sustainability goals. This session will explore strategies for anticipating maintenance challenges early, allocating resources effectively, and adopting best practices that extend facility life, reduce lifecycle costs, and maximize operational efficiency.
Moderator:
Miriam L’Engle, Director, Capital Programs & Infrastructure, Jacobsen|Daniels
Speakers:
Melina Fithen, USAP, C.M., Asset Manager Rental Car Center, San Diego International Airport
Scott Anderson, Managing Director, CS Operators -
Networking Lunch
1-2 p.m.
Sponsored by GFT
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Deadline for submitting questions for the Ask-a-RAC session
2 p.m.
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Session 5: Understanding CFCs – Financing and Economic Outlook
1:45-2:45 p.m.
An in-depth look at how Customer Facility Charges (CFCs) vary by state, what they can fund, and the trends shaping their future. The discussion will cover financing strategies, economic outlooks, and how airports can effectively leverage CFCs to support rental car facilities and long-term capital planning.
Moderator:
Nora Richardson, Director, Frasca & Associates, LLCSpeakers:
Thomas Brooks, CPA, Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport DistrictSharon Sarmiento, Principal and Senior Vice President, Unison Consulting
Peter VanValkenburg, Vice President - Airport Property & Relations, Enterprise Mobility
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Session 6: Planning for and Executing Peaks
2:45-3:45 p.m.
Explore strategies for managing demand surges during major events and peak travel periods through stronger airport-RAC collaboration, efficient use of close-in storage facilities, and coordinated operational planning. Insights will focus on balancing customer service with logistical challenges while minimizing congestion and delays.
Moderator:
Cody Bauman, A.A.E., Chief Operating Officer, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District
Matt Wiegand, Senior Manager of Facility Planning & Programming, Enterprise Mobility
SIXT (speaker TBD)
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Networking Break
4-4:15 p.m.
Sponsored by KLH Engineers
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Session 7: RAC Customer Service 101 – Raising the Bar Across the Industry
4-5 p.m.
Focused on elevating the rental car customer experience, this session emphasizes training, consistency, and clear communication as the foundation for stronger service standards. Real-world insights will highlight how airports and RACs can work together to deliver a smoother, more reliable passenger journey.
Moderator:
Kurt Schwager, Chief Development Officer, Jacobsen|Daniels
Speakers:
Jon Poisson, Account Manager, CBRE
AvisBudget Group (speaker TBD)
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
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Continental Breakfast
8-8:30 a.m.
Sponsored by CBRE
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Lightning Round: Key Issues in RAC Operations
8:30-9:30 a.m.
1. Data Benchmarking and Analytics
Exploring how airports and RACs can standardize reporting, benchmark facility costs and revenues, and apply analytics to forecast demand more accurately.
2. Preparing for Autonomous Vehicles
A forward-looking look at how autonomous rental vehicles could reshape facility design, operations, and customer service, and what steps airports can take today to prepare.
3. Curbside Congestion and Traffic Management
Quick-hit strategies to address congestion in rental car pickup and drop-off areas, improve circulation, and enhance wayfinding to keep customers moving smoothly.
4. Workforce Development and Labor Challenges
Highlighting approaches to address staffing shortages, training needs, and workforce resilience in RAC operations as airports adapt to evolving industry demands.
5. Q&A
A brief, open exchange where attendees can pose questions on any of the lightning round topics, giving participants the chance to steer the conversation to their most pressing concerns. -
Session 8: Innovations in Customer Experience and Technology
9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Discover how advances such as contactless transactions, data-driven tools, and fleet tracking are transforming RAC operations. The discussion will highlight how airports and rental car operators can leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and meet evolving customer expectations.
Moderator:
Jacob Sotsky, Vice President – Planning, Jacobsen|Daniels .
Speakers:
Melanie Richardson, Airport Property & Relations Director, Enterprise Mobility -
Refreshment Break
10:15-10:30 a.m.
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Session 9: Financial Resilience – Navigating Economic Shifts
10:30-11:20 a.m.
Examine how airports and rental car companies are adapting to the financial pressures of inflation, the rise of transportation network companies (TNCs), and evolving traveler preferences. The discussion will highlight strategies to maintain resilience, adjust pricing and contracts, and plan for long-term stability in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Moderator:
Michael Coplon, Director, Ricondo
Speakers:
Maximillian Katzer, Senior Director - Commercial Business, Denver International Airport
Jeremiah Hartley, Airport Rental Car Manager, Salt Lake City International Airport
Peter VanValkenburg, Vice President - Airport Property & Relations, Enterprise Mobility
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Session 10: Ask a RAC: Airport – Rental Car Interactive Game
11:20- 12 p.m.
Take part in a fast-paced, game-style session using your phone to respond to RAC-related questions. Audience input will set the stage as RAC executives weigh in, creating an engaging and interactive exchange between attendees and industry leaders.Facilitator:
Scott Goldstein, Director of Facility Planning, Programming & Architecture, Enterprise Mobility
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Closing Remarks
12:05 p.m.
Registration Fees and Deadlines
If you are not seeing the correct pricing appear for your member type, please contact member.services@aaae.org to complete your registration for this event.
REGISTRATION FEES
| On/Before February 16, 2026 |
After February 16, 2026 |
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| IAAE Member | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Non-Member | $2,200 |
$2,500 |
*Group rates are available until March 1 for two or more attendees from the same organization: IAAE member - $2,000 per person/Non-member - $2,300 per person. Contact Heba Gouda at holly.ackerman@aaae.org to register.
AAAE accepts registration regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, physical disability and national or ethnic origin. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment and educational services. If you require any special assistance to participate or have special dietary requirements, email aaaemeetings@aaae.org.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received before Friday, March 27, 2026, will be credited to a future course. There will be no refunds after this date. Substitutions will be accepted without penalties and no-shows will be billed. For all inquiries regarding cancellations and refunds, please contact Holly Ackerman at holly.ackerman@aaae.org. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy.
NOTE: IAAE reserves the right to postpone or cancel an event if the number of registrants is insufficient; due to acts of God; or any other reason beyond IAAE’s control. In this event, we will notify all registrants and credit the full registration fee towards another IAAE meeting, product or service.
Sponsorship
This course is designed to provide business executives with an edge in airport management through the appropriate and effective use of AI. This is a great opportunity to gain visibility with global airport leaders, showcase your expertise in AI and innovation, and reach decision-makers shaping the future of aviation.
Why Sponsor?
✔ High Visibility: Gain brand exposure to a global audience of airport leaders and decision-makers.
✔ Thought Leadership: Align your organization with innovation, digital transformation, and the future of airport operations.
✔ Direct Engagement: Connect with professionals who are actively seeking AI solutions, partnerships, and expertise.
✔ Strategic Positioning: Stand out as a contributor to the industry's advancement in technology, safety, and operational excellence.
✔ Long-Term Impact: Support a program designed to elevate global airport performance and shape future aviation capabilities.
Sponsorship packages can be tailored to your organization’s goals, including logo placement, speaking opportunities, digital promotion, and more. If you’re looking to strengthen your presence in the global airport community and demonstrate leadership in AI-driven solutions, this is an excellent opportunity.
For information on sponsoring this course, contact Heba Gouda at heba.gouda@aaae.org.
