Per the Symposium mission, we are focused on bringing you a program full of robust, relevant, and forward-thinking topics facilitated by significant industry leaders. The planning committee is providing a balanced approach to representation while introducing you to new faces and speakers. Additionally, we have ensured the keynote and plenary sessions will bring thought-provoking discussions that will highlight current industry needs and grant key takeaways.

The Planning Committee’s call for topics resulted in an amazing array of ideas. As with last year’s event, there was great interest in emerging practices, along with sessions on the standing tracks: Planning/Environmental, Terminal/Landside, Engineering/Airside, Project Management/Construction Management, and Innovation. The ever-popular Young Professionals program will be back along with plenty of time for connecting with your partners and meeting some new ones. Similar to last year, the Symposium will aim to increase international content and collaboration so that we may learn from the rest of the world.

The technical workshop sessions will cover a wide range of topics requested by you including:

• Innovation on the Fly
• Moving Megastructures Across a Live Airfield
• Unlocking the Value of Landlocked Airports
• Building Bridges: Collaboration with Airport Operations and Airline Leadership
• Demystifying CMAR Preconstruction for Vertical Airport Construction
• Big Projects, Small Hubs: Managing Growth with Limited Resources
• Smarter Systems: Building the Airports of Tomorrow
• Human Psychology in Airports
• Airports and Large Sporting Events

Lastly, Vice Chair Melissa Vasher and I want to continue to encourage regular attendees of the Symposium to bring along someone new. Tell a friend to tell a friend! This request alone has had a tremendous effect on growth and support of ACC and AAAE.

As we strive to increase our value to the industry, you can convey that message most effectively when introducing an industry partner to the benefits of attending or inviting a Young Professional in your organization to propel their career journey through new connections. With the vast array of people that attend, you never know what partnerships are forged, what opportunities are provided, and what friendships are created. This is why I challenge you to show up, interact, and truly engage in one of the top aviation conferences in the industry. In true Indianapolis fashion, let’s create history.

History in the making! 😊

James Gerrald, PMP, CCM, ENV SP, LEED GA
Symposium Committee Chair
Senior Capital Program Advisor
Jacobs