98th Annual
AAAE Conference & Exposition
Where Dreams Take Flight
May 3-5, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
Special Thanks to Our Host Airport!
The countdown to this event is over!
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Join us in Los Angeles, California, May 3–5, 2026, for an unforgettable journey—Where Dreams Take Flight.
Set your sights on a first-class experience filled with inspiring education, visionary solutions, and transformative connections. This is more than a conference—it's your runway to the future of airport management.
Lift off with leading-edge learning—gain comprehensive insights and the latest updates on industry regulations, all in one centralized location. You'll leave empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate an ever-evolving landscape.
Explore innovations that soar. Our dynamic exhibit hall brings together breakthrough technologies and practical solutions to enhance passenger satisfaction, improve efficiency, and boost your bottom line. From sky-high innovation to grounded strategy, discover what’s next for your airport.
Fuel your professional growth with a robust continuing education program. Earn CEUs to maintain your certification while staying aligned with the latest trends, tools, and challenges shaping the industry.
Connect where it counts. Network with a vibrant community of airport professionals through curated events and inclusive spaces, build lasting relationships that expand your horizons—and help your dreams take flight.
Saturday, May 2
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Delegate Registration
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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Exhibitor Set-up
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Attendee Volunteer Event: Location TBD
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Accreditation Interviews
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Board of Directors and PRC Meeting
12 - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3
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Delegate Registration
8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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Exhibitor Set-up
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Accreditation Interviews
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Chapter Meetings
9 - 10:15 a.m.
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AAAE Executive Business Meeting
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Committee Meetings
12:30 - 2 p.m.
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Committee Meetings
2:30 - 4 p.m.
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Welcome and Exhibit Hall Open
4:45 - 6:30 p.m.
Monday, May 4
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Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
8 - 9 a.m.
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Official Conference Opening Ceremony and Keynote
9 - 10:30 a.m.
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Networking Break and Hudson Book Signing in Exhibit Hall
10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
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Education Sessions
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Lunch in Exhibit Hall
12:30 - 2 p.m.
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Education Sessions
2 - 3:15 p.m.
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Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
3:15 - 4 p.m.
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CEO Panel
4 - 5 p.m.
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Evening Event
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Hosted by LAWA
Tuesday, May 5
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Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
8 - 9:30 a.m.
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AAAE Executive Business Meeting
9 - 9:30 a.m.
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Education Sessions
9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
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General Session II
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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Lunch and Networking in Exhibit Hall
12:15 - 2:15 p.m.
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Education Sessions
2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
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Education Sessions
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
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Chair's Reception
5:30 - 6:15 p.m.
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Dinner
6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
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Closing Ceremony
7:45 - 8:30 p.m.
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After Party
8:30 - 10 p.m.
Hosted by PHX
Wednesday, May 6
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Airport Tours*
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
*Pre-Registration Required. More information to come.
Keynote Speaker
Will Guidara is the author of the NY Times Bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality, which chronicles the lessons in service and leadership he has learned over the course of his career in restaurants. He is the former co-owner Eleven Madison Park, which under his leadership received four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and in 2017 was named #1 on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He is the host of the Welcome Conference, an annual hospitality symposium that brings together like minded people to share ideas, inspire one another, and connect to form community. A graduate of the hospitality school at Cornell University, he has coauthored four cookbooks, was named one of Crain’s New York Business’s 40 Under 40, and is the recipient of WSJ Magazine’s Innovator Award. He is also a Co-Producer on the Emmy Award-winning series The Bear.
Thank you to Hudson for sponsoring this session.
Agenda for the 98th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition is subject to change.
Please bookmark this page for the latest.
Registration Information
You acknowledge that in registering for and attending this AAAE event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, AAAE's Duty of Care, and AAAE's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
Fees & Deadlines
Registration Type |
Early Bird
On or before March 6, 2026 |
After March 6, 2026 |
| Airport Member Full Conference | $950 | $1,140 |
| Airport Non-Member Full Conference | $1,325 | $1,590 |
| Corporate Member Full Conference | $1,105 | $1,435 |
| Corporate Non-Member Full Conference | $2,100 | $2,730 |
| U.S. Federal Government | $495 | $595 |
| Student* | $375 | $450 |
| Exhibitor Additional Personnel | $650 | $750 |
Single Day Rates and Guest Registration available. Contact aaaemeetings@aaae.org.
*To qualify, you must be a full-time student not working in aviation industry. A copy of your student ID may be requested.
Attendees
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Speakers
CANCELLATION POLICY: Registrations, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing. All cancellation requests for registrations received on or before Friday, April 17, 2026, are subject to a $175 cancellation processing fee; approved refunds will be processed after the meeting takes place. There will be no refunds of any kind after this date. Cancellations with outstanding invoices received within two weeks of the start of the conference, will require full payment on the balance due. Refunds will not be provided, and balance dues will not be forgiven for no-shows. Substitutions within the same conference will be accepted without penalties. The difference between member and non-member price will be charged if a non-member replaces a member. Substitutions will be accepted with a written request to AAAEmeetings@aaae.org. The individual substituting for the original registrant is responsible for all financial obligations (balance due; difference in fees due to membership type) associated with that substitution. For all inquiries regarding cancellations, refunds and substitutions, please contact the AAAE Meetings Department at 703.824.0504 or email AAAEmeetings@aaae.org. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund or credit.
IMPORTANT: AAAE 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 AAAE’s control. In this event, we will notify all registrants by email and credit the full registration fee towards another AAAE meeting, product or service. However, any costs incurred by the registrant, such as hotel cancellation or airline penalties, are the responsibility of the registrant. Confirmation emails will be sent to attendees shortly after receipt of registration. However, if you have not received a confirmation email two business days prior to the meeting, and you enrolled at least two weeks prior to the meeting, please contact the AAAE Meetings Department at 703.824.0504 or email AAAEmeetings@aaae.org. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund.
Additional Information
Hotel Accommodations
Discover official hotel accommodations for the 98th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition in Los Angeles. Beware of unauthorized solicitations. Booking links will be available in the fall to secure your room at the group rate!
Transportation Information
Book your flights with United Airlines or Delta Air Lines for the meeting to get exclusive discounts. Ground transportation options are also available. Save on your travel today!
Local Information
Home to 300 days of sunshine and 75 miles of shoreline, discover everything LA has to offer.
About Our Host Airport
LAX, the eighth-busiest airport in the world, serving more than 75 million guests in 2023, is owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a proprietary, revenue-generating department of the City of Los Angeles that also governs Van Nuys Airport (VNY). As the international gateway to the Southern California region, LAX and its partners are dedicated to meeting global airport standards for customer satisfaction, safety, regional economic leadership, organizational performance, and sustainability.
Exhibits & Sponsorship
The Annual AAAE Conference attracts a diverse audience of industry leaders in search of solutions.
This is the ultimate event for capturing the attention of airport leaders who are gathered to make quality connections, buying decisions, and plans to invest their funds.
Please note that all sessions and the exhibit hall will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, unless otherwise noted.
Attendee Demographics
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240+ exhibitors
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2,500+ North American airport & aviation professionals
- Executive Level - 77%
- Managerial Level - 10%
- Specialized Professionals -7%
- Other - 6%
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Attendees include upper- and mid-level management from 250+ airports, as well as FAA, DHS, and TSA personnel
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Conference coverage reaches millions, including leaders at more than 900 airports
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85% of attendees are purchasing decision-makers and come to find business solutions
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99% of attendees visit the exhibit hall
Attendee Job Functions
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Management
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Operations
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Security/Safety
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Concessions
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Customer Service
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Environmental
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Finance
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Legal
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Marketing
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Facilities/Maintenance
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Terminal Management
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Airport Planning & Development
Quick Facts
Two (2) complimentary exhibitor personnel registrations per 10'x10' (100 SqFt). Exhibitor personnel registrations includes access to all sessions, meals, and receptions from Sunday through Tuesday.
Exhibits
Showcase your innovative products and services while you meet face-to-face with your primary target audience.
Sponsorship
Build brand recognition by putting your company front and center at the top events and branded items for the conference.
Questions? Contact Us!
Program Information
Danielle Whalen
703.575.2462
Attendee Registration, Conference Logistics, and Meeting Space Information
AAAEmeetings@aaae.org
Hotel Reservations
Samantha Wittie
571.560.1854
Sponsorship Opportunities, Registration
Amy Trivette
703.575.2471
Exhibit Opportunities, Advertising
Lisa C. Williams, CMP, CEM
571.560.1765
Press/Media Inquiries
Brian Kalish
703.575.2461
AAAE Membership Information
Gwen Basaria
703.797.2540


