36th Annual
Finance & Administration Conference
January 29-31, 2025 | Port Charlotte, FL
Presented in Partnership with
Hosted by:
The countdown to this event is over!
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About the Conference
Looking for the latest trends shaping airport finance? Seeking insight on key administrative issues? Our annual Finance & Administration Conference provides that information and more! Join us in Port Charlotte, Florida, January 29-31, for a robust program on the key topics you need to stay abreast of key finance and administration trends.
Given the ever-changing set of challenges in the realms of finance and administration, airport professionals need new ways of thinking in order to fulfill core airport management roles while remaining fiscally effective. Join your airport colleagues to discuss strategies for focusing on the present while planning for the future at this industry-leading conference. Presented in partnership with the Southeast Chapter AAAE, this is the year's only conference that focuses solely on airport finance and administration issues.
To get a sense of who will be in attendance, see the full list of the airports that participated in 2024.
Conference Agenda
Agenda subject to change. Please check back for updates.
Wednesday, January 29
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Registration
12:30 - 6 p.m.
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AAAE Finance & Administration Committee Meeting
1 - 1:50 p.m.
Committee Update: Tara Summerlin, ACE (Committee Chair), Assistant Director of Airports, City of Oklahoma City
Washington Update
Justin Barkowski, Vice President - Regulatory Affairs, AAAE -
Airport Finance 101
2 - 5 p.m.
Included in CPE credit total
Objective: To provide participants with a comprehensive overview of finance specific to airports.
This session will provide an overview of the regulatory and business framework for airport finance, including relevant federal policies; capital program funding sources and project eligibility; airport revenue bond financing; airline rates and charges methodologies; and airline and other key tenant agreements.
Speakers:
Gisela Shanahan, Managing Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC
Nora Richardson, Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC
Matt Townsend, Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC
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Rating Agency Speed Dating
3 - 5 p.m.
(Separate sign-up required to secure you time slot(s). Contact Holly Ackerman at holly.ackerman@aaae.org)
Thinking about re-entering the bond market? Want to update the rating agencies on where your airport stands? Considering obtaining a new rating from a different agency?
Representatives from Fitch, Kroll/KBRA and Moody's will join us for meetings at the conference hotel. Get the information you need from the rating analysts, including their latest perspective on the critical credit issues for the airport sector. These meetings offer you an opportunity speak one on one with analysts regarding your airport's outlook for traffic and financial recovery and to ask your burning questions. -
SEC-AAAE Board Meeting
3 - 5 p.m.
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Welcome Reception
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Newton and Associates, and FAAC Technologies
Thursday, January 30
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Registration
7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Breakfast with Exhibitors
7:15- 8:15 a.m.
Sponsored by Flash Parking and AMCG
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:15 - 8:30 a.m.
Speakers:
Holly Ackerman, Associate Vice President, Global Operations, AAAE
Ethan Croop, A.A.E., (Conference Committee Chair), Senior Manager - Maintenance Administration, Lee County Port Authority
Robert Hancik, A.A.E., Board Chairman, Punta Gorda Airport official (TBD)
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General Session 1: Industry Update
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Join us for a session outlining the latest insights from industry experts on critical trends and developments impacting airports. This session will cover key issues shaping the future of the aviation industry.
Moderator:
Matt Townsend, Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC
Speakers:
Seth Lehman, Managing Director, Fitch
Tom Cai, Director, Bank of America
Caldwell Kerr , Director, RICONDO
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General Session 2: Bond Issuance A-Z
9:55 - 10:45 a.m.
Moderator:
Brian Drake, Associate Vice President, Unison Consulting
Speakers:
John Gillen, Director, Unison Consulting
Matthew Jiang, Director of Public Finance Investment Banking, Bank of American
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Networking Break with Exhibitors
10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
Sponsored by Cherry Bekeart
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Concurrent Sessions I
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
CS 1: Key Considerations for Your Next Major Airport Construction Project
This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the top 10 considerations for managing large-scale ($50 million-$100 million projects). The discussion will emphasize the importance of robust project planning and governance in accordance with operational/political landscape, the necessity of a strong procurement strategy delivery methods to secure the right team players, and the critical role of effective project controls, communication, and reporting throughout the program. Additionally, the session will address various challenging aspects of extensive projects, offering practical strategies to navigate these complexities successfully. This is an essential session for professionals seeking to enhance their project management skills and ensure the success of their capital projects.
Speakers:
Andy Fountain, Principal, Plante Moran
Gregory P. VanKirk, CPA, Partner, Plante Moran
CS 2: Building the Future: Strategic Approaches to Workforce Development
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Networking Lunch
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Sponsored by Plante Moran and FLCLASS
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Concurrent Sessions II
2-2:50 p.m.
CS 3: General Aviation Roundtable
CS 4: Innovative Financial Models
Speakers:
Gisela Shanahan, Managing Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC
Robert “Bob” Campbell, A.A.E., CFO, Wilmington (N.C.) Airport
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General Session 3: Administering AI at Airports
2:55 - 3:45 p.m.
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Networking Break with Exhibitors
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
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General Session 4: CFO/Airline Roundtable
4:15-5:30 p.m.
Speakers:
Basil Dosunmu, CFO, Richmond International Airport
Damian Brooke, CFO, Tampa International Airport
Jeremy Brandon, Airport Affairs at Delta Air Lines
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Evening Event
6 - 9 p.m.
Hosted and sponsored by Punta Gorda Airport, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Naples Airport Authority
Dress is casual.
Friday, January 31
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Registration
7:15 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Breakfast with Exhibitors
8-8:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
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General Session 5: FAA Update
8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Moderator:
Barry Molar, Director, Unison Consulting
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Concurrent Sessions III
9:55 - 10:45 a.m.
Session 5: Customer Experience (GA to Large Hub airports)
This session brings together airport leaders from GA facilities to Large Hubs to share strategies for balancing exceptional customer experience with revenue generation. Explore practical solutions, innovative practices, and common challenges to enhance customer satisfaction while achieving financial goals.
Moderator:
Cameron Sidor, C.M., A.C.E., Business Development Manager, Birmingham Airport Authority
Speakers:Travis Crilly, A.A.E., Vice President, Commercial Development, Lexington Blue Grass
Jeffery Taylor, Senior Properties Administrator, Jacksonville Airport Authority
GOAA representative
Session 6: Rates and Charges (Rates by Ordinance)This session will delve into the intricacies of setting airport rates and charges in the absence of an agreement by ordinance, examining how airports can establish transparent, equitable, and legally compliant pricing structures. Attendees will learn about key rate-making principles and hear from airport panelists who have implemented rates by ordinance at their airports. Experts will share insights into rates and charges structure to support long-term financial sustainability while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and airport business goals as well as ratings and credit implications. This session is ideal for airport professionals seeking practical approaches to managing airport fees, leases, and tenant relationships effectively.
Speakers:
Ursula Cassinerio, Analyst, Moody's
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Networking Break
10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
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General Session 6: Cybersecurity
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speaker:
Terrence McGraw, CEO, Cape Endeavors Inc.
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Networking Lunch
12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Sponsored by Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
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Concurrent Sessions IV
2-3:15 p.m.
Session 7: Impacts of Reauthorization on F&A Roles
Session 8: Leveraging Catchment Area Analysis and Marketing Strategies in Air Service
DevelopmentSpeakers:
Anthony Gilmer, Vice President of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing, Louisville Regional Airport Authority -
Networking Break with Exhibitors
3:15 - 3:45 p.m.
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Hub Size/Topic Breakouts
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Breakout specifics TBD.
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Closing Remarks
4:15-4:30 p.m.
Breakout specifics TBD.
Registration Fees and Deadlines
You acknowledge that in registering for and attending this AAAE event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, AAAE Duty of Care, and AAAE's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
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.
2025 REGISTRATION FEES
On/Before December 13, 2024 |
After December 13, 2024 |
|
---|---|---|
AAAE/Southeast Chapter Member | $640 | $740 |
Non-Member | $845 | $945 |
Student Rate* | $400 | $400 |
*Must be currently enrolled as a full-time student. Copy of student ID may be requested.
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, January 10, 2025, 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 703.824.0500 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
Hotel Accommodations
All conference sessions will be held at the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, located at 5500 Sunseeker Way, Port Charlotte, Florida. For your convenience, a block of rooms has been made available and all attendees will receive a rate of $259 per night (single/double), which is inclusive of the $30 resort fee. The last day to receive this discounted rate is Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Rooms may sell out before this date, be sure to make your reservation today! Reservations made after this date only can be honored on a space available basis at the hotel’s prevailing rates. To book your room, use the "book online" button below or call the hotel directly at 1-833-914-7300 and refer to the AAAE group.
As of 12/17/2024 - Standard Hotel Rooms are sold out within the room block, but there are still Suite options available at discounted rates.
Additional Hotel Options:
- Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside (1.5 miles from Sunseeker - rooms starting at $282 a night)
- Springhill Suites Punta Gorda Harborside (1.5 miles from Sunseeker - rooms starting at $312 a night)
- Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (1.6 miles from from Sunseeker - rooms starting at $177 a night)
Transportation
The Sunseeker Resort at Charlotte Harbor is accessible by several airports.
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is located 5.5 miles away and is approximately a 15 minute drive. Ground transportation for PGD can be found here.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located 57 miles away and is approximately a 1-hour drive. Ground transportation for SRQ can be found here.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located 45 miles away and is approximately a 45 minute drive. Ground transportation for RSW can be found here.
Parking at Sunseeker
Self-Parking and Valet Parking is available at the resort. Self Parking is $4 per hour, up to 5 hours. Anything after 5 hours is considered a full day and is $25 per day. Valet Parking is $16 per hour, up to 8 hours, and $32 for overnight. Additional information can be found here.
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 TBD.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Make a Lasting Impression:
Sponsor or Exhibit!
To reserve your sponsorship or tabletop exhibit, please submit a sponsorship contract or exhibit contract. Don't see an opportunity that meets your needs? Contact Holly Ackerman to discuss additional options.
Sponsor Levels
Chair's Club - $4,500
Listed as a sponsor in the meeting app
Pre-show roster
Ad and video in meeting app
3 complimentary registrations
Logo on meeting website with link to company website
Tabletop display in registration/break area
President's Club - $3,500
Listed as a sponsor in the meeting app
Pre-show roster
Ad in meeting app
2 complimentary registrations
Logo on meeting website with link to company website
Directors' Club - $2,800
Listed as a sponsor in the meeting app
Pre-show roster
1 complimentary registration
Logo on meeting website
Members' Club - $1,800
Listed as a sponsor in the meeting app
Pre-show roster
Airport Angel - $500 (airports only)
Listed as a sponsor in the meeting app
CPEs
The delivery method is group live and the program level is basic. No prerequisites or advance preparation are required. This course provides up to 18 CPEs Business Management & Organization. Program content is current as of the start date of the course.
The American Association of Airport Executives 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: www.nasbaregistry.org.
For more information, contact Holly Ackerman.
For all inquiries regarding complaints, cancellations, refunds, and substitutions, please contact the AAAE Meetings Department at 703.824.0504 or email AAAEmeetings@aaae.org.
RECORD RETENTION: AAAE retains records for five years for this conference. 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.
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program, Sponsorship, & CPEs
Holly Ackerman
703.578.2507
Registration & Hotel Info
Samantha Wittie
571.560.1854
Press & Media Inquiries
Brian Kalish
703.575.2461