Aviation Workforce & Culture Forum
November 4–6, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH
Presented in Partnership with
Hosted by
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About the Event
Sustaining a positive workplace environment is critical to industry success and growth. Join industry leaders at AAAE/Northeast Chapter AAAE Aviation Workforce & Culture Forum (previously Inclusion in Aviation) as we discuss key areas of focus and different strategies, along with a variety of implementation methods for the greatest impact in your environment.
Agenda
Click below for this year's tentative agenda. Please check back for updates.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
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Registration
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Welcome Reception
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Thursday, November 5, 2026
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Registration
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Sponsored by Mead & Hunt
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Opening Remarks
8:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Maria Bremis, J.D., Senior Vice President, HR, Compliance & EEO, AAAE
Zachary Sundquist, A.A.E., IACE, Assistant Airport Director, Portland International Jetport
Representative, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
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Session I – CEO Perspectives: Building Culture, Developing Talent, and Retaining Teams Through Change
8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Hear from airport leaders about defining and building culture as well as addressing the challenges of developing and retaining talent in an ever changing environment.
Moderator:
Panelists:
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Refreshment Break
9:45 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Sponsored by Arora Engineers
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Session II – Language Access and Safety: Approaches to Inclusive Communication in Aviation
10:10 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.
In this session, industry leaders discuss the different approaches being taken to language accessibility and safety in airports of all sizes and the positive outcomes of their inclusive strategies have yielded.
Moderator:
Panelists:
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Break
11:10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
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Session III – From Compliance to Opportunity: The Evolving Role of ACDBEs and DBEs in Aviation
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Hear from business owners and airport leaders on the current role of ACDBEs and DBEs and how opportunities can continue to be created for disadvantaged businesses.
Moderator:
Panelists:
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Keynote Luncheon
12:15 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.
Sponsored by Michael Baker International
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Session IV – Well-Being at Work: How Mental Wellness Shapes Airport Culture
1:40 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
Session Description
Moderator:
Panelists:
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Refreshment Break
2:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sponsored by
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Session V – The State of Culture & Belonging
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Once again, we are borrowing from the tech world by applying the hack-a-thon concept to workforce culture and belonging in aviation and bringing together attendees to engage in collaborative conversations about specific topics faced in this current climate. We will have table discussions led by moderators and will come together at the end to discuss the issues that have been shared and ideas for the impactful solutions. Topics this year will include Homelessness at Airports, The Widening Gender Gap and the Growth of Bro Culture, Accessibility Challenges, and more.
Moderator: Maria Bremis, J.D., Senior Vice President, HR, Compliance & EEO, AAAE
Table Moderators:
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Evening Event
5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Hosted by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Friday, November 6, 2026
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Continental Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Sponsored by
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Coffee and Conversation with Keynote Speaker
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Keynote Description.
Speaker:
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Refreshment Break
10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by C&S Companies
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Session VI – The HR Advantage: Creative Approaches to Employee Development and Retention
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Session Description.
Moderator:
Panelists:
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Box Lunch
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Session VII – Workforce & Culture Trend Talks
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
In these 20 minute talks, attendees will learn about creative placemaking, developing AI literacy, a successful local businesses approach to workforce development, and the future of productivity.
Speakers:
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Closing Remarks
2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Maria Bremis, J.D., Senior Vice President, HR, Compliance & EEO, AAAE
Zachary Sundquist, A.A.E., IACE, Assistant Airport Director, Portland International Jetport
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Community Engagement Event
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us as we give back to the community that has hosted us.
CEU Credits
This event qualifies for the A.A.E. Continuing Education Units (CEU) Program. Learn more.
Registration Fees & Deadlines
2026 Registration Fees
| On/Before September 25, 2026 |
After September 25, 2026 |
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|---|---|---|
| AAAE/IAAE Member | $800 | $900 |
| Non-Member | $900 | $1,000 |
| Federal Government | $500 |
$550 |
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Student*/Faculty |
$350 |
$350 |
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, October 2, 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 703.824.0504 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 703.824.0504 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.
Photo/Video Disclaimer:
By registering for and attending any AAAE event, you agree that your image may be used at any time, without further notification, for printed materials, web sites, social media and other marketing purposes.
Hotel & Travel
Hotel Accommodations
Transportation
Airline Information
United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have been selected as the official air carriers for this meeting. When booking United, refer to the offer code ZQ59414458. When booking Delta, refer to meeting code NY494.
United Airlines has been selected as one of the official air carriers for this meeting. United Airlines is pleased to offer discounts of 2% to 10% off published fares. Save an additional 3% by booking your own reservations at www.united.com. Choose your flight times, and access your meeting discounts by inserting ZQ59414458 in the Promotions and Certificates Offer Code box. Or Call your travel professional or United Meetings at 800.426.1122 for reservations. Refer to Z Code ZQ59 and Agreement Code: 414458.
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, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY3L2.
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Ground Transportation
Check back for ground transportation information.
Make a Lasting Impression by Sponsoring!
Sponsorship offers companies and organizations committed to the future of aviation's workforce and culture a valuable opportunity to showcase their leadership and support. With a distinguished audience of industry decision-makers and influential professionals in attendance, this conference provides meaningful visibility and connections you won't want to miss.
Sponsorship Benefits
- One or more complimentary registration(s), depending on sponsorship level
- Your logo on the Forum website and mobile app
- Signage prominently displayed at the conference
- Verbal recognition during the Forum
- Advance roster of attendees
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Breakfast (1 day available) - $4,000
- Keynote Breakfast (1 day available) - $5,000
- Keynote Luncheon (1 day available) - $6,000
- AM Refreshment Break (2 days available) - $2,750
- PM Refreshment Break (1 day available) - $2,750
- Box Lunch (1 day available) - $5,000
- Attendee Badges - $6,500
- Attendee Lanyards - $6,500
- Mobile App - $5,500
- WIFI - $5,500
If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity for the Forum, please contact Maria Bremis. In addition, if you are a small business (25 employees or less), please ask about our Forum Supporter level of sponsorship at $1,300.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Tuesday, November 18
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Continental Breakfast | $4,000
Sponsored by: Mead & Hunt -
AM Refreshment Break | $2,750
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Keynote Luncheon | $6,000
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PM Refreshment Break | $2,750
Wednesday, November 19
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Continental Breakfast | $4,000
Sponsored by: C&S Companies, Connico -
AM Refreshment Break | $2,750
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Box Lunch | $5,000
Other Sponsorships
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Attendee Name Bags (exclusive) | $6,500
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Attendee Lanyards (exclusive, sponsor-provided) | $6,500
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Note Pads & Pens (exclusive, sponsor-provided) | $5,500
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Conference Mobile App (exclusive) | $5,500
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Conference Wi-Fi (exclusive) | $5,500
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General Session (5 session options available) | $4,000
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Small (25 EES or less) DBE - Inclusion Supporter | $1,300
Sponsorship Levels
| Investment | Benefits |
|---|---|
| $5,000 and up | Event sponsor; roster; two complimentary registrations |
| $2,750 - $4,999 | Event sponsor; session sponsor; roster; one complimentary registration |
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$1,300 |
Small DBE Inclusion Supporter; one complimentary registration |
We’re thrilled to have you join us, and we'd love your help in sharing the excitement. Whether you're a speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, or attendee, your voice plays a key role in building momentum for this year's event. To make it easy, we've put together social media graphics to promote your participation. Here, you'll find a variety of downloadable graphics to share on social media.
Ready to get started? Right-click on the graphic you want, click Open Image in New Tab, and save the photo. If you'd rather use Canva to add your photo and information, click the button below to access the template.
When you post on social media, be sure to tag @aaaedelivers on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X!
Contact Information
Program & Sponsorship Information
Maria Bremis
703.797.2528
Registration & Hotel Information
Stephanie Santini, CMP, DES
703.797.2558
Press & Media Inquiries
Brian Kalish
703.575.2461
Social Media Kit