Airport Operations & Technology Symposium
August 24-26, 2026 | Oklahoma City, OK
Special Thanks to Our Host:
The countdown to this event is over!
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About the Symposium
This gathering of airport industry professionals will examine the latest in airport operations and technologies, covering a wide range of subject matter through four different educational tracks, all in one location! Here is a brief overview of the tracks that we have ready for you:
Airside Operations & Safety
The track is geared toward all airport operations and safety professionals who work on a daily basis to ensure a safe operating environment for the traveling public. Sessions will focus on the ongoing implementation of the FAA’s requirements on safety management systems (SMS); lessons learned from recent runway safety events, operational disruptions, and high-profile, safety accidents and incidents; the use of innovative technologies to enhance safety; construction safety; effective management of irregular operations; and more.
Advanced Airport Planning
We are living in a unique time in aviation history, with emerging entrants like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other innovative technologies creating new opportunities and challenges for airports. This track is targeted at airport planners focused on preparing for the next generation of operations at your facilities. Sessions will focus on airside innovation; smart landside at airports; drone security; how artificial intelligence and analytics may improve efficiencies; maintaining legacy systems while planning for the future; and more.
Emergency Management
The track is targeted at emergency management personnel who manage unexpected events at airports across the country. We have a great lineup of sessions that will focus on the planning and preparation for large-scale events in 2026, such as the World Cup; improving your organization’s response to any emergency situation; examining case studies and airport response efforts to major airside, terminal, and landside events from the past year; understanding the role of airport emergency managers; integrating new technologies into your airports’ operations center; and more.
Geospatial Technologies
The track is perfect for airport professionals that regularly work with specialized technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Computer Aided Design (CAD). Hear from experts who will discuss case studies and the hottest topics and trends facing the airport geospatial community, including different use cases for airport GIS; data governance, maintenance, and management; leveraging LiDAR and drones for data collection and other applications; using geospatial infrastructure for smarter capital delivery; and more.
While airport professionals will be able to sharpen their day-to-day expertise in specialized areas like operations, safety, planning, emergency response, or geospatial data management, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from their airport colleagues involved in other lines of business at airports.
Who Should Attend?
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Airport Emergency Management Personnel
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Airport Operations Personnel
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Airport Planners
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Airline Safety Professionals and Consultants
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Airside Technology Manufacturers
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Federal Regulators and Policymakers
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GIS Professionals
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Technology Providers
Agenda
Monday, August 24
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Registration
2 - 5 p.m.
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Fundamentals of Part 139 Inspections and Full-Scale Exercises
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
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GIS 101: Introduction to Geospatial Technologies
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
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Welcome Reception with Exhibitors
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Will Rogers International Airport
Tuesday, August 25
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Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Sponsored by ProDIGIQ & Archetype SC
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Airside Ops & Safety WG, Emergency Management WG, and Geospatial WG Meetings: Interact with Colleagues!
7:40 - 8:20 a.m.
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Conference Welcome
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
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Plenary Session One: Emerging Safety Issues and Challenges for Airport Operations
8:45 - 10 a.m.
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10 - 10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Arora Engineers
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Breakout 1A: Runway Safety: Case Studies and Lessons Learned
10:30 - 11:25 a.m.
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Breakout 1B: Maintaining Legacy Systems While Planning for the Future
10:30 - 11:25 a.m.
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Breakout 1C: GIS Use Cases and Applications for Airports
10:30 - 11:25 a.m.
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Breakout 2A: Before Takeoff: Examination of Landside and Terminal Event Responses
11:35 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Breakout 2B: Innovation in the Airside Environment
11:35 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Breakout 2C: Airport Airport GIS Data Governance, Maintenance, and Management
11:35 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Keynote Luncheon
12:30 - 1:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Mead & Hunt, Inc. & Michael Baker International
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Breakout 3A: Surface Incident Reduction Programs: Data-Driven Approaches
1:45 - 2:40 p.m.
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Breakout 3B: Role of the Airport Manager: Expectations, Training, and Development
1:45 - 2:40 p.m.
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Breakout 3C: Geospatial Infrastructure and Applications for Smarter Capital Delivery
1:45 - 2:40 p.m.
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Breakout 4A: Airport SMS Implementation: A Look at Different Airport Models
2:50 - 3:45 p.m.
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Breakout 4B: Strategies for Developing and Executing AEPs
2:50 - 3:45 p.m.
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Breakout 4C: Smart Landside at Airports
2:50 - 3:45 p.m.
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
3:45 - 4:15 p.m.
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Plenary Session Two: Applying AI and Innovation to Enhance Airport Safety and Efficiency
4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
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Social Event
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Sponsored by Will Rogers International Airport
Wednesday, August 26
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Continental Breakfast with Exhibitors
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
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Plenary Session Three: Large Scale Event Planning and Preparations (FIFA 2026, Olympics, F1 Races, America 250)
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
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Breakout 5A: Construction Safety: Successful Planning and Coordination
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
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Breakout 5B: Airside Case Studies: Effective Response to Aviation Incidents
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
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Breakout 5C: Leveraging LIDAR, Drones, and Advanced Data Collection Technologies
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
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Breakout 6A: Training Your Airport in SMS and Building a Safety Culture
11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
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Breakout 6B: Integrating Technology into Your Airport's EOC/AOC/IOC
11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
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Breakout 6C: Planning for the Next Generation of Commercial Aircraft and eVTOLs
11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
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Lunch with Exhibitors
12:25 - 1:35 p.m.
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Breakout 7A: IROPS Best Practices: Managing Diversions and Surge Events
1:35 - 2:40 p.m.
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Breakout 7B: Counter-UAS Authorities and Drone Security Coordination
1:35 - 2:40 p.m.
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Breakout 7C: GIS Roundtable: Program Implementation Best Practices
1:35 - 2:40 p.m.
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Breakout 8A: Maximizing the Benefit of Tabletop Exercises and Simulated Response Drills
2:40 - 3:30 p.m.
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Breakout 8B: Predictive Maintenance for Airfield Infrastructure
2:40 - 3:30 p.m.
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Breakout 8C: Scenario Modeling for Dynamic Airfield Planning
2:40 - 3:30 p.m.
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
3:30 - 4 p.m.
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Plenary Session Four: FAA Conversations and Updates
4-5 p.m.
Thursday, August 27
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Tour of FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Pre-Registration Required)
Registration Fees & Deadlines
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.
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.
Registration fee includes two continental breakfasts, two luncheons, one welcome reception, one evening event, all refreshment breaks, and conference materials.
2026 Registration Fees
| On/Before July 10, 2026 |
After July 10, 2026 |
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|---|---|---|
| AAAE Member | $815 | $915 |
| Non-Member | $915 | $1,015 |
| Federal Government Employee | $525 | $575 |
Please email aaaemeetings@aaae.org for information on one-day rates, speaker rates, or student rates.
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, August 7, 2026, 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. Please direct all media inquiries to Brian Kalish.
Hotel & Travel
Hotel Accommodations
Rooms are being held at the Omni Oklahoma City, 100 W. Oklahoma City Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. All attendees will receive a special rate of $229.00++ single/double standard room. The last day to receive this discounted rate is Monday, August 3, 2026. Rooms may sell out before this date, so make your reservations today!
All reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. Any guaranteed reservation that is cancelled less than seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival will be subject to one (1) night guestroom plus tax cancellation fee.
Transportation
The Omni Oklahoma City is located 9 miles from Will Rogers International Airport and the ride takes approximately 15 minutes. 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 OKC.
Air Travel
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been selected as the official air carriers for this meeting.
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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 ZRCE214197 in the Offer Code box or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800.426.1122 and provide the Z Code ZRCE and Agreement Code 214197. 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. 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 NY4AV.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
About Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City blends big-city energy with a friendly, laid-back vibe—perfect for a conference getaway. Highlights include:
- Bricktown Entertainment District – Canals, dining, and lively nightlife
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum – A moving tribute to history
- Myriad Botanical Gardens – Beautifully landscaped gardens and walking paths
- Oklahoma City Museum of Art – Home to stunning art collections and special exhibits
- Civic Center Music Hall – Broadway shows, concerts, and performing arts events
- The Paseo Arts District – Local galleries, boutique shops, and a vibrant arts scene
- Scissortail Park – Urban green space with trails, gardens, and year-round events
Airport Map Contest
Enter the Airport Map Contest: Submissions Due August 24
We invite members from the geospatial aviation community to submit a map that explains an idea, problem, or solution using cutting-edge data visualization methods and geospatial technology. The subject matter must be aviation-focused, but the style and choice of platform/tools are entirely up to you.
Sponsorship
Make a Lasting Impression by Sponsoring!
This exciting event will bring together airport industry leaders to
examine a variety of topics surrounding airport operations and technologies. Educational tracks will cover geospatial technologies, emergency management, UAS, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), airside operations, runway safety, emerging technologies, and more.


