The Rental Car Industry & Airports Workshop

7:30 - 4 p.m.   

7:30-8 a.m.  

8-8:20 a.m.

Speakers:
Holly Ackerman, Associate Vice President, Global Operations, AAAE    

Carter Strothman, P.E., LEED-AP, Vice President, Jacobsen|Daniels

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport Official (TBD)

8:20- 9:05 a.m.

Hear from an executive from the rental car industry who will provide an update on the rental car industry, what is new in the business, what is important to the rental car operators, and what are the opportunities and challenges ahead for this important business operating at every commercial airport. 

Introduction:     
Carter Strothman, P.E., LEED-AP, Vice President, Jacobsen|Daniels

Speaker:    
Jeffrey Luna, Vice President, Real Estate, Avis Budget Group, Inc.

9:05 - 10:05 a.m.

This forward-looking session will examine how designers and planners envision consolidated rental car facilities evolving over the next 10-30 years. Presenters will highlight how programming, analytics, and emerging technologies are influencing design scope and shaping facilities that balance efficiency, sustainability, and customer expectations.

10:05-10:20 a.m.  

10:20-11:15 a.m.

 Explore the critical elements of rental car agreements, highlighting the non-negotiables for RACs, successful case studies from airports of varying sizes, and strategies to strengthen partnerships. Hear about lessons learned on what drives effective agreements, where common pitfalls occur, and how airports and rental car companies can collaborate more productively to achieve win-win outcomes. 

11:15 a.m.-12:10 p.m.

 Join us to learn how airports and rental car operators can make smart design, construction, and preventive maintenance decisions that pay off over the long term. Discover strategies for anticipating maintenance challenges early, allocating resources wisely, and implementing best practices that protect facilities and reduce lifecycle costs. 

1-2 p.m. 

12:10-1 p.m.

 Gain insight into the true costs and long-term benefits of sustainability initiatives in RAC facilities, from reclaimed water systems and energy storage to EV bus integration and circulation improvements that cut emissions. Practical examples and lessons learned will highlight how airports and RACs can balance environmental responsibility with financial performance.

2 p.m.

2-3 p.m.   

An in-depth look at how Customer Facility Charges (CFCs) vary by state, what they can fund, and the trends shaping their future. The discussion will cover financing strategies, economic outlooks, and how airports can effectively leverage CFCs to support rental car facilities and long-term capital planning.

3-4 p .m.

 Explore strategies for managing demand surges during major events and peak travel periods through stronger airport-RAC collaboration, efficient use of close-in storage facilities, and coordinated operational planning. Insights will focus on balancing customer service with logistical challenges while minimizing congestion and delays. 

4-4:15 p.m.

4:15-5 p.m.

Focused on elevating the rental car customer experience, this session emphasizes training, consistency, and clear communication as the foundation for stronger service standards. Real-world insights will highlight how airports and RACs can work together to deliver a smoother, more reliable passenger journey.

8-8:30 a.m. 

8:30-9:30 a.m.

1. Data Benchmarking and Analytics
Exploring how airports and RACs can standardize reporting, benchmark facility costs and revenues, and apply analytics to forecast demand more accurately.
2. Preparing for Autonomous Vehicles
A forward-looking look at how autonomous rental vehicles could reshape facility design, operations, and customer service, and what steps airports can take today to prepare.
3. Curbside Congestion and Traffic Management
Quick-hit strategies to address congestion in rental car pickup and drop-off areas, improve circulation, and enhance wayfinding to keep customers moving smoothly.
4. Workforce Development and Labor Challenges
Highlighting approaches to address staffing shortages, training needs, and workforce resilience in RAC operations as airports adapt to evolving industry demands.
5. Q&A
A brief, open exchange where attendees can pose questions on any of the lightning round topics, giving participants the chance to steer the conversation to their most pressing concerns.

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Discover how advances such as contactless transactions, data-driven tools, and fleet tracking are transforming RAC operations. The discussion will highlight how airports and rental car operators can leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and meet evolving customer expectations.

10:15-10:30 a.m.  

10:30-11:20 a.m.

Examine how airports and rental car companies are adapting to the financial pressures of inflation, the rise of transportation network companies (TNCs), and evolving traveler preferences. The discussion will highlight strategies to maintain resilience, adjust pricing and contracts, and plan for long-term stability in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

11:20- 12 p.m.

Take part in a fast-paced, game-style session using your phone to respond to RAC-related questions. Audience input will set the stage as RAC executives weigh in, creating an engaging and interactive exchange between attendees and industry leaders.

12:05 p.m.