Conference Education
The 98th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition delivers a forward-looking education program designed for aviation professionals navigating growth, complexity, and change. From federal partnerships and emergency preparedness to emerging technologies, workforce challenges, and global mega-events, this year’s sessions focus on the issues shaping the future of airports.
Through interactive panels, roundtables, and case-driven discussions, attendees will hear from industry experts, peer airports, and government partners—gaining practical insights, real-world lessons, and strategies they can apply immediately.
Federal Partnerships & Regulatory Insight
Engage with federal stakeholders in sessions featuring the FAA, CBP, and TSA. These discussions explore evolving regulations, shared priorities, and collaborative approaches that support safe, efficient, and compliant airport operations.
Emergency Preparedness & Airport Response
Airport response planning goes beyond compliance—it’s about readiness when communities depend on airports most. Examine coordination, lessons learned from recent events, and how airports prepare teams to respond effectively under pressure.
Operational Readiness for Major Events
With global and national events on the horizon—including the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, and Super Bowl—airports are preparing for unprecedented demand. This session explores planning for passenger surges, increased aircraft activity, and heightened visibility while maintaining safe, everyday operations, including impacts to general aviation.
Funding, Capital, & Construction
Explore strategies for accessing capital, funding critical projects, and delivering complex construction programs while minimizing operational disruption.
Workforce & Leadership
From employee retention to leadership development, this session will address how airports are strengthening their workforce and building resilient teams for the future.
Customer Experience: Wins, Big Bets & What’s Moving the Needle
Passenger expectations are rising fast. Move beyond buzzwords to explore how airports are rethinking customer experience—from terminal design and smoother journeys to creating a true sense of place that builds trust and excitement for the future of flying.
Innovation & Emerging Technologies
Discover what’s next for airport operations, including:
- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and eVTOL infrastructure
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and decarbonization
- Cybersecurity and risk management
- Advanced ATC innovation and runway technologies
- Ramp, baggage, and AI-enabled operational solutions
- And more!
Air Service, Cargo, & Capacity Management
As airports grow, managing capacity, ground control, and airside safety becomes more complex. Explore how airports are addressing space constraints, GSE challenges, and operational impacts tied to expanding air service and cargo activity.
Using AI to Market Yourself
Discover how AI is transforming personal and airport marketing—from optimizing LinkedIn profiles and professional messaging to amplifying your story and impact in a digital-first landscape.
Touchdown to Torch Lighting – Airports, Cities, and Cultures Colliding on the World Stage
As Los Angeles prepares to welcome major global events, this session explores how airports, cities, and cultures converge—from first impressions and diplomacy to disruption and traveler expectations—revealing how collaboration helps cities not just host the world, but welcome it.
Collaboration, Legal, & Industry Support
Discussions will focus on the legal and regulatory issues impacting airports today and ahead.
