Emerging Leaders Conference
January 27-29, 2026 | Virtual
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About the Conference
Our Young Professionals (YoPro) Committee provides career development, networking, and educational opportunities for the next generation of airport professionals. As the premier event of the year for young professionals in aviation, the Emerging Leaders Conference offers a unique, three-day virtual experience where participants can engage in all three of these core initiatives. We invite all ambitious aviation young professionals to join us this upcoming January for the committee’s seventh annual conference, and take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to grow and connect.
Conference Agenda
Click below for the agenda. Please check back often for updates.
Tuesday, January 27
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Opening Keynote
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. ET
Join AAAE President & CEO Todd Hauptli as he shares his vision for the Association’s 100th Anniversary and what the next century of airport leadership demands. Todd will highlight how emerging leaders can grow into strong airport professionals and why YoPros play a vital role in shaping the industry’s future. Expect a candid, energizing look at where we’re headed—and how you can help steer the course. -
Session 1: Curb Your Chaos: Taming the Wild World of Airport Curbside and Parking
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Welcome to the curbside jungle—where AVs, EVs, Ubers, Lyfts, rental cars, and transit options all compete for space, attention, and a shot at your passengers. As mobility technologies evolve faster than a rideshare surge price, airports are facing a new frontier of disruption and opportunity. This session will explore how airports are using data analytics, policy frameworks, and infrastructure design to anticipate and manage emerging mobility disruptors while maintaining safety, flow, and customer satisfaction. -
Session 2: Cleared for Collaboration: Building Influence Across Generations in Aviation
2:15-3:15 p.m. ET
In today’s multigenerational workplace, success is not about managing differences. It is about recognizing the value each generation brings and finding ways to work together effectively. This session will explore how young professionals can integrate into diverse teams, collaborate across career stages, and build influence with colleagues ranging from Gen Z to Baby Boomers. Through a panel discussion featuring professionals at early, mid, and late stages of their careers, attendees will gain practical insights into fostering respect, improving communication, and driving innovation through generational collaboration. -
Session 3: Unleash Your Data Superpowers: Power BI for Emerging Leaders
3:30-4:30 p.m. ET
Are you an ambitious young professional eager to lead a meaningful project that gets noticed? This session is your blueprint. We’ll demonstrate how emerging leaders across airports of all sizes are bypassing common roadblocks—like limited budgets or IT bandwidth—to deliver powerful operational solutions using data analytic tools, like Power BI. This isn’t just about learning a tool; it’s about taking ownership of a critical business need and solving it with creativity. Through real-world examples, you’ll discover how to:- Solve a Real Problem: Turn complex budgeting or operational pain points into elegant, automated dashboards.
- Build Your Career: Position yourself as a data-driven leader with a high-visibility project.
- Deliver Value: Transform raw data into reliable, real-time insights—without a million-dollar software investment.
Wednesday, January 28
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Networking & Conversation
12:15-12:45 p.m. ET
Start your day with connection! Join us for a 30-minute networking session before the first session of the day to meet fellow attendees in smaller breakout rooms. We'll kick things off with a fun icebreaker or thought-provoking topic to spark conversations and help you build valuable connections in the aviation industry. -
Session 4: Game Day Ready: Airport & Partner Preparedness for the World's Biggest Events
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
When the world comes to your city, the airport is the first and last impression. Whether it is the Super Bowl, Olympics, Kentucky Derby, or World Cup, large-scale regional events bring unique operational challenges (and opportunities) for airports and their industry partners. This session will highlight how airports, airlines, TSA, CBP, tenants, and local agencies coordinate months, sometimes years, in advance to manage the surge in passengers, media, and VIP movements. Panelists will also discuss how data analytics and predictive modeling play an increasingly critical role in planning - helping airports anticipate peak demand, optimize resource deployment, and enhance real-time decision-making. Speakers will share lessons learned in planning, stakeholder coordination, and communication strategies that ensure safety, efficiency, and a positive passenger experience during high-visibility events. -
Session 5: Strategic Investments: Strategic Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) in Practice
2:15-3:15 p.m. ET
Examine how U.S. airports are adopting models long used internationally. Speakers will compare governance approaches, discuss successes and challenges, and share case studies from airports experimenting with P3 projects. -
Session 6: The Future of Aviation - Developing the Next Generation of Airport Professionals
3:30-4:30 p.m. ET
A forward-looking session on the evolving skills airports need, helping young professionals make an impact with the legacy they wish to leave behind. This session will help young professionals think strategically about preparing for the future and how their work can shape and impact the future of the industry.
Thursday, January 29
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Networking & Conversation
12:00-12:30 p.m. ET
Start your day with connection! Join us for a 30-minute networking session before the first session of the day to meet fellow attendees in smaller breakout rooms. We'll kick things off with a fun icebreaker or thought-provoking topic to spark conversations and help you build valuable connections in the aviation industry. -
Session 7: Airport Technology Lightning Round
1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
Discover how airports are leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance safety, accessibility, and operational resiliency. In this lightning round, our panelists will share insights on the processes and steps that they undertook to implement solutions at their airport. -
Session 8: Airport Readiness for AAM
2:15-3:15 p.m. ET
As Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) moves from concept to implementation, airports play a critical role in enabling this new mode of transportation. This session explores what “readiness” means for airports of different sizes and types, covering infrastructure planning, charging and energy requirements, and community engagement. Speakers will share lessons learned from early feasibility studies and outline practical steps airports can take today to prepare for AAM operations in the coming years. -
Session 9: Leading the Future of Flights: Voices from the Top
3:30-4:30 p.m. ET
The aviation industry is undergoing rapid transformation - shaped by technology, sustainability, and a new generation of leaders. In this candid panel discussion, you'll hear directly from industry executives as they discuss pivotal moments in their careers, the skills that matter most, navigating challenges and opportunities in a changing aviation landscape, and their advice for emerging professionals who want to make an impact in the skies and beyond.
Registration 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.
If you would like assistance with registration, please contact member.services@aaae.org.
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.
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 by email.
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 AAAEmeetings@aaae.org.
AAAE Media Access Policy:
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) reserves the right to grant at their 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. Please direct all inquiries to Brian Kalish.
Aviation Emerging Leaders
Natalie Pavelock, C.M.
Jacobs
Earned August 2022
Shon L. Dempsey, A.A.E., ACE
Frederick Municipal Airport
Earned August 2023
Matthew C. Parker, C.M., ACE
DM AIRPORTS, LTD.
Earned August 2023
Chasen Congreves, C.M.
Pease Development Authority
Earned August 2023
David Montiverdi, C.M., A.M.F.
Avports - ALB
Earned August 2023
Joshua Cobb, C.M.
Portland International Jetport
Earned August 2023
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program Information
Jennifer Richards
703.575.2479
Registration Information
Allie Selznick
703.575.2468
