AAAE/Unison Consulting, Inc. CIP Planning & Finance Workshop

December 1-3, 2026 | Knoxville, TN

About the Workshop

Over the past 18 years, this workshop has brought together aviation industry professionals to share their experiences and insights on effective planning and financing of airport capital improvement projects in a continually evolving business environment.

The workshop agenda covers a range of topics:

State of the U.S. economy and the U.S. aviation industry
U.S. capital markets airport sector update
U.S. airport credit rating Q&A
AIP, PFC, and CARES Act program updates
CIP planning and financing: strategic perspectives
Educational sessions on market analysis, activity forecasting, planning, and financial feasibility analysis and planning

The workshop provides the opportunity to review developments from the past year, draw lessons, and discuss strategies to respond to emerging trends and challenges like inflation, high interest rates, tight labor market, slowing economy, ESG mandates, regulatory compliance, new technologies, and new passenger demands.

Mark your calendars and join us for informative discussions and networking with industry peers.

Workshop Objective

To enable participants to identify, evaluate, and apply key principles of capital improvement program (CIP) planning, funding, and financial management, including capital market considerations, federal funding mechanisms, and project delivery strategies, in order to support effective long-term infrastructure planning and financial decision-making at airports.

Workshop Description

This workshop provides airport finance and planning professionals with a structured examination of the strategies and practices used to develop, fund, and manage airport capital improvement programs. Participants will review economic and industry factors influencing capital planning, as well as capital market conditions, credit rating considerations, and funding sources including FAA programs and federal financing tools.

Instructional sessions will address topics such as CIP funding strategies, innovative project delivery methods, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of passenger experience considerations into capital planning. Additional discussions will explore public outreach, financial planning approaches, and executive-level perspectives on CIP implementation. Through real-world examples and expert-led discussions, participants will develop practical knowledge to support effective capital planning, financial sustainability, and informed decision-making.

	On/Before October 16, 2026	After October 16, 2026
AAAE Member	$625	$725
Non-Member	$725	$825

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, November 13, 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 703.824.0504 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 703.824.0504 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.

Hotel Accommodations

For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG. AAAE attendees will receive a rate of $139 per night (queen) plus taxes which are currently 9% city tax and 9.25% state tax. King rooms are available at the group rate of $159 per night plus taxes. Rates will be available 3 days prior and 3 days after the event dates, subject to availability. The last day to receive this discounted rate is Monday, November 9, 2026. Rooms may sell out before this date, so be sure to make your reservation today!

All individual guest reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card at the time of booking. You must cancel your reservation before 6:00 pm (EST) at least one day prior to your arrival. If you cancel in fewer than 24 hours prior to arrival or are a no-show, your credit card will be charged for one night’s room and tax.

AAAE does not contract with third parties to make hotel reservations, and you should only provide your credit card information directly to the hotel. Always ask about the AAAE block rate when making your reservation with the hotel. Reservations made with unauthorized third-party companies are not valid reservations. In the event that you book rooms through any such organization, AAAE will not be able to assist you should rooms be unavailable upon your arrival at the hotel. If you receive any of these calls or have any questions, please contact Amy Peters, AAAE, at 703.797.2558.

All conference programming, unless otherwise noted, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG, located at 401 W Summit Hill Dr SW, Knoxville, TN, 37902.

Telephone: +1 865-522-2600

Transportation

The Westin Long Beach is located approximately 6 miles from the Long Beach Municipal Airport, approximately 22 miles from the Los Angeles International Airport, and approximately 23 miles from the John Wayne Airport - Orange County. You can view ground transportation options on the airport websites or alternatively, Transportation Network Companies (TNC) such as Uber and Lyft do operate at the airports.

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 ZQ59414458 in the Offer Code box or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800.426.1122 and provide the Z Code ZQ59 and Agreement Code 414458. 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.

Transportation

Ground Transportation

The hotel is located about 14 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport and around an 18-27 minute drive via tax or rideshare, depending on traffic.

Uber & Lyft

The ride sharing pick-up location is located outside on the lower level of the terminal building. As you exit the building, the pick-up location will be directly to the right. Directional signs are available to assist passengers looking for their ride share vehicle.

Taxis and Charters

The taxi pick-up area is located outside on the north side of the terminal and is accessible from the baggage claim.

Air Travel

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been selected as the official air carriers for this meeting.

United Airlines

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 NY4AV.

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

We’re thrilled to have you join us, and we'd love your help in sharing the excitement. Whether you're a speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, or attendee, your voice plays a key role in building momentum for this year's event. To make it easy, we've put together social media graphics to promote your participation. Here, you'll find a variety of downloadable graphics to share on social media.

Ready to get started? Right-click on the graphic you want, click Open Image in New Tab, and save the photo. If you'd rather use Canva to add your photo and information, click the button below to access the template.

When you post on social media, be sure to tag @aaaedelivers on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X!

AAAE is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: nasbaregistry.org. Delivery method is group live, recommended field of study is business management and organization. Program level is basic, no advance preparation is required, and there are no prerequisites. Program content is current as of the start date of the course.

For all inquiries regarding complaints, cancellations, refunds, and substitutions, please contact the AAAE Meetings Department at 703.824.0504 or email AAAEmeetings@aaae.org.

Estimated CPE credits: 12 hours

Record Retention

AAAE retains records for 5 years for these workshops. These records include: Program outline/materials, records of participation, date and location of presentations, number of credits earned by participants, results of program evaluation, instructors, discussion leaders' or program authors' names and credentials.

AAAE/Unison Consulting, Inc. CIP Planning & Finance Workshop

About the Workshop

Workshop Objective

Workshop Description

Conference Agenda

Registration Fees and Deadlines

2026 REGISTRATION FEES

Cancellation Policy

Media Access Policy

Hotel & Travel

Hotel Accommodations

Transportation

Air Travel

Transportation

Ground Transportation

Air Travel

CPE Information

Record Retention

Contact Information

AAAE/Unison Consulting, Inc. CIP Planning & Finance Workshop

About the Workshop

Workshop Objective

Workshop Description

Conference Agenda

Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Wednesday, December 2 - Economic, Capital-Market, and Funding Environment

Thursday, December 3 - Air Cargo, Capital-Program Delivery, and Executive Perspectives

Registration Fees and Deadlines

2026 REGISTRATION FEES

Cancellation Policy

Media Access Policy

Hotel & Travel

Hotel Accommodations

Transportation

Air Travel

Transportation

Ground Transportation

Air Travel

Social Media Kit

CPE Information

Record Retention

Contact Information