IAAE North America/Central Europe Airport Issues Conference
October 19-21, 2025 | Warsaw, Poland
Presented by
00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
About the Conference
In partnership with the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE), we are pleased to present the 28th Annual North America/Central Europe Airport Issues Conference, to be held in Warsaw, Poland, October 19-21, 2025.
As in past years, key aviation officials from throughout the region will participate in the conference, including representatives from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, and the Slovak Republic. In addition, U.S. Commercial Service officers from U.S. embassies throughout the region will participate.
Reunite with your airport, airline, and government colleagues, and come away with solid, practical information and new contacts that can help you work more efficiently, now and in the future.
Who Should Attend?
-
Airport CEOs/Directors from Central Europe, Eastern Europe, the U.S., and others with interest in these regions.
-
Government officials from the U.S., and Central and Eastern Europe
-
Airport planning, business development, marketing, and international affairs professionals
-
Airline executives
- Industry suppliers, consultants, and partners
Conference Agenda
Sunday, October 19
-
Conference Registration
7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
-
IAAE Board of Directors Meeting
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
-
Walking City Tour
12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Rhode Island Airport Corporation
-
Welcoming Reception
6 - 7 p.m.
Monday, October 20
-
Registration
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
-
Morning Coffee & Networking
9 - 10 a.m.
-
Welcome Remarks and Conference Overview
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Speakers:
Heba Gouda, Vice President, Global Operations, AAAE
Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E., IAAE Chair, Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, San Francisco International Airport
Dr. Maciej Lasek, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, The Government Plenipotentiary for the Central Communication Port (CPK) (to be invited)
Mayor of Warsaw (TBC)
Polish Civil Aviation Authority (TBD)
U.S. Embassy (to be invited)
Host Airport Representatives -Polish Airports (PPL S.A.) or Poznań Airport)
-
SESSION 1 — Panel Discussion: Development of New Airport Hubs
10:30 - 12 p.m.
This panel will explore global trends in airport infrastructure, examining the strategic decision between building new greenfield airports and modernizing existing ones. Featuring a keynote by the Government Plenipotentiary for CPK, the session will include a case study on Poland’s Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) as a model for 21st-century airport development, and assess the broader economic and mobility impacts of major aviation investments.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Marcin Dani, CFO, PPL S.A
Filip Czeenicki, Ph.D (to be invited)
CEO, CPK
Anna Midera, Ph.D ,President, Regional Airports Union Lodz Airport (to be invited)Viktor Sober, CEO, Dubrovnik Airport
Iftikhar Ahmad, P.E.
President and CEO
Rhode Island Airport Corporation
Palmi Randversson, Managing Director
KADECO, Airport City Development
Keflavik International Airport, Iceland (invited)
Peter de Leeuw, Head of Airport City Development & preliminary Chair of the Global Airport City Developer’s Network, Vienna International Airport (invited)
-
Coffee/Networking Break
12 p.m-12:30 p.m.
-
SESSION 2 — Expert Session: Geopolitical Challenges for the Aviation Sector
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
This expert session will address the far-reaching impact of geopolitical conflicts—particularly the war in Ukraine—on global aviation. Topics will include airspace restrictions, sanctions, and rerouting challenges, as well as the need for cohesive pan-European strategies. The discussion will also focus on lessons learned in crisis response and international cooperation within the aviation sector.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Florian Guillerment Director General, EASA (to be invited)
Simone R. Perez, Assistant Administrator, Affairs & Environment, FAA (to be invited)
Majdalena Jaworska- Mackowiak, Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (to be invited)
Oleksiy Dubrevskyy, CEO, Boryspil International (to be invited)
Nick Calio, CEO, Airlines for America (A4A) (to be invited) -
Networking Luncheon
1:30 - 3 p.m.
Sponsored by Birmingham Airport Authority -
SESSION 3 — Digital Transformation in Airport Management
3 - 4 p.m.
This panel will examine how airports are leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and intelligent passenger management systems to enhance operational efficiency and capacity. Experts will share practical models from both the U.S. and Europe, highlighting how digital tools are reshaping the future of airport operations and improving the overall passenger experience
Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Bader Al Aydi, Chairman, Aviation Department at PSU, Saudi Arabia
Jim Szczesniak, Director, Houston Airport System (to be invited)
Perry Miller, A.A.E., I.A.P. President & CEO,
Richmond International Airport. (invited)
Leopold Viroles, Data4Safty Program Manager, EASA (to be invited)
Sherin Dawoud, Innovation Manager,
Flughafen Munchen (to be invited)
Philipp Ahrens, Senior Vice President, Center Manager Vienna Airport (to be invited)
Federico Bonaudi (to be invited)
Director of Facililation, Parlimentary Affairs & Regional Airpor
ACI -
Networking Coffee Break
4 - 4:30 p.m.
-
SESSION 4- Civil Airports Supporting Military Operations
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, many civil and dual-use airports across the region—particularly in Poland—are increasingly supporting military flight operations. This session will explore the operational, maintenance, and coordination challenges faced by civil airports serving military missions. Industry leaders and airport operators will share practical experiences and lessons learned, offering insights into effective civil-military cooperation in times of conflict.
Moderator: Jeff Mulder, Airports Director,
Oklahoma City (OKC)
Speakers: Mark VanLoh A.A.E., CEO,
Jacksonville Aviation AuthorityRebecca Hupp, A.A.E. ,Airport Director, Boise Airport (to be invited)
Rick Crider, A.A.E., Airport Director,
Prescott Regional Airport (to be invited) -
Official Gala Dinner
7-9 p.m.
Sponsored and Hosted by the Host Airport -PPL
Tuesday, October 21
-
Registration
7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
-
Morning Coffee and Networking
9 - 9:30 a.m.
-
SESSION 5 —ESG in Aviation – A Strategy for the Future
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This session will explore how airports are integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into long-term strategy and daily operations. Panelists will discuss decarbonization efforts at U.S. airports, emerging technologies that support sustainability, and the evolving impact of EU environmental regulations—offering a comparative transatlantic perspective on building a more resilient and responsible aviation sector.
Moderator: Paulina Paga, ESG Team Leader and Plenipotentiary of the Management ,Board of Sustainabe Development
Speakers: Adam Sanock, eMBA | DBA | Member of the Management Board, Polish Airports State Enterprise (PPL S.A.)
Jan Eklund, Intramodality Strategist, Strategic Development and Innovation,
Swedavia
Greg Kelly (invited)
Executive Director
Savannah/Hilton Head International AirportGreg Bracci, Vice President, Envirosuite (invited)
ICAO Enviromantel ( TBD)
Susan Warner Dooley, AAE, IAP, Aviation Chief Commercial Officer, Port Authority of NY & NJ (invited)
Alexandre de Joybert, Director of Sustainability, ACI (to be invited) -
Networking Coffee Break
10:30 - 11 a.m.
-
SESSION 6 — Financial Panel
11 a.m. :12:30 p.m.
This session will explore innovative financing models for airport infrastructure, with a focus on global experiences in public-private partnerships (PPPs), access to EU funding, and the role of private capital in aviation. Speakers will also highlight forward-looking strategies for financing green infrastructure, offering U.S. and European perspectives on sustainable investment approaches in a changing regulatory and economic environment.
Moderator: TBD
Speakers: Kevin Bumen, A.A.E., C.A.E., Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, San Francisco International Airport
Tom Mockett, Director Global Aviation Strategy, NACO (Royal HaskoningDHV) Netherlands Airport (Invited)Lance Lyttle, CEO, The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO, VINCI Airports (to be invited)
Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, The European Commission. (to be invited)
Oliver Jankovec, Director General
Airports Council International - ACI EUROPE (to be invited) -
SESSION 7— The Future of Airports in a Dynamically Changing World
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
This final session will reflect on the key themes and insights from the conference while addressing the evolving challenges and strategic priorities facing airports over the next decade. It will conclude with remarks from the organizers and a forward-looking discussion on how the global aviation community can adapt, innovate, and lead in a rapidly changing environment.
Moderator: Bader Al Aydi
Chairman of Aviation Department
Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia
Speaker: Robert Kennedy, President & CEO, Denver International Airport (to be invited)
Augustin de Romanet, Chairman & CEO
Groupe ADP (Paris Airports) (to be invited)
Łukasz Chaberski, CEO, PPL S.A. (to be invited) -
Conference Adjournment and Invitation to the 2026 Conference
1:30 p.m.
-
Networking Luncheon
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Jacksonville Aviation Authority
-
Airport Tour — Technical Site Visits
3 – 6 p.m.
Warsaw Chopin Airport or CPK Development Site
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's Duty of Care, and AAAE's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
2025 REGISTRATION FEES
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.
| On/Before September 6, 2025 |
After September 6, 2025 |
|
|---|---|---|
| IAAE/AAAE Member | $780 USD (~€695*) | $880 USD (~€784*) |
| Non-Member | $880 USD (~€784*) | $980 USD (~€873*) |
| Exhibit Tabletop Additional Personnel | $495 USD (~€441*) | $550 USD (~€490*) |
| Guest** | $300 USD (~€267*) | $350 USD (~€312*) |
*Exact Euro amount will be determined by your individual bank at time payment is processed. Fees are charged in U.S. dollars. Registrant responsible for any foreign transaction fee.
**Guest refers to a spouse, significant other, or personal friend, NOT a business associate or staff colleague affiliated with the aviation industry. Guest registration provides access to the welcome reception and evening event only.
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.
Accredited Airport Executives:
The course is worth 12 credits in the AAAE Continuing Airport Management Education Unit (CEU) program.
Cancellation Policy:
Registrations, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing. All cancellation requests for registrations received on or before Friday, October 3, 2025, 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.
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 703.824.0504 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.
Photo/Video Disclaimer:
By registering for and attending any AAAE event, you agree that your image may be used at any time, without further notification, for printed materials, web sites, social media and other marketing purposes.
Hotel & Travel
Hotel Accommodations
Tentative: Sofitel Warsaw Victoria
Please check back for updates.
Travel
Traveling to Poland from outside the country? Be sure the check visa requirements and apply early!
Airline Information
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been selected as the official air carriers for this meeting. When booking United, refer to the offer code ZQ59414458. When booking Delta, refer to meeting code NY3L2.
United Airlines has been selected as one of the official air carriers for this meeting. United Airlines is pleased to offer discounts of 2% to 10% off published fares. Save an additional 3% by booking your own reservations at www.united.com. Choose your flight times, and access your meeting discounts by inserting ZQ59414458 in the Promotions and Certificates Offer Code box. Or Call your travel professional or United Meetings at 800.426.1122 for reservations. Refer to Z Code ZQ59 and Agreement Code: 414458.
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, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY3L2.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Ground Transportation
Check back for ground transportation information.
Make a Lasting Impression by Sponsoring!
This conference is designed to provide business executives with an edge in developing meaningful working relationships in the U.S./Central European airport/aviation market. Increase your company's visibility by sponsoring. You will be demonstrating your company's dedication to promoting excellence through education with your target audience.
Don't see an event or option that meets your needs? Contact Heba Gouda to discuss other alternatives.
Sponsor Benefits:
-
Listing as an exclusive sponsor of conference event
-
Thank-you signage prominently displayed
-
Verbal recognition during the program
-
Advance and final roster in Excel
-
Listing on AAAE mobile app during conference
-
Speaking Opportunities
Thank you to Our 2025 Sponsors!
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program:
Heba Gouda
+1.703.797.2545
Registration & Hotel:
Stephanie Santini, CMP, DES
+1.703.797.2558
Sponsorship:
Heba Gouda
+1.703.797.2545
Press & Media Inquiries:
Brian Kalish
+1.703.575.2461
