U.S. Aviation Wildlife Management Conference
Birds, Planes, and Safety Gains: Connecting Science, Policy, and Practice
August 4-6, 2026 | Cleveland, OH
Presented in Partnership with
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About the Conference
We look forward to welcoming you to Cleveland, OH for the 2026 U.S. Aviation Wildlife Management Conference. This year's theme is Birds, Planes, and Safety Gains: Connecting Science, Policy, and Practice
Attendees will observe informative presentations on strategies and site-specific approaches used to reduce the risk that wildlife pose to safe airport operations. There will be several opportunities throughout the conference to interact with a wide variety of stakeholders, subject matter experts, and partners in the industry. We encourage you to take advantage of this conference to expand your network by engaging with Bird Strike USA Steering Group members, presenters, and other civilian and military attendees. This conference will provide a collaborative atmosphere where proactive, reactive, and adaptive strategies are shared and improved. We look forward to advancing the common objective of providing safe airport environments by properly addressing aviation wildlife management issues.
Who Should Attend?
- Wildlife and wetland resource managers
- Land-use planners
- FAA inspectors - including airports, air traffic, and flight standards
- Airline and aircraft owners/operators
- Military and civilian personnel responsible for airfield operations
- University researchers
- Engineers
- Aviation representatives
- Aerospace manufacturers/industries
- Waste management operators
- Anyone interested in mitigating wildlife strikes
All attendees will be eligible to received a Certificate of Attendance post-conference.
Keynote Speaker
Carla J. Dove is Program Director of the Feather Identification Lab at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. Her expertise is in the specialized field of microscopic identification of feathers. As Director of the Feather Identification Lab, Carla leads a team of 5in one of the only laboratories in the world that specializes in the identification of ‘snarge’ (bird ick). The lab processes over 14,000 bird strike samples each year and is supported by interagency agreements with the U.S. Navy and the FAA to identify birds that are hazardous to aviation safety. Current identification methods include microscopy, museum specimen comparisons, and DNA ‘barcoding’.
Dr. Dove often collaborates with scientists in the fields of Anthropology, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology, and has consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs, the USDA Wildlife Services, the National Transportation Safety Board, and aircraft engine manufacturers. She grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. and began working at the Smithsonian in 1989 as a Museum Technician. She then went on t complete her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy at George Mason University in 1998 under the direction of Roxie Laybourne. She holds a M.S. in Systematics, Evolution and Population Biology from George Mason University and a B.S in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana. Dr. Dove also completed studies in Natural Resource Management at Lord Fairfax Community College. Carla is an early member of BSC-USA and has attended meetings since 1992. She received the BSC-USA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for her integrated work with the aviation safety and wildlife conflicts industry.
Updates will be provided as received. Subject to change.
Photo Contest
Photo Contest
Aviation professionals are invited to submit Photos on aviation safety, focusing on bird strike reporting, wildlife hazard awareness, and prevention of bird/wildlife strikes at airports. Photo entries due June 26, 2026.
Monday, August 3
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BSC USA Steering Committee Meeting
12 - 5 p.m.
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Registration
12 - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 4
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Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors
7 - 8 a.m.
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Registration
7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
8 - 8:35 a.m.
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Keynote Address
8:35 - 9:20 a.m.
Carla Dove, Program Director, Feather Identification Lab, Smithsonian Institute
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Bird Strike Committee USA Updates and Awards
9:20 - 9:35 a.m.
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Emeritus Interview
9:35 - 10 a.m.
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10 - 10:30 a.m.
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Technical Sessions #1
10:30-11:30 TS1-P1 - Regulatory Update11:30-12:00 TS1-P2
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Lunch with Exhibitors
12 - 1 p.m.
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Technical Sessions #2
1:00-1:30 TS2-P3
1:30-2:00 TS2-P4
2:00-2:30 TS2-P5 -
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
2:30 - 3 p.m.
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Technical Sessions #3
3:00-4:00 TS3-P6 –Panel:
4:00-5:00 TS3-7 - Vendor Presentations -
Closing Remarks
5 - 5:15 pm.
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Welcome Reception with Exhibitors and Poster Presentations
5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
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Bird Strike Quiz Bowl
7:30 - 9 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5
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U.S. Air Force Breakout Session
7 - 8 a.m.
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Registration
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors
8 - 9 a.m.
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Concurrent Sessions #1
CONCURRENT SESSION 1A09:00-09:30 CS1A-P8
09:30-10:00 CS1A-P9
CONCURRENT SESSION 1B
09:00-09:30 CS1B-P12
09:30-10:00 CS1B-P13 -
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10 - 10:30 a.m.
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Concurrent Sessions #2
CONCURRENT SESSION 2A
10:30-11:00 CS2A-P10
11:00-11:30 CS2A-P1111:30-12:00 CS2A-P12
CONCURRENT SESSION 2B
10:30-11:00 CS2B-P13
11:00-11:30 CS2B-P1411:30-12:00 CS2B-P15
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Lunch with the Exhibitors
12 - 1 p.m.
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Technical Sessions #4
1 -1:30 P.M. TS4-P16
1:30 -2 P.M. TS4-P17
2 - 2:30 P.M. TS4-P18
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
2:30 - 3 P.M.
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TECHNICAL SESSION 5
3 - 4 P.M. - TS5 - P19
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Closing Remarks
4 - 4:15 P.M.
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BSC USA Committee Discussion
4:15 - 5 p.m.
All Candidates Welcome
Thursday, August 6
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Airport Field Trip
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Further details coming soon.
Call for Proposals
Proposals received after March 27 may not be considered. See this example for formatting your presentation proposal. Include contact information for the lead presenter.
Monday, August 19
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BSC USA Steering Committee Meeting
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Registration
12 - 5 p.m.
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Early Bird Training: Media Training
1 - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 20
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Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors
7 - 8 a.m.
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Registration
7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
8 - 8:45 a.m.
Amy Anderson, Chair, Bird Strike Committee USA, Wildlife Biologist , Federal Aviation Administration
Brian Ryks, A.A.E., Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Airports Commission
James Laughlin, Chair, Annual Conference Committee, Wildlife Biologist, USDA Wildlife Services -
Keynote Address
8:45 - 9:30 a.m.
Dr. Kyle Horton, Colorado State University
Department of Fish, Wildlife, Conservation Biology -
Bird Strike Committee USA Updates and Awards
9:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Amy Anderson, Chair, Bird Strike Committee USA, National Wildlife Biologist Federal Aviation Administration
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Emeritus Interview with Dr. Richard Dolbeer
9:45 - 10 a.m.
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10 - 10:30 a.m.
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Technical Sessions #1
Moderator: Laura Francoeur, Chief Wildlife Biologist, John F. Kennedy International Airport
10:30-11:30 TS1-P1 - Federal Roundtable UpdateJohn Weller, National Wildlife Biologist, Federal Aviation Administration
Mike Begier, National Coordinator, Airports Wildlife Hazards Program, USDA APHIS Wildlife
Dan Sullivan, Wildlife Biologist Chief, BASH Team, U.S. Air Force
James Higgins, BASH/NATOPS Program Manager, U.S. Navy11:30-12:00 TS1-P2 - Due Diligence in Analyzing Wildlife Strike Data to Pinpoint Gaps in Mitigation Efforts: a 35 Year Perspective
Richard Dolbeer, Ph.D., Science Advisor, Airports Wildlife Hazards Program, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services -
Lunch with Exhibitors
12 - 1 p.m.
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Technical Sessions #2
Moderator: Nick Atwell, Past Chair, Bird Strike Committee USA, Wildlife Program Manager, Port of Portland
1:00-1:30 TS2-P3 - Estimating the Impact of Airport Wildlife Hazards Management on Realized Wildlife Strike Risk
Levi Altringer, Ph.D., Research Economist, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center
1:30-2:00 TS2-P4 - Applications of a MOTUS Compatible Automated Radio Telemetry Network for Birdstrike Management in and Around Airfields
Susan Ellis-Felege, Ph.D., Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of North Dakota
2:00-2:30 TS2-P5 - Human Fatalities and Destroyed Aircraft Due to Wildlife Strikes, 1912 to Present
Jeff Follett, Chief Executive Officer, Avisure -
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
2:30 - 3 p.m.
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Technical Sessions #3
Moderator: Mike Begier, National Coordinator, Airports Wildlife Hazards Program, USDA Wildlife Services
3:00-4:00 TS3-P6 –Birdstrike Identification: A Fundamental Piece of Due, Smithsonian Institution Feather Identification Lab
Jim Whatton, Assistant Program Manager, Smithsonian Institution, Feather Identification Lab
Faridah Dahlan, Research Assistant, Smithsonian Institution, Feather Identification Lab
Sarah Luttrell, Research Assistant, Smithsonian Institution, Feather Identification Lab
Ingrid Rochon, Research Assistant, Smithsonian Institution, Feather Identification Lab
4:00-5:00 TS3-Vendor Presentations 1-12 -
Welcome Reception with Exhibitors and Poster Presentations
5:15 - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 21
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U.S. Air Force Breakout Session
7 - 8 a.m.
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Registration
8 - 11:30 a.m.
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Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors
8 - 9 a.m.
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Concurrent Sessions #1
CONCURRENT SESSION 1AHousekeeping: James Laughlin, Chair, Annual Conference CommitteeModerator: Selena Creed, C.M., Senior Wildlife Biologist, Wayne County Airport Authority09:00-09:30 CS1A-P7 – Identifying Information Gaps in a Voluntary Strike Reporting System – Analysis of CLT Strike Data, 2021-2023
David J. Castaneda, Airport Wildlife Program Supervisor, Charlotte Douglas International Airport09:30-10:00 CS1A-P8 – Saratoga County Airport Off-Airport Karner Blue Butterfly and Frosted Elfin Habitat Mitigation
Thomas C. Wirickx, Senior Environmental Scientist, McFarland Johnson Inc.CONCURRENT SESSION 1B
Housekeeping: Megan Denean, Vice Chair, Annual Conference Committee
Moderator: Jeff Follett, Chief Executive Officer, Avisure
09:00-09:30 CS1B-P11 - Use of Fleet Data Analytics to Model Bird Strike Threat
Antoine Pilon, Propulsion Airworthiness & Safety Engineering Propulsion Leader, Airbus
09:30-10:00 CS1B-P12 - Avoidance Responses of Canada Geese to UASs Equipped with Onboard Lighting: Implications for Airport Hazing
Ryan Lunn, Ph.D., Candidate and Research Scientist, Purdue University -
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10 - 10:30 a.m.
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Concurrent Sessions #2
CONCURRENT SESSION 2A
Moderator : James Higgins, BASH/NATOPS Program Manager, U.S. Navy
10:30-11:00 CS2A-P9 - Effects of a Non-Lethal Chemical Repellent on Airport Bird Communities
Billy Hackett, Business Manager - Flight Control Max, Arkion® Life Sciences
11:00-11:30 CS2A-P10 - Putting it All Together: Using Incursion, Transect, Control, Opportunistic, FLIR, and Birdstrike Data to Quantify Birdstrike Risk, Develop a Management Strategy, and Monitor the Effect(s)
Laurence M. Schafer, Airport Coordinator and Staff Wildlife Biologist, USDA APHIS Wildlife ServicesCONCURRENT SESSION 2B
Moderator: John Weller, National Wildlife Biologist, Federal Aviation Administration
10:30-11:00 CS2B-P13 - Wildlife Strike Risks in Urban Air Mobility: Insights from Helicopter Operations
Taeyun Kim, Postgraduate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
11:00-11:30 CS2B-P14 - “Right on Coo”: Effective White-winged Dove Operational Avoidance at Randolph AFB, Texas
Michael A. Pacheco, Staff Biologist, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services -
Bus Loading Field Trip to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport
11:30 - 11:45 a.m.
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Field Trip: Lunch, Airport Tour, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Exhibitor Demonstrations
11:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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U.S. Navy BASH Working Group Meeting
5 - 7 p.m.
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Bird Strike Quiz Bowl
7 - 9 p.m.
Thursday, August 22
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Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors
8 - 9 a.m.
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Technical Sessions #4
Housekeeping: Megan, Vice Chair, Annual Conference Committee
Moderator: Mike Begier, National Coordinator, Airports Wildlife Hazards Program, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
09:00-09:30 TS4-P15 - Post Release Movements of 20 GPS Tagged Red-tailed Hawks Captured at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Mikki Viehoever, Wildlife Biologist, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
09:30-10:00 TS4-P16 - Post-Translocation Movements and Survivability of Hatch Year Red-tailed Hawks
Laurence M. Schafer, Airport Coordinator and Staff Wildlife Biologist, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services -
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10 - 10:30 a.m.
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Technical Sessions #5
Moderator: Ann Hodgson, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Resource Design10:30-11:00 TS5-P17 - The Legacy of the Hudson and its Impact on Wildlife Strike Reporting
Matthew Harman, Ph.D., Candidate, Resource Designs Inc. Natural Resource Research and Planning11:00-11:30 TS5-P18 - Assessing Bird Strike Likelihood at Southeastern Airports to Refine Bird Strike Risk Models
Caryn D. Ross, PhD Student, Wildlife Ecology, University of Georgia11:30-12:00 TS5-P19 - Avian Behavioral Responses to UAS Hazing Near a U.S. Part 139 Airport
Mackenzie R. Prichard, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of North Dakota -
Lunch with Exhibitors
12 - 1 p.m.
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Technical Sessions #6
Moderator: Aaron Guikema, USDA Wildlife Services
1:00-1:30 TS6-P20 - Desert Vegetation and Habitat Management on USAF Airfield
Tom Correll, Wildlife Biologist, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services1:30-2:00 TS6-P21 - Using Integrated Surveillance Technology to Improve Wildlife Strike Reporting, Response, and Mitigation
Sara A. Handrigan, Client Services Coordinator, Accipiter Radar
2:00-2:30 TS6-P22 - Broad Spectrum Sound Saturation and Bird Habitat Denial: Preliminary Results of an Acoustic Deterrent System on U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni (Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan)
Taylor Houston, BASH Program Manager, ManTech International Corporation -
Closing Remarks
2:30 - 2:45 p.m.
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BSC USA Committee Discussion
2:45 - 3:30 p.m.
Registration Fees & Deadlines
You acknowledge that in registering for and attending this AAAE event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, AAAE & BSC-USA's Duty of Care, and AAAE & BSC-USA's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
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.
2026 REGISTRATION FEES (In U.S. dollars drawn from U.S. Banks)
| On/Before June 19, 2026 |
After June 19, 2026 |
|
|---|---|---|
| All Attendees | $495 | $575 |
| One Day Only (Tues./Wed.)** | $325 | $325 |
| Students* | $195 | $195 |
*In order to receive the discounted rate, students must provide a copy of their student ID indicating full-time status and cannot be employed by an aviation industry organization. Email student ID to aaaemeetings@aaae.org with receipt of registration payment.
**One day rate seekers must download the registration form linked below.
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:
Registrations and cancellations must be submitted in writing. Cancellation requests received before Friday, July 17, 2026, are subject to a $125 processing fee and will be processed after the meeting takes place. 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 the AAAE Meetings Department at 703.824.0500 or email aaaemeetings@aaae.org. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy.
NOTE: 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 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 letters will be emailed to attendees within two weeks of 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 703.824.0500 or AAAEmeetings@aaae.org. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund.
Media Access Policy
AAAE reserves the right to grant at its sole discretion access to TV, radio and print media organizations or individuals that have registered and received prior authorization from AAAE at least 72 hours prior to an AAAE event they wish to cover. Due to the sensitive nature of some discussions, not all sessions at some AAAE events will be open to media. AAAE retains the sole right to grant or refuse media access for any event or section of an event it operates.
Hotel & Travel
Hotel Accommodations
The main conference sessions will be held at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, located at 100 Lakeside Avenue East. For your convenience, a block of rooms has been made available and all attendees will receive the government per diem rate of $159 per night (single/double). The last day to receive this discounted rate is Monday, July 13, 2026. Rooms may sell out before this date, be sure to make your reservation today! Reservations made after this date only can be honored on a space available basis at the hotel’s prevailing rates. To book your room, please use the online reservation link or call the hotel directly at 216.413.5000 and ask for the AAAE meeting rate. Cancellation of guaranteed reservations must be received 48 hours prior to arrival in order to avoid a charge equal to one night’s room and tax.
Transportation
The Hilton Cleveland Downtown is located 12 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and a taxi will take approximately 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Uber and Lyft do operate at the airport, as well as light rail, and may be less expensive. Get more information on ground transportation at CLE.
Air Travel
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been selected as the official air carriers for this meeting.
United Airlines has been selected as one of the official air carriers for this meeting. You may book online via www.united.com and enter the Offer Code ZRCE214197 in the Offer Code box or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800.426.1122 and provide the Z Code ZRCE and Agreement Code 214197. For all tickets issued through United Meetings Reservations Desk, there will be a $25 per ticket service fee collected. This fee is subject to change without notice. Such service fee is nonrefundable and applies to all itineraries, one-way or round-trip. Black-out dates apply.
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for American Association of Airport Executives. Please click here to book your flights. You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY494.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Make a Lasting Impression by Sponsoring & Exhibiting!
This conference's powerful audience includes:
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Airport employees who implement wildlife hazard management
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Military and civilian personnel responsible for airfield operations
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FAA Certification Inspectors
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FAA Environmental Protections Specialists
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FAA and Military Air Traffic Control
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USDA Wildlife Services personnel
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Consultants, contractors, and government employees involved in wildlife hazard management
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Pilots, airlines, and aviation stakeholders
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Land-use planners
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University researchers and students
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Waste management operators
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Federal, State, and Local wildlife, wetland, or natural resource managers
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Anyone interested in controlling conflicts between birds and aviation
Tabletop Exhibits
This three-day conference highlights recent developments and ideas in addressing wildlife hazards to aircraft that occur in the airport environment. As an exhibitor, you will connect with more than 300 industry experts ready and eager to learn more about your products and services.
Each tabletop comes with one complimentary registration.
Exhibit Fees (in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank) |
On or Before June 19 |
After June 19 |
|
Exhibit Table |
$2,000 |
$2,300 |
|
Additional Booth Personnel |
$475 |
$525 |
Tabletop & Sponsorship Package |
Pricing |
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Exhibit Table and Continental Breakfast Package (Co-Sponsor) |
$3,740 |
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Exhibit Table and Lunch Package (Co-Sponsor) |
$4,675 |
Sponsorship
This three-day conference highlights recent developments and ideas in addressing wildlife hazards to aircraft that occur in the airport environment. As a sponsor, you will connect with more than 300 industry experts ready and eager to learn more about your products and services.
Sponsorships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so act now before these opportunities are gone! Gain an advantage over the competition before we sell out; sign up to sponsor today.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Events
Tuesday, August 4
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Welcome Reception
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Sponsor: $3,000
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Continental Breakfast
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Co-Sponsor: $2,300
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AM Refreshment Break
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Co-Sponsor: $1,750
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Lunch w/Exhibitors
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Co-Sponsor: $3,000
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PM Refreshment Break
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Co-Sponsor: $1750
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Wednesday, August 5
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Continental Breakfast
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Co-Sponsor: $2,300
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AM Refreshment Break
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Co-Sponsor: $1,750
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Lunch w/Exhibitors
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Co-Sponsor: $3,000
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PM Refreshment Break
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Co-Sponsor: $1750
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Sponsor Items
Other Sponsorships
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Lanyards*
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Exclusive: $2,000
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Delegate Name Badges
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Exclusive: $3,000
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Note Pads & Pens*
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Exclusive: 3,000
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Wi-Fi
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Exclusive: $3,500
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Quiz Bowl
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Co-Sponsor: $2,200
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- Mobile App
- Exclusive: $2,500
*Sponsor must provide item.
Please contact Lisa C. Williams, CMP, CEM at 703.824.0500, ext. 227 with any questions about exhibiting or sponsoring.
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program
Megan Baker
Bird Strike Committee Program Chair
Registration & Hotel
Dan Reilly
703.797.2526
Nikki Kince
703.824.0500
Sponsorship & Exhibits
Lisa C. Williams, CMP, CEM
703.824.0500, ext. 227
Press & Media Inquiries
Brian Kalish
703.575.2461
