AAAE Airport Social Media Summit
December 9-11, 2024 | Ontario, CA
The countdown to this event is over!
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About #AirportSocial
It's called SOCIAL media for a reason.
Join AAAE and our host, Ontario International Airport, for the AAAE Airport Social Media Summit from December 9-11, 2024. This isn't just another conference, so get ready for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration among airport professionals. Navigate through the latest industry trends, and discover cutting-edge practices that breathe life into our social media landscapes. This event is your golden ticket to mastering how social media can significantly amplify your airport's digital footprint, captivate travelers, and forge impactful connections that resonate well beyond the digital sphere.
Whether you're looking to showcase your airport's latest achievements, learn from the success stories of others, or simply connect with like-minded individuals passionate about aviation and social media, this conference is the place to be.
Hot topics include:
- The ever-popular Slide Slam, which offers attendees the opportunity to #HumbleBrag about what is new and exciting in their feeds
- Whose # Is It Anyway, a fun way for you to test your social media and AvGeek prowess for #AirportSocial supremacy
Conference Agenda
Monday, December 9
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Welcome Reception 🍷
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Grab a beverage and your badge to save time tomorrow morning and get to know your fellow socialites!
Tuesday, December 10
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Registration and Continental Breakfast ☕🥐
8 - 9 a.m.
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Welcome Remarks and Introductions
9 - 9:15 a.m.
Speakers:
Gwen Basaria
Vice President, Member Experience and AAAE Foundation
AAAE
Danielle Whalen
Vice President, Strategic Marketing
AAAE
Atif Elkadi
Chief Executive Officer
Ontario International Airport Authority -
SESSION 1: #HumbleBrag – Airport Social Slide Slam
9:15 - 10:45 a.m.
Share the highlights from your feed this year—your best campaigns, top posts, memes, and trending moments. Each airport or organization gets 5 minutes to shine with up to 3 PowerPoint slides. Presentations will follow airport code order, so plan accordingly! If more than one person is attending from your team, feel free to tag-team your presentation (but only one per airport/org). Let’s celebrate what made your feed soar in 2024!
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Social 🦋 Break
10:45 - 11 a.m.
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SESSION 2: Humanizing the Brand
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join our panel of airport social media experts as they dive into the art of "humanizing" brands – in other words – relating authentically with our audiences. Discover how voice, tone, and imagery can create authentic connections, turning routine updates into meaningful engagement. Learn from industry leaders who blend creativity with strategy to transform the airport social experience into a relatable and approachable brand story.
Eren Cello
Chief Marketing & Communications Office
Ontario International AirportSabine West
Social Media Marketing Specialist
Ontario International Airport
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Networking Lunch 🥗🍴
12 - 1 p.m.
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SESSION 3: Measuring Success Beyond Just Metrics
1 - 2 p.m.
They say, "You can't manage what you can't measure," however, true impact goes beyond just analytics (though they are important too!). Explore how airport social media managers track and report traditional KPIs while also recognizing intangible wins, such as audience trust, authentic storytelling, and community connection. Gain insights into how to define and measure success in meaningful, human-centered ways that reflect the broader goals of their airport’s mission and brand.
Joshua Davis
Senior Social Media Manager
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport -
SESSION 4: Behind the Scenes: Tips, Tricks, and Tools of the Trade
2 - 3 p.m.
Discover the strategies and tools that drive success in airport social media management. Brittney from Montgomery Regional Airport will kick off the conversation by sharing an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the tools she relies on to streamline workflows, engage audiences, and manage brand channels. Following her insights, the session will open up for an interactive discussion where attendees can share their own tips, tricks, and favorite tools. Come ready to collaborate, learn, and leave with actionable ideas to enhance your social media strategy!
Brittney Jones-Dabney
Communications & Marketing Manager
Montgomery Regional Airport -
Social 🦋 Break
3 - 3:15 p.m.
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SESSION 5: Social Distancing from Your Brand
3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Managing social media for airports involves more than crafting engaging posts—it means navigating public scrutiny, critical feedback, and online trolling. This panel brings together experienced social media managers to share challenges, coping strategies, and tools for building resilience. Through candid stories, actionable advice, and interactive Q&A, attendees will gain insights on managing stress, fostering team support, and transforming negative interactions into opportunities for growth, leaving equipped to enhance their mental well-being and social media strategies.
Moderator:
Gwen Basaria
Vice President, Member Experience and AAAE Foundation
AAAE
C.J. Johnson
Communications Manager
Tampa International Airport
Amanda Ohbayashi
Social Media & Audience Engagement Program Manager
Marketing & Consumer Strategy
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
David Wert
Public Information Officer
County of San Bernardino -
Host Airport Event ☀️✈️😎
6 - 8 p.m.
Ontario International Airport is proud to host attendees for a night out at Topgolf! Join us for a night to network with fellow attendees, explore the different unique interactive stations (including our custom screen printing station) and enjoy some golf in the beautiful Southern California weather. Light bites and drinks will be served.
We will board the shuttle at the DoubleTree at 5:45 p.m. in the lobby and the shuttle will return to the hotel at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 11
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Continental Breakfast ☕🥐
8 - 9 a.m.
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Whose # is it Anyway? #AirportSocial Trivia
9 - 9:30 a.m.
Kick off Day 2 with a fun and friendly trivia showdown blending avgeek knowledge and social media savvy! Test your wits, laugh along the way, and compete not just for bragging rights but for an epic prize: complimentary registration to the 2025 Airport Social Media Summit (dates and location TBD)!
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SESSION 6: Make Your Social Media More Inclusive - Title II & What You Need to Do
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
This year the Department of Justice rolled out new requirements for airports and their digital communications. In this session you will learn what the new rules mean for social media managers and how small changes can make your content available to a wider audience.
Katie Franco, C.M.
Owner
Aviatrix Communications -
AI in Social Media and Your 🔥Topics
10:30 - 11:30
We will kick off the discussion with how you are using AI in your social media toolkit and share industry insights on what the future holds. Next, we will tackle your burning questions for your peers! This is your chance to get the answers you need before heading home. No question is too big or small—make sure you leave with all your curiosity satisfied and no “I wish I had asked” moments!
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Networking Lunch 🥗🍴
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Terminal to Trending: Your Airport Social Media Best Practices and Guidelines
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
This workshop is designed to help airport social media teams collaboratively develop a comprehensive set of best practices and guidelines tailored to their unique needs. Participants will engage in brainstorming and breakout sessions, defining clear principles and actionable strategies focused on content creation, crisis management, and community engagement.
Danielle N. Whalen, MBA
Vice President, Strategic Marketing
AAAE -
Wrap-Up and Adjournment ✌️🛫
2:30 p.m.
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.
2024 REGISTRATION FEES
On/Before October 25, 2024 |
After October 25, 2024 |
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AAAE Member | $645 | $680 |
Non-Members | $680 | $730 |
Academic Member* | $265 | $265 |
*Must provide a valid student ID to receive the academic member rate.
Cancellation Policy: Registrations, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing. All cancellation requests for registrations received on or before Friday, November 22, 2024, are subject to a $125 cancellation processing fee; approved refunds will be processed after the meeting takes place. There will be no refunds of any kind after this date. Cancellations with outstanding invoices received within two weeks of the start of the conference, will require full payment on the balance due. Refunds will not be provided, and balance dues will not be forgiven for no-shows. Substitutions within the same conference will be accepted without penalties. The difference between member and non-member price will be charged if a non-member replaces a member. Substitutions will be accepted with a written request to AAAEmeetings@aaae.org. The individual substituting for the original registrant is responsible for all financial obligations (balance due; difference in fees due to membership type) associated with that substitution. For all inquiries regarding cancellations, refunds and substitutions, 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. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund or credit.
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.Photo/Video Disclaimer: By registering for and attending any AAAE event, you agree that your name, voice, and image may be used at any time, without further notification, for recordings, printed materials, web sites, social media and other marketing purposes.
ACCREDITED AIRPORT EXECUTIVES: This course is worth 12 credits in the AAAE Continuing Airport Management Education Unit (CEU) program.
If you require any special assistance to participate or have special dietary requirements, email aaaemeetings@aaae.org.
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.
AAAE MEDIA ACCESS POLICY
The American Association of Airport Executives (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 & Travel
Hotel Accommodations
All conference programming, unless otherwise noted, will be held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport located at 222 N Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764.
For your convenience, a block of rooms has been made available and all attendees will receive a rate of $179 per night (single/double). The last day to receive this discounted rate is Friday November 15, 2024. Rooms may sell out before this date, so be sure to make your reservation today!
To book your room, please use the online reservation link or call the booking number 1-800-222-8733 and reference group code: 901. Cancellation of guaranteed reservations must be received 72 hours prior to arrival in order to avoid charges.
Transportation
Ground Transportation
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ARRIVING BY AIR: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport is located about 1.3 miles from Ontario International Airport and approximately 3 minutes via taxi/cab or rideshare, depending on traffic. There is also an airport shuttle to/from the conference hotel to ONT.
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DRIVING/PARKING: Overnight parking is available at the hotel for $17+tax per vehicle, per day.
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 ZNSQ375349 in the Offer Code box or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800.426.1122 and provide the Z Code ZNSQ and Agreement Code 375349. 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 NM36J.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Slide Slam Submissions
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 6
#HumbleBrag - Airport Social Slide Slam
We have selected topics for the upcoming AAAE Airport Social Media Summit, and with your vast experience in airport social media marketing, we're inviting YOU to share your expertise with your airport colleagues this December in Ontario, California. Showcase what is new and exciting in your feed this year. From your best campaign to top posts, memes and trends you jumped in on – it’s time to #HumbleBrag. Each airport or organization is invited to submit up to three slides for a 3-5 minute presentation. If more than one person is attending from your airport or organization, please coordinate.
Please upload your presentation by COB on Tuesday, September 6. Contact gwen.basaria@aaae.org with questions!
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Contributor to the knowledge base of the industry.
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Developed tools or techniques that have furthered the industry and improved the effectiveness of noise mitigation programs.
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Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for airport neighbors.
Participating Airports
Once confirmed, will list out airports
Thanks to Our Host Airport!
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program Information
Gwen Basaria
202.309.0389
Hotel & Registration Information
Samantha Wittie
571.560.1854