Conference Education
The 98th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition delivers a forward-looking education program designed for aviation professionals navigating growth, complexity, and change. From federal partnerships and emergency preparedness to emerging technologies, workforce challenges, and global mega-events, this year’s sessions focus on the issues shaping the future of airports.
Through interactive panels, roundtables, and case-driven discussions, attendees will hear from industry experts, peer airports, and government partners—gaining practical insights, real-world lessons, and strategies they can apply immediately.
Monday, May 4:
From Runway to Renewal: SAF and Aviation’s Decarbonized Future
This forward-looking session explores how Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is transforming the aviation sector's efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Aimed at motivating both emerging professionals and industry leaders, it will focus on the skills, innovations, and cross-sector teamwork necessary to expand SAF adoption and boost climate initiatives. Participants will receive strategic insights into how current choices shape aviation’s environmental legacy and discover ways to contribute meaningfully to creating a more sustainable future for air travel.
Moderator:
Michael Rossell, Associate Partner, PA Consulting Group, Inc.
Speakers:
Robert Freeman, C.M., IPMA-SCP, Airport Environmental Manager II
Joseph Gale, Manager, Environmental Sustainability, United Airlines
Mia Held, Senior Consultant II, C&S Companies
Building While Operating: Delivering Capital Programs Without Breaking the Airport
Airports across North America are undertaking unprecedented capital investments to modernize terminals, reconstruct airfields, expand capacity, and improve passenger experience while continuing to operate complex, safety-critical facilities 24/7. For airport leadership teams, the challenge is not simply delivering projects on time and on budget, but doing so without compromising operational performance, safety, stakeholder confidence, or customer experience.
Moderator:
Tim Rogers, AIA, CCM, LEED AP, Senior Managing Director, AvAirPros
Speakers:
Jackie Caulk, Program Director of MoreRNO, Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Michael R. Christensen, A.A.E., Assistant General Manager, Chief Airport Development Officer, Los Angeles World Airports
Nathaniel Jacobs, Vice President, McCarthy Building Companies
Melvin Price, C.M., MBA, Associate Principal, Jacobs
Freight in Flight: Powering the World Through Air Cargo
From e-commerce packages to life-saving medical supplies, air cargo keeps the world moving at 35,000 feet. This energetic session dives into the fast-paced world of air freight, exploring how technology, strategy, and global demand are reshaping the cargo landscape. Join us for a lively look at the powerhouse behind global trade.
Moderator:
Rebecca Francosky, C.M., Director, Air Service Data Analytics, Research & Reporting, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Speakers:
Andreas Haefner, Senior Manager, M2P Consulting Inc.
Matthew M. Sykora, A.A.E., ACE, USAP, Airport Business Manager, King County International Airport – Boeing Field
Jean-Pierre Tabet, Deputy Executive Director, Commercial Development, Los Angeles World Airports
Tod Willman, Assistant Vice President of Cargo Development, Orlando International Airport
Operational Readiness for Events
Special events bring significant challenges to airport operations which must be mitigated. Multiple large events are upcoming, and planning is in full swing! FIFA World Cup, Olympics, Super Bowl, etc. and this session will explore how airports are preparing to be on the world stage while also ensuring the airport can continue everyday operations.
Moderator:
Melissa Cooper, A.A.E., Director of Aviation, Kansas City Aviation Department
Speakers:
Scott Anderson, Managing Director, Conrac Solutions
Noah Daneman, C.M., ACE, SMS Superintendent, San Jose Mineta International Airport
Joe Huy, Senior Vice President, Ricondo
Neil Weingarten, Director of Operation Services, Los Angeles World Airports
General Aviation Hangar Development
Airports across the country are facing a pivotal moment as demand for hangar space for both corporate and light general aviation outpaces supply all while costs continue to increase. This session will explore practical forward-thinking approaches to hangar development during these challenging times.
Moderator:
Sean E. Moran, C.M., ACE, IACE, Airport Operations and Compliance Manager, King County International Airport – Boeing Field
Speakers:
Jacob Haik, ACE, C.M., Airport Manager, Van Nuys Airport
Eric Stolpman, Vice President, Sky Harbour Group
Jeff A. Renard, Airport Manager, Columbia Gorge Regional Airport
What’s the Big Idea?: Designing Journeys that Define Our Experience
Expectations at U.S. airports are rising fast, and airports are rethinking how airport experience is designed, delivered, and making a measurable difference—from customer-centric terminal design and smoother journeys to creating a true sense of place and positioning airports as destinations in their own right. Move beyond buzzwords and explore the bold ideas shaping how passengers feel, move, and connect inside the airport. Follow the passenger journey at the most iconic U.S. airport in the culture capital of the world to highlight what elevates the experience, where design makes the biggest difference, and how airports are building excitement for the future of flying.
Speaker:
Courtney Moore, ACE, Chief Revenue & Experience Officer, Los Angeles World Airports
Airports Sharing Knowledge – How to Build Upon Peer Knowledge and Leverage Relationships Within the Industry
The old industry adage is, “If you have seen one airport, you have seen one airport”. As true as this statement may be, consistent communication with other airports can provide dividends in reducing time required for problem solving as the likelihood that another airport has encountered the same, or similar issue, is high. This session will explore unique solutions developed by airports to uplift and support operations of fellow airports ranging from mock airfield inspections designed to simulate official regulatory inspections, informal group discussions, and simply reaching out with a question. The speakers will explore the benefits of consistent information exchange as well as the noticeable benefits of relationships that have produced to enhance airport safety, regulatory compliance, and efficiency at their respective airports.
Moderator:
Corey J. Schultheis, A.A.E., Assistant Airside Manager, Los Angeles World Airports
Speakers:
Ron McClellan, Airport Operations Supervisor, John Wayne Airport - Orange County
Geoffrey W. Gaskin, C.M., ACE, Assistant Director, Airside Operations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Brett Knox, Senior Manager – Airside Operations, Denver International Airport
Matthew M. Sykora, A.A.E., ACE, USAP, Airport Business Manager, King County International Airport – Boeing Field
Tuesday, May 5:
Employee Retention: Appreciation, Education, Aspirations – Keeping Employees Happy & Engaged
Moderator:
Matthew Heil, A.A.E., Deputy Aviation Director, Strategy, Policy & Administration, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Speakers:
Harry G. Barrett, Jr., A.A.E., Executive Director, Palm Springs International Airport
Megan Large, CF APMP, Aviation Market Lead, Mead & Hunt, Inc.
Kelly J. Reynolds, A.A.E., ACE, Director, Terminal/Landside Operations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Richard A. Rushing, III, A.A.E., M.S., Director, Operations, Savannah Airport Commission
Touchdown to Torch Lighting: Airports, Cities, and Cultures Colliding on the World Stage
The world’s journeys begin at the airport, and global events shape the traveler experience from arrival to citywide celebration. What happens when millions of international visitors arrive in one city at the same time—and the eyes of the world are watching? As Los Angeles prepares to welcome major events, experts explore the big-picture scenarios global cities face when airports, streets, communities, and cultures all converge—tackling real-world “what if” moments, from first impressions at LAX and language barriers to diplomacy, disruption, and traveler expectations shaped by global mega-events. Candid stories, bold thinking, and insights into how collaboration helps cities like Los Angeles not just host the world—but welcome it.
Moderator:
Brandon Nunn-Zia, Strategic Engagements Liaison, Los Angeles World Airports
Speakers:
Luis Ángel Castañeda Flores, Consul for Political Affairs, Consulate General of Mexico – Los Angeles
Dilpreet Sidhu, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs
Erin Trapp, Deputy Executive Director, Major Events and Strategy, Los Angeles World Airports
The Ramp of the Future: Transforming Operations with Technology
Ramp operations remain one of the most complex and high-risk areas of the airport environment. This session will begin with “The Bad”—a look at recent safety incidents and their cost implications, highlighting the need for change. From there, speakers will discuss how data-driven strategies and emerging technologies are improving ramp safety, enhancing efficiency, and enabling more informed operational decision-making.
Moderator:
Jay Bouton, Business Development - Aviation, Daktronics
Speakers:
Jodie T. Brinkerhoff, ACE, Chief Strategy Officer, Sotereon.ai
Nicole Austin, Innovation Program Manager, Alaska Airlines
Skyeler Smith, Growth Director, Pattern Labs
Rick Weaver, Regional Manager, Southwest Airlines
Doug Wycoff, Director of Digital Technologies & Innovation, Tampa International Airport
Taking Mobility to New Heights: The eVTOL and AAM Era
This session explores how Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is moving from concept to real-world implementation. Drawing on perspectives from industry experts, attendees will hear about policy and regulatory considerations, infrastructure planning, and the practical steps needed to enable operations. Speakers will highlight real-world efforts, including planning at Tampa International Airport and developments from Joby Aviation, with a focus on engineering due diligence, on-airport infrastructure activation, and collaboration with airport authorities. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on what it takes to bring eVTOL operations to airports.
Speakers:
Brett Fay, Vice President, General Aviation and Advanced Air Mobility, Tampa International Airport
Ryan Naru, Government Affairs Analyst, Joby Aviation
Solomon Wong, President & Chief Executive Officer, InterVISTAS Consulting USA LLC
When the Community Calls: Airport Response Leadership in Action
Every Part 139 airport has an emergency plan. But when your community is counting on you, during a mass casualty incident, extreme weather event, security threat, or infrastructure failure, the real question becomes: Is your airport truly ready? This dynamic panel will explore how response planning translates from paper to practice. Through candid discussion of recent real-world incidents, panelists will share lessons learned, operational adjustments made, and how emergency plans have evolved in today’s risk environment.
Moderator:
Lanita Correll, Complex Incident Management Solutions LLC
Speakers:
Richard Chong, Emergency Management Coordinator, Los Angeles World Airports
Cherie Cook, Manager of Emergency Planning, Response, & Business Continuity, American Airlines
Heidi Sim, Airport Duty Manager, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Megan Thoben, A.A.E., Vice President, Operations & Customer Engagement, Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Fueling Growth: The Future of Capital Access
As demand for capacity, modernization, and resiliency accelerates, traditional funding models alone are no longer sufficient. This session brings together aviation leaders, financial institutions, and public-sector decision-makers to explore the next evolution of funding strategies for airport infrastructure that enable airports to deliver transformative projects while maintaining fiscal discipline. Attendees will gain insight into how leading airports are structuring deals, mitigating risk, and unlocking new sources of capital to support sustainable, long-term growth.
Moderator:
Eleni S. Elling, A.A.E., IAP, Airport Director, Treasury, Department of Aviation, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Speakers:
Bryan Benefiel, C.M., Deputy General Manager - Chief Financial Officer, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Basil O. Dosunmu, A.A.E., CPA, CIA, Chief Financial Officer, Capital Region Airport Commission | Richmond International Airport
Dan Kurz, Managing Director, Frasca & Associates, LLC
Matthew Couch, JP Morgan
Navigating Airport Legal and Regulatory Changes
Moderator:
Matthew Heil, A.A.E., Deputy Aviation Director, Strategy, Policy & Administration, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Speakers:
Peter J. Kirsch, Esq., Partner, Kaplan Kirsch LLP
Carolina Potts, Assistant Chief Counsel, City Of Phoenix Aviation Department
Your Airport, Your Voice: Social Media, Branding & Authentic Representation
Step into the role of your airport’s biggest advocate—online and in person. This session explores how your airport’s brand, voice, and tone come to life through social media, staff interactions, and everyday representation. Learn from leaders at BNA and TPA as they share both the big-picture strategy and hands-on tactics to keep posts on-brand, authentic, and engaging.
Speakers:
C.J. Johnson, Communications Manager, Tampa International Airport
Stacey Nickens, C.M., Vice President Corporate Communications and Marketing, Nashville International Airport®
Advanced ATC/Airfield Innovation
This panel will explore how modernization of the U.S. Air Traffic Control system is directly benefiting airports through improved efficiency, safety, predictability, and capacity. Experts will discuss the impact of key initiatives—including the FAA’s Service Awareness Initiative—along with other airport-focused modernization programs such as surface management enhancements and data-sharing tools. Attendees will gain practical insight into how these efforts strengthen coordination with the FAA, support infrastructure planning, and position airports for future growth and innovation.
Moderator:
Robert Koller, P.E., Service Group Manager, C&S Companies
Speakers:
James R. Cicardo, Jr., A.A.E., ACE, Deputy General Manage, JFK International Airport
Eric Dietz, Regional Manager ATS Surface Ops, United Airlines
Scott Remillard, Director, Product Marketing, Saab, Inc
Kelly Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Rinaldi Consultants
Cybersecurity
Airports face overlapping cyber, operational, and safety pressures: operations cannot simply shutdown due to ransomware; IT and OT ownership is murky; and third party access complicates Zero Trust. The core tension is how CISOs, Network Directors, and Security Directors balance risk, uptime, and physical safety when systems are compromised. The discussion centers on real world decision points: whether to pay ransomware to restore operations, how fast critical systems can truly recover, when cyber incidents become safety threats, who owns OT risk, and how much control airports actually have over third party access.
Moderator:
John Spiegel, HP Enterprise Services
Speakers:
Royce Holden, MBA-TM, CISSP, Cyber Market Lead, Mead & Hunt, Inc.
Chuck Miwa, Chief Information Officer, Ontario International Airport
Paul Myers, C.M., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust
Airport Space and Capacity Management: Maintaining Airfield Operations and Safety in a Complex Airport Environment
In a post pandemic era, some airports who have traditionally experienced ground congestion continue to do so while other airports who have experienced exponential growth address increasingly limited resources. From the blatantly obvious to more less noticeable from the outside, ground congestion is a significant concern for every airport in some variety. Space constraints, from leased areas to airport-controlled facilities, are a reality of current and expanding operations at airports. The more obvious, such as limited gating resources, taxiway, taxilane and leasehold access points, peak travel periods with major events, winter operations and runway capacity are always a primary concern for operational and planning personnel. The more obscure, such as a lack of parking for Ground Service Equipment (GSE) and airfield vehicle access, contribute greatly to overall airfield congestion and safety issues at some airports. With expanding operations, maintaining airside safety is paramount! This session will explore natural issues associated with heavy and expanding operations, including what airports have done to mitigate overall impacts.
Moderator:
Corey J. Schultheis, A.A.E., Assistant Airside Manager, Los Angeles World Airports
Speakers:
Javier Centeno, A.A.E, MBA, ACE, Assistant Director (I) – Aviation Operations, City of Dallas - Department of Aviation
Austin A. Fay, C.M., ACE, Director, Airside Operations, Nashville International Airport®
Curtis Hedgepeth, Managing Director of Airside Operations, Harry Reid International Airport
