Hub Airports Winter Operations & Deicing Conference

About the Conference

In partnership with the Northeast Chapter (NEC) AAAE, we are pleased to present the Hub Airports Winter Operations & Deicing Conference, to be held August 4-6, in Detroit, Michigan.

This popular annual conference will focus on the challenges associated with winter operations at airports and take an in-depth look at the issues, regulations, and new technologies associated with winter operations overall. Through detailed presentations, technology updates, and informative moderated discussions, this conference will allow key airport, airline, and air traffic control decision-makers to address complex issues surrounding winter operations at hub airports. The conference will feature case studies illustrating approaches to snow and ice removal from the most recent winter season, as well as other hot topics like financial planning for winter operations, workforce development post-pandemic, autonomous snow-removal vehicles, and much more. Attendees will receive updates on compliance and regulatory actions from the FAA, as well as exploring the weather forecasting, centralized deicing facilities, and more.

Although the conference originally grew as a resource for large hub operators, medium and small hubs have begun attending as well and have found the discussions to be extremely beneficial. Additionally, as more southern regions become part of the winter discussion, we strongly encourage all southern airports to continue attending this important annual event.

As is tradition at this event, the conference kicks off with an interactive session focused on the hottest topics in an ever-changing environment. Be sure to participate in this icebreaker on Monday August 4, immediately preceding the welcome reception!

Featured Topics

Winter Case Studies
Workforce Development Challenges and Strategies
FAA Regulatory Update
Centralized Deicing Facilities
Glycol Recycling
Financial Considerations for Winter Operations
Weather Forecasting

Gregory "Special K" Kelser

Basketball Champion, Sportscaster, and Inspirational Speaker

Eric Larson

Downtown Detroit Partnership

Join us for an exclusive evening that celebrates our industry’s achievements and fosters meaningful connections among aviation professionals. Step aboard the Ovation Yacht for, “Aviation Rhythms & Breezy Vibes”—a unique experience where aviation excellence meets nautical elegance. Enjoy a refined atmosphere of live music, ocean breezes, and engaging conversation as the yacht becomes a setting for both celebration and connection. Let the rhythms of the evening inspire, you and spark new partnerships and lasting relationships. This is more than an event—it’s a tribute to the people and progress driving our industry forward. WELCOME ABOARD!

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 18, 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 703.824.0504 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.

Hotel Accommodations

The conference will be taking place at the MGM Grand Detroit, located at 1777 3rd Ave, Detroit, phone: 877.888.2121. All attendees will receive a special rate of $239 single/double, plus $20 nightly resort fee. The last day to receive this discounted rate is Friday, July 18, 2025. Rooms may sell out before this date, so make your reservations early. Reservations made after this date only can be honored on a space and rate available basis. To make your hotel reservations, you can BOOK ONLINE or call the hotel at 888.646.3387, and reference the AAAE room block. Guaranteed reservations must be canceled 24 hours prior to day of arrival to avoid a penalty of one night's room and tax.

OUR ROOM BLOCK AT THE MGM GRAND IS SOLD OUT ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER HOTELS DOWNTOWN THAT HAVE AVAILABILITY AND VARIOUS PRICING.

Book Online

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Ground Transportation

The MGM Grand is located 20 miles from Detroit Metro Airport and the ride takes approximately 25-30 minutes to arrive. Alternatively, Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Uber and Lyft do operate at the airport and may be less expensive. Get more information on ground transportation at DTW.

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 NNY3L2.

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

August 7-8 | MGM Grand Detroit

Overview

This curriculum is designed to provide Airport Operators guidance to implement a well-rounded approach to their winter operations training needs.

The information contained within this course reflects the current FAA Advisory Circulars pertaining to (AC) 150/5210-20 Ground Vehicle Operations on Airports, AC 150/5200-30 Airport Winter Safety and Operations, AC 150/5220-20 Airport Snow and Ice Control Equipment, FAR Part 139 Certification of Airports, and actual Airport Snow and Ice Control Plans.

This course is intended to educate the Airport Equipment Operator, Airport Operations Specialist, and other individuals performing Snow and Ice Control Measures on Airports. The information contained within is to provide each attendee sufficient knowledge of the following:

Human Factors that impact safety and efficiencies during winter operations.
The applicable regulations for Snow and Ice Control measures at FAR Part 139 Certificated and now certificated airports.
The Chemical and aggregate available to airports. How they are applied and performance expectations.
Aircraft Deicing impact on airport winter operations.
Safety Management System (SMS) applications during winter operations.
Interpreting and responding to Winter Weather Forecasting.
Snow and Ice Control Equipment.
Safe and applicable communication regulations, techniques and application.

Registration

This two-day training is $595 if registering on/before June 20, 2025 and $695 afterwards. Course not included with the Hub Winter Operations Conference. Separate registration required.

James J. Moorhead, C.M.

James J. Moorhead, C.M.

Jim leads the Airport Operation team at Pittsburgh International Airport, Allegheny County Airport Authority. His current role is the Director of Airport Operations. Jim has been with Pittsburgh International Airport for twenty-eight (28) years in various roles from the Airport Operations Duty Manager to the Superintendent of Airfield Maintenance. Jim is a Certified Member of AAAE. He’s been on the International Aviation Snow Symposium Committee since 2011. He’s considered an industry expert and has provided numerous presentations for American Associates of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the International Aviation Snow Symposium (IASS). He assisted with the development and curriculum of the International Snow Academies basic and advanced classes for the Northeast Chapter of AAAE and still teaches the classes for AAAE/IASS. He currently resides in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Upper Saint Clair with his wife and three children.

M.Gabbert

Matthew Gabbert

Matthew Gabbert is currently the Senior Manager of Airfield Maintenance at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Matthew is responsible of the daily oversight of the airfield and landside maintenance at CVG, currently working on his 23rd year of service. Matthew attended the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University. He has a BA in Organizational Leadership. He is a proud member of the International Aviation Snow Symposium for over 10 years. He is very active and has helped put together the Snow Academies and the Operator of the Year award since their inception at the IASS.

G. Gleichman

Gary Gleichman

Gary Gleichman is the Customer Relationship Acetate Training Manager and Staff Meteorologist for Cryotech Deicing Technology, a division of General Atomics. He has been involved in marketing and is the primary trainer on the use of acetate deicers which are designed for deicing and anti-icing applications for roadways, runways, parking facilities and sidewalks, where corrosion, concrete spalling or the Environment are concerned.

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Alexandria, VA 22314

Tel: 703-824-0500