ACT | SYR Innovation Event
Presented in Partnership with:
The countdown to this event is over!
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About the Event
AAAE’s Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) will host its second 2026 Innovation Engagement at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (KSYR).
One of the key ways AAAE’s innovation program, ACT, is bringing the airport community together is by creating opportunities for members to experience innovative technologies up close, in real-world environments.
Airports across the country are navigating similar challenges—working to innovate while also trying to better understand the emerging technologies their peers are implementing. ACT’s “airport open house” concept is designed to support that shared learning and collaboration.

Why This Engagement Matters
Airports are at the forefront of integrating emerging aviation technologies, and this engagement provides a unique opportunity to see how operational, military, and innovation ecosystems intersect in real time. By bringing together airport leadership, industry partners, and operators, this session highlights how collaboration can accelerate the deployment of advanced air mobility (AAM) and related capabilities. Participants will gain valuable insight into how SYR and its partners are positioning themselves as a testbed for future aviation operations.
What You’ll Learn
Participants will gain insight into:
- How Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is advancing its strategy to support emerging aviation technologies
- The role of NUAIR and Central New York in enabling UAS and AAM operations
- Key infrastructure and operational considerations for integrating new aviation entrants
- How military, airport, and industry stakeholders are collaborating on shared airspace and mission objectives
- Lessons learned from real-world implementation efforts that can be applied to your airport
Innovation in Action
- This session goes beyond discussion by showcasing innovation firsthand. Participants will engage directly with operational environments through rotating group sessions, including the NUAIR Operations Center and SYR-led initiatives. The experience continues on the airfield with live aircraft fly-ins and a 174th ATW mission briefing, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how emerging technologies and traditional aviation operations coexist and evolve together.
Who Should Attend
- Airport executives and senior leadership
- Operations, planning, and engineering professionals
- Innovation and sustainability leads
- Airside and safety personnel
- Industry partners supporting airport infrastructure, technology, and operations
- Stakeholders interested in AAM, UAS, and advanced aviation integration
Tuesday, April 21
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:00-9:45 am ET
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Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) Briefing, John Walsh Conference Room
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Rotating Group Sessions
9:45-11:15 am ET
- NUAIR Operations Center
- Central New York (CNY) Capabilities
- SYR Initiatives
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Lunch and 174th ATW Mission Briefing
11:15-12:00 pm ET
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Transition from Meeting Room to Ramp
12:15-12:30 pm ET
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Aircraft Fly-Ins (Participants TBD)
12:45-1:45 pm ET
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Break and Return to Meeting Room
1:45 – 2:00 pm ET
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Wrap-Up and Open Discussion
2:00-3:00 pm ET
(Time reserved for OEM presentations, if applicable)
Event Agenda (As of 4/13/2026)
Click below to view the full agenda. Please check back for updates.
Registration
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.
Please note, registration for this event is exclusively available to members of our Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT). With questions about your organization's membership status, please contact Jeremy Valcich, C.M., ACE, IACE, Director, Innovation Programs.
Registration Fees
| ACT Members |
|
$150 |
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, May 8, 2026, are subject to a $150 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
SYR staff has recommended the following hotel option for attendees:
SYR staff has secured a block of 20 rooms for Wednesday, May 20. You can access the booking link for the $165.00 rate here. The hotel block is open through April 30. After that date, any unused rooms will be released.DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Syracuse
6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse, NY, 13057



