IAAE News
May 14, 2026
Airport executives, government officials, airline representatives, consultants, and industry partners from across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, May 31–June 3 for the 2026 Airports Conference of the Americas (COA). Hosted by the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE), AAAE, and the South Central Chapter of AAAE, the conference featured three days of discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges shaping airports throughout the region.
The program explored a broad range of timely topics, including airport leadership, regulatory engagement, public-private partnerships, communications, energy resilience, airport modernization, political uncertainty, air service development, advanced air mobility, commercial development, regional connectivity, infrastructure modernization, and disaster recovery. The conference concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, providing attendees with a firsthand look at the airport's operations and recent improvements.
The conference featured more than 50 speakers representing airports, airlines, government agencies, consulting firms, and industry organizations from across the Americas. In addition to educational sessions, attendees had opportunities to network with exhibitors showcasing products, technologies, and services that support airport operations and development.
IAAE extends its sincere appreciation to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) for serving as host airport and for their outstanding hospitality throughout the conference. Special thanks also go to the conference's speakers, moderators, exhibitors, sponsors, planning committee members, and attendees whose participation made the event a success.
The Airports Conference of the Americas continues to serve as a premier forum for fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and strengthening partnerships among aviation leaders throughout the Americas.
