General Aviation Conference
August 4-6, 2024 | Renton, Washington
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About the Conference
We are pleased to host the General Aviation (GA) Conference from August 4-6, 2024, in Renton, WA.
This annual gathering of industry stakeholders focuses on tackling the most challenging issues facing general aviation today and analyzing current trends to help airports better prepare for the future. The interactive format of the sessions will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss and debate a variety of issues vital to general aviation.
Attendees should expect a robust agenda of informative sessions, with highly respected speakers from throughout the general aviation community. Topics to be discussed during the conference program include: the state of the general aviation industry; the latest on key legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry; emerging trends in GA infrastructure development; updates and case studies on transitioning to unleaded avgas at your airport; opportunities and challenges for airports that manage their own FBOs; and much more. Sessions will also cover how airports can navigate an ever-changing business aviation industry and effectively manage relationships with partners and local communities.
Who Should Attend?
- Airport directors
- GA airport employees
- FBO owners and managers
- Corporate and business operators
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Pilots
- Students
- Other members of the GA industry
Keynote Speaker
As the Vice President of Global Partnerships, Dan leads Wisk’s global regulatory initiatives and business partnerships. Working with regulators, policy-makers, and industry partners, Dan is a key contributor to driving Wisk’s strategic efforts to bring our self-flying air taxi to the sky. Prior to joining Wisk, Dan served as Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Airspace Systems, Inc. and as a visiting scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dan has also held a variety of engineering and leadership roles at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the U.S. Department of Energy. As a commercially-rated pilot, Dan has a passion for innovation in the aerospace industry and enjoys flying drones, land and seaplanes, as well as teaching the next generations about the wonders of flight. Dan holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
Click below for full agenda. Subject to change. Please check back for updates.
Unless otherwise noted, all events will be held at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington.
Sunday, August 4
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Blue Angels Airshow Viewing Event
2:45 - 4:35 p.m.
BFI invites attendees to view the Blue Angels take off from their runway as they head out to participate in the annual Sea Fair Air Show (over Lake Washington) and watch them return. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event. Attendees interested in attending the Air Show at Lake Washington can visit seafair.org/seafairairshow for ticket information.
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Registration
4 - 6 p.m.
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Welcome Reception
5 - 6 p.m.
*Registration and Welcome Reception will be held at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington
Monday, August 5
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Continental Breakfast and Networking
7:45 - 8:40 a.m.
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Welcome and Introductions
8:40 - 9 a.m.
Speakers:
Megan Eisenstein, Associate Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, AAAE
Gary P. Mascaro, C.M., C.A.E., Aviation Director, Scottsdale Airport and AAAE General Aviation Committee Chair
Rick Crider, A.A.E., Airport Director, Prescott Regional Airport and AAAE Chair
Todd Hauptli, President & CEO, AAAE
Lorraine Patterson-Harris, Director of the Department of Executive Services (DES), King County
David Decoteau, Airport Deputy Director, King County International Airport
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Session #1: State of the GA Industry
9 - 10:15 a.m.
Industry leaders and experts will discuss the state of the GA industry and the latest hot topics, including FAA reauthorization, trends in GA activity, infrastructure development, environmental priorities, safety, and emerging technologies, among many others.
Moderator: David Benner, Managing Principal, AMCG
Speakers:
Justin Barkowski, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, AAAE
Curt Castagna, C.M., President & CEO, NATA
Alex Gertsen, CAM, C.M., ACE, Director, Airports and Ground Infrastructure, NBAA
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Refreshment and Networking Break
10:15 - 10:45 a.m.
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Session #2: Navigating Non-Aeronautical Land Use and Alternative Funding Options
10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Gain a better understanding of how to get the most of existing funding opportunities, the processes, and best practices for managing non-aeronautical land use projects.
Moderator: Kenneth Moen, A.A.E., C.A.E., Special Projects Manager, Armstrong Consultants, A Lochner Company
Speakers:
Lawrence J. Krauter, A.A.E., AICP, FRAes, CEO, Spokane Airport System
Brian M. Werst, General Counsel, Spokane International Airport
Kory Lewis, Principal, Coffman Associates
David Chudzik, Senior Vice President | Valuation Advisory Services, Kidder Mathews
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Keynote Luncheon
12 - 1:15 p.m.
Dan Dalton, Vice President, Global Partnerships, Wisk
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Session #3: Understanding and Managing the Transition to Unleaded Avgas
1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
Last year’s EPA endangerment finding has raised questions for airports about unleaded avgas. This session will cover the latest updates on ongoing industry efforts to transition from traditional 100LL to unleaded avgas and cover case studies to help your airport manage the issue in your community.
Moderator: Curt Castagna, C.M., President & CEO, National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
Speakers:
Maria DiPasquantonio, Deputy Director, Office of Senior Technical Experts, Aviation Safety, Aircraft Certification Service, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
David Ulane, A.A.E., FRAeS, Director, Aeronautics Division, Colorado Department of Transportation
Wesley Earl, Director, Business Development, Business and General Aviation, World Fuel
David Mittleman, Senior Sales Manager Western US, Avfuel Corporation
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Refreshment and Networking Break
2:15 - 2:45 p.m.
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Session #4: Mastering Insurance and Risk Management at General Aviation Airports
2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
This session will help equip airport managers with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their airports against unforeseen events and liabilities. Panelists will highlight essential coverage areas, common pitfalls, and strategies for negotiating favorable terms.
Moderator: Dirk Vanderleest, A.A.E., Aviation Director, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
Speakers:
Adam Foutz, C.M., Deputy Director, Auburn University Regional Airport
Jason Starke, Ph.D, Vice President Operations, Baldwin - Safety & Compliance, A Portside Company
Jeremy McCaslin, CAIP, Chief Innovation Officer & Aviation Practice Broker, McGriff
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Refreshment and Networking Break
3:45 - 4 p.m.
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Session #5: The Future of Aviation Through Emerging Technologies
4 - 5 p.m.
This session will explore how emerging technologies are transforming our general aviation airport system. Panelists will discuss the effects of advanced air mobility, revenue and infrastructure automation, hydrogen technology, airport and aircraft electrification, and aerospace and spaceport development on the industry.
Moderator: Kevin Smith, A.A.E., Planning Market Leader | Aviation, Mead & Hunt
Speakers:
Ann Richart, A.A.E., Aviation Director, Washington State Department of Transportation
Brandon Rakes, C.M., Airport Director, Chehalis Centralia Airport
Cory Cozzens, Co-Founder, Altaport
Jeff Kloska, A.A.E., Director, Colorado Air and Space Port
Emilien Marchand, Director, Ecosystem Partnerships, Wisk
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Evening Event
The Museum of Flight (9404 East Marginal Way W. Seattle WA 98108)
6 - 8 p.m.Soar to new heights at the Evening Event at The Museum of Flight! Immerse yourself in aviation history, mingle with fellow attendees, and enjoy a night of high-flying fun and intrigue. Don’t miss this chance to let your spirits take flight!
*Bus transportation will be provided to and from The Museum of Flight.
Tuesday, August 6
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Continental Breakfast and Networking
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
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Session #6: Business Aviation Today: Innovations and Trends
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Hear insights from leaders and stakeholders in business aviation on their priorities for the near future, new and emerging industry developments, potential policy changes from the administration on charter operations, and an outlook.
Moderator:
Matthew Sykora, A.A.E., USAP, Airports Business Manager, King County International Airport - Boeing Field
Speakers:
Alex Gertsen, CAM, C.M., ACE, Director, Airports and Ground Infrastructure, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Danette Bewley, A.A.E., President & CEO, Tucson Airport Authority
David Frash, State & Local Government External Affairs Director, NetJets
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Refreshment and Networking Break
9:30 - 10 a.m.
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Session #7: Airports in Focus: Marketing, Growth, and Community Ties
10 - 11 a.m.
Panelists will discuss how to market your airport, promote economic development, understand new Title VI requirements from FAA, and engage with your communities on development, noise issues, and other concerns.
Moderator: Andrew Swanson, C.A.E., Airport Manager, City of Palo Alto
Speakers:
Nicole Carcel, Director of Community Relations, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Alex Gale, Aviation Planner | Aviation, Mead & Hunt
Alexandra Davis (LEED GA, ENV SP), Senior Sustainability Consultant II, C&S Companies
Katie Franco, C.M., Owner, Aviatrix Communications
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Session #8: Town Hall for GA Airport Managers
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
A facilitated town hall discussion with the audience about the latest emerging issues facing GA airport managers will be held. Bring your airport-specific issues to the table for a discussion with your colleagues!
Moderators:
David Benner, Managing Principal, AMCG
Kenneth Moen, A.A.E., C.A.E., Special Projects Manager, Armstrong Consultants, A Lochner Company
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Boeing Field Tour*
1 - 3 p.m. (Walking Tour)
*pre-registration required
Registration Fees & Deadlines
Double Your Education! Attend both the AAAE General Aviation Conference and the AAAE/AMCG Airport Management & Compliance Workshop and save $50! The AAAE/AMCG Airport Management and Compliance Workshop takes place immediately following the AAAE General Aviation Conference. Attend both the conference and workshop and save $25 on each event's registration fee. Separate registration/payment is required for both events.
Use promo code GA2024 in the checkout for both meetings to receive the discount. Please note, you must register for both meetings to take advantage of the $25 per meeting discount.
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.
General Aviation Conference Registration
| On/Before June 21, 2024 |
After June 21, 2024 |
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|---|---|---|
| AAAE Member | $675 | $775 |
| Non-Member | $775 | $875 |
Airport Management & Compliance Workshop Registration
| On/Before June 21, 2024 |
After June 21, 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|
| AAAE Member | $550 | $600 |
| Non-Member | $600 | $650 |
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, July 10, 2024 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.
Photo/Video Disclaimer:
By registering for and attending any AAAE event, you agree that your image may be used at any time, without further notification, for printed materials, web sites, social media and other marketing purposes.
Hotel & Travel
Hotel Accommodations
All events (except where noted in the agenda) are being held at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, 1053 Lake Washington, Renton, WA; phone 425.203.1234. We have secured a room block for all attendees. You will receive a special rate of $309 for the Lake View King, plus tax. The $20 resort fee has been waived. To reserve your room, please book online or call the hotel at 425.203.1234 and ask for the AAAE rate. The last day to receive the discounted rate is Friday, July 12, 2024. Rooms may sell out before this date, so make your reservations early.
SOLD OUT/LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Additional Hotels
We have secured additional rooms at nearby hotels.
Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle/Renton
The Hampton Inn, located at 1300 Lake Washington Blvd. North is offering King Suites at a rate of $269. The last day to receive the discounted rate is Friday, July 12, 2024. Rooms may sell out before this date, so make your reservations early.
Residence Inn Seattle South/Renton
The Residence Inn, located at 1200 Lake Washington Blvd. North is offering King Suites at a rate of $252. The last day to receive the discounted rate is Friday, July 12, 2024. Rooms may sell out before this date, so make your reservations early.
Transportation
The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington is located 8 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and the ride takes approximately 20 minutes. Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Uber and Lyft do operate at the airport. Get more information on ground transportation at SEA.
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 ZNSQ375349 in the Offer Code box or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800.426.1122 and provide the Z Code ZNSQ and Agreement Code 375349. 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 NM36J.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Airport Management and Compliance Workshop
August 6-7, 2024 | Renton, WA
Overview
The AAAE/AMCG Airport Management and Compliance Workshop takes place immediately following the AAAE General Aviation Conference. Registration discounts are available when you register for both the GA Conference and the workshop. Take advantage of this opportunity to double your education without the added travel costs!
Aligning your airport’s management philosophy and compliance approach with industry best practices is the best way an airport sponsor can prepare for a successful future. Airport management is consistently challenged with fulfilling the airport’s mission and vision; ensuring that quality aviation products, services, and facilities that meet the needs of airport users are consistently being provided; that the health, safety, interest, and protecting the general welfare of the public; and reducing the potential for conflict with lessees, operators, and users.
This workshop is led by David Benner of Aviation Management Consulting Group, who has years of airport management, aviation business management, and general aviation management consulting (encompassing airports and aviation businesses) experience, in addition to being an aircraft owner and pilot. As such, he has the unique ability to view any airport management and compliance issue from a multi-dimensional perspective.
It is from this context that AAAE and AMCG developed this dynamic and highly interactive workshop to explore a best practices approach in three critical areas of airport management and compliance:
- Strategic Airport Business Planning – A strategic airport business plan is an important planning tool, a critical management tool, and a vital communication tool for airport policymakers and managers. Workshop attendees will be provided a thorough understanding of the (1) value, (2) elements, and (3) process for developing and implementing a strategic airport business plan. In addition, workshop attendees will be provided takeaway tools that can be used in developing and implementing a strategic airport business plan.
- Airport Primary Management Compliance Documents (PMCDs) – Having the proper tools to effectively manage an airport and comply with the FAA airport sponsor assurances is essential for any airport. Workshop attendees will learn industry tested and essential steps associated with the development, implementation, and enforcement of primary airport management and compliance documents including rules and regulations, leasing/rents and fees policy, minimum standards, and development standards.
- Airport Rents and Fees – To maintain compliance with the FAA airport sponsor assurances and achieve or make progress towards financial self-sufficiency, it is essential that airport sponsors are collecting market-based rents for land and improvements and cost-based airport fees for use of the airport. Workshop attendees will come away with a better understanding of the different type of airport rents and fees and associated collection methods that are utilized in the industry today as well as the appropriate methodologies that can be used to set and adjust airport rents and fees.
Tuesday, August 6
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Registration
7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Networking Lunch
12 - 1 p.m.
For workshop attendees only
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Workshop Introduction
1 - 1:45 p.m.
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Strategic Airport Business Planning - Values and Elements
1:45 - 3 p.m.
Values: Planning tool, Management tool, Communication tool. Elements: Mission, Vision, Values, Goals, Objectives, and Action Plans
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Refreshment Break
3 - 3:15 p.m.
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Strategic Airport Business Planning - Development and Implementation
3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Buy-in, Approach, Planning Team, Communication, Resources
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Open Discussion, Key Issues, and Questions
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 7
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Continental Breakfast
8 - 8:30 a.m.
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Primary Management and Compliance Documents (PMCD)
8:30 - 10 a.m.
PMCD Introduction, Key Airport Sponsor Assurance (Compliance Requirements), and PMCD. Development process.
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Refreshment Break
10 - 10:15 a.m.
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Primary Management and Compliance Documents
10:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Rules and Regulations, Minimum Standards, Leasing/Rents and Fees Policy, and Development
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Luncheon
12 - 1:15 p.m.
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Airport Rents and Fees
1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
Types of Rents, Methodologies for Setting and Adjusting Rents
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Airport Rents and Fees
2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Types of Rents, Methodologies for Setting, Adjusting, and Collecting Fees
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Refreshment Break
3 - 3:15 p.m.
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Open Discussion, Key Issues, and Questions (Day 2)
3:15 - 4 p.m.
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Workshop Conclusion
4 - 4:30 p.m.
Make a Lasting Impression by Sponsoring & Exhibiting!
Sponsorship
Sponsoring will demonstrate your company's commitment to the advancement of the aviation industry and help to illustrate your company's reputable business practices. This conference boasts a very high-level audience that you cannot afford to miss the chance to meet with!
Tabletop Exhibits
Gain exposure for your company among more than 35 general aviation airports nationwide by purchasing an exhibit space today. You do not want to miss the chance for face-to-face interaction with the high-level decisionmakers at this conference!
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program Information
Justin Barkoswki
703.797.2538
Megan Eisenstein
484.318.6052
Registration & Hotel Information
Dan Reilly
703.797.2526
Sponsorship & Exhibit Information
Lisa Williams
703.824.0504
Press & Media Inquiries
Brian Kalish
703.575.2461
