F. Russell Hoyt
National Airports Conference (NAC)
September 27-29, 2026 | New Orleans, LA
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Plan to join us in New Orleans, LA for the F. Russell Hoyt National Airports Conference (NAC).
Benefits of Attending
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Receive timely updates on the most crucially important issues impacting your airport
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Make connections with leaders from across the country
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Earn plenty of CEUs to maintain your certification
Conference Agenda
Preview the agenda from last year's NAC below. And be sure to bookmark this page for updates.
Sunday, September 28
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AAAE Board Meeting
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Registration
3 - 7 p.m.
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Committee Meetings
3 - 4:15 p.m.
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NAC Committee Meeting (NAC Committee Members Only)
4:45 - 5:15 p.m.
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Claudia Holliway Newcomers' Reception
5:15 - 6 p.m.
Sponsored by: Michael Baker International
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Welcome Reception
6 - 7 p.m.
Sponsored by: Signature Aviation
Monday, September 29
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Registration
7:30 a.m - 5 p.m.
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Committee Meetings
7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
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Breakfast with Exhibitors
7:30 - 9 a.m.
Sponsored by: Archetype SC, Inc., C&S Companies, Flagship Facility Services
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Silent Auction for AAAE Foundation
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Conference Welcome and Opening Remarks
9 - 9:30 a.m.
Ethan Croop, A.A.E., Senior Manager, Maintenance Administration, Lee County Port Authority and 2025 NAC Vice Chair
Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E., Director, Boise Airport and 2025-2026 AAAE Chair
Cathryn Stephens, A.A.E., Director, Eugene Airport and 2025 NAC Chair
Bill Wyatt, Executive Director, Salt Lake City Department of Airports
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General Session I – State of the Industry
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Sponsored by: Arora Engineers, Avis Budget Group, Inc., Woolpert
Todd Hauptli, President and CEO, AAAE (moderator)
Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E., Director, Boise International Airport and Chair, AAAE
Lance Lyttle, IAP, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Jesus Saenz, Jr., IAP, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System
Bill Wyatt, A.A.E., Executive Director, Salt Lake City Department of Airports
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10:30 - 11 a.m.
Sponsored by: FedEx, Vector Airport Systems
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Small Group Discussion A - Strategic Talent Management: Recruitment and Retention Strategies that Work
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Anita Cobb, MBA, Market Leader, Mead & Hunt (moderator)
Emily Ellison, SPHR, Chief People and Culture Officer, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
Alexis Higgins, A.A.E, CEO, Tulsa International Airport
Rob Lowe, Chief People and Culture Officer, Los Angeles World Airports
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Small Group Discussion B - ORAT: Saving You Money on Construction Projects
11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Jenny Inglish, PMP, CME, CEO, Plane Inglish (moderator)
Jean Carlos Lopez Diaz, ORAT Assistant Manager, Orlando International Airport
David Gruber, Assistant Vice President, WSP USA (contractor to ATLNext)
Zach Kelloms, P.E., PMP, Project Manager II, United Airlines
Melvin Price, C.M., MBA, ENV SP, Associate Principal, Jacobs
Ben Smedsrud, Project Director, McCarthy Building Companies
Lee Walinchus, P.E., Director of Technical Programs and Systems, Denver International Airport
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Luncheon with Keynote Speaker: Michael P. Huerta, Former FAA Administrator
12:15 - 1:45 p.m.
Sponsored by: Arconas, Jacobs, McCarthy Building Companies, Mead & Hunt, Inc.
As FAA Administrator, Michael P. Huerta ushered in a new era of collaboration between the aviation industry and its regulators to advance safety for the flying public. In conversation with Bill Wyatt, Executive Director of the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, Huerta will talk about his FAA experience, his board service at companies like Delta and Joby Aviation, and why collaboration will continue to define the future of the aviation industry.
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Small Group Discussion A - Terminal Intelligence: How Innovation is Transforming Airport Facilities from the Ground Up
2 - 3:10 p.m.
Sponsored by: BEUMER Group
Ed Clayson, A.A.E., Director, Airport Maintenance, Salt Lake City International Airport (moderator)
Lisa Abeyta, Associate Deputy Director of Innovation and Development, Albuquerque International Sunport
Casey Ries, Chief Asset Development Officer, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Ravi Singh, Head of Sales, Leonardo
Beau Stombaugh, Director, Business Development, Beumer
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Small Group Discussion B - How to Build Flexibility Into Emergency Planning
2 - 3:10 p.m.
Ethan Croop, A.A.E., Senior Manager, Maintenance Administration, Lee County Port Authority
Ted Kitchens, A.A.E., Executive Advisor, Paslay Group
Lee Ann Norris, C.M., Customer Experience Manager, Savannah Airport Commission
Ryan Sheehan, A.A.E., Chief Operating Officer, Spokane International Airport
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
3:10 - 3:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: Conrac Solutions, Signature Aviation
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General Session II - Washington Update
3:30-4:15 p.m.
Sponsored by: Atlantic Aviation, HOK, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., ProDIGIQ, Inc., Smiths Detection
Joel Bacon, Executive Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, AAAE (moderator)
Paul Bradbury, P.E., Airport Director, Portland International Jetport and Chair, AAAE Federal Affairs Committee
Gina Dew, Director of Government Affairs, Tampa International Airport and Vice Chair, AAAE Federal Affairs Committee
Karen Kuhlman, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, AAAE
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Get Ready for a Gold Medal Evening!
6 - 8 p.m.
Sponsored by: Salt Lake City International Airport
Join your host, the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, for an unforgettable night of networking, entertainment, and Olympic-sized fun at the iconic Utah Olympic Park in Park City!
Originally built for the 2002 Winter Olympics — and soon to host the 2034 Games — this world-class venue offers stunning mountain views, a dash of Olympic history, and a few surprises along the way. Mingle with fellow attendees, enjoy delicious food, and even meet former Olympic athletes.
Buses depart from the Hyatt Regency at 5 PM and return by 9 PM. Don’t miss this chance to experience a legendary location and make memories worthy of a podium finish!
Tuesday, September 30
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Registration
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Committee Meetings
8 - 9 a.m.
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Breakfast with Exhibitors
8 - 9 a.m.
Sponsored by: GoApron Inc., TKDA
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Silent Auction for AAAE Foundation
8 - 11 a.m.
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General Session III: Managing Multiple Stakeholders During Capital Improvement Programs
9 - 10 a.m.
Sponsored by: Armis, Blast Deflectors, Inc., Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., PowerLift Hydraulic Doors
Paul Strege, C.M., Vice President, Aviation Services, Mead & Hunt (moderator)
Paul Blue, Partner and President, Executive Program Management, Paslay Group
Jane M. Lucero, A.A.E., AICP, Airport Development Administrator, New Mexico Department of Transportation Aviation Division
John Reed, A.A.E., Airport Director, Rochester International Airport
Craig Simon, ACE, Director of Aviation, Oakland International Airport
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General Session IV: Destination Ready - Hosting Large Scale Events
10 - 11 a.m.
Sponsored by: Forbo Flooring, M-B Companies, SSP America
Pete Higgins, A.A.E., Chief Operating Officer, Salt Lake City Department of Airports (moderator)
Melissa Cooper, A.A.E., Director of Aviation, Kansas City Aviation Department
Herbert Judon Jr., A.A.E., ACE, Executive Director, Augusta Regional Airport
Walter J. Krygowski, Esq., Deputy Director of Operations and Maintenance, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
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Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
11 - 11:30 a.m.
Sponsored by: Oshkosh AeroTech, LLC, Birdi Systems
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Small Group Discussion A - Beyond the Debrief: Communities After Crisis
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Tyler Miller, A.A.E., ACE, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Grass Airport (moderator)
Lew S. Bleiweis, A.A.E., President and CEO, Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority
Danielle Gerken, Emergency Planning and Response Senior Analyst, American Airlines
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Small Group Discussion B - Drones at Airports, What Are They Good For … Absolutely Nothing?
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Nathan Polsgrove, A.A.E., ACE, IAP, Aviation Planning Director, Garver (co-moderator)
Celina Saucedo, A.A.E., MPA, Aviation Chief Administrative Officer, Broward County Aviation Department (co-moderator)
Brandon Adderley, C.M., ACE, Senior Manager, Airside Operations, Denver International Airport
Barry Brown, C.M., ACE, Director of Operations and Maintenance, Naples Airport Authority
Willie Paris, C.M., ACE, Assistant Director of Aviation, Operations and Security, El Paso International Airport
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Luncheon w. Keynote Speaker: Building the New SLC
12:45 - 2:15 p.m.
Sponsored by: Ecobeton-USA, Parkhill, Republic Parking, RS&H
Pete Higgins, A.A.E., Chief Operating Officer, Salt Lake City Department of Airports
Bill Wyatt, Executive Director, Salt Lake City Department of Airports
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Dessert With the Exhibitors
2:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Sponsored by: Coast2Coast
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General Session V: Cultivating a Customer Experience Culture
2:45- 3:45 p.m.
Sponsored by: HMSHost & Hudson, Metropolis
Eric Peterson, A.I.A., LEED AP, Principal, Alliance (moderator)
Dan Gregory, Director of Organizational Design and Expansion, Deer Valley Resort
Kaitlin Ekelson, President & CEO, Visit Salt Lake
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Break with Exhibitors
3:45- 4 p.m.
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Roundtables by Hub Size
4 - 5 p.m.
Sponsored by: ADB Safegate Americas, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Q&D Construction
Moderators:
GA: Jeff Bilyeu, A.A.E., Aviation Director, Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport
Small/NonHub: Harry Barrett Jr., A.A.E., Executive Director, Palm Springs International Airport
Medium/Large Hub: Bill Wyatt, Executive Director, Salt Lake City Department of Airports
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Young Professionals (YoPro) Reception
5:30 - 7 p.m.
Hosted by NWAAAE Young Professionals and sponsored by Garver
Poplar Street Pub (242 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT)
Wednesday, October 1
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Airport Tour - Salt Lake City International Airport
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Join us for a 90-minute driving tour of Salt Lake City International Airport, featuring behind-the-scenes access to the airfield and support facilities, including wildlife mitigation, glycol recycling, and snow equipment storage. Participants will also learn about the final phase of SLC's Airport Redevelopment Project. The tour departs from the Hyatt Regency at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at the terminal by 11:30 a.m., with bag storage provided during the tour.(Pre-Registration Required)
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.
2025 REGISTRATION FEES
Registration fees include the welcome reception, two continental breakfast, two lunches, all breaks, airport tour, and materials.
|
On/Before |
After |
|
|---|---|---|
|
AAAE/IAAE Member |
$800 |
$900 |
|
Non-Member |
$950 |
$1,050 |
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Federal Government Rate |
$450 |
$500 |
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, September 12, 2025, 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.
Hotel & Travel
NOTE: Please note that there are several companies (National Travel Association, Global Housing, Exhibition Housing Services, etc.) who may contact AAAE attendees and exhibitors claiming they are calling on behalf of AAAE and are the official housing company for the conference. The only way to make reservations within the AAAE block and to receive the discounted rate at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City Hotel is to make your reservation directly with the hotel. AAAE does not contract with third parties to make hotel reservations, and you should only be providing your credit card information directly to employees of the hotel. Always ask about the AAAE block rate when making your reservation with the hotel. Reservations made with unauthorized third party companies are not valid reservations. In the event that you book rooms through any such organization, AAAE will not be able to assist you should rooms be unavailable upon your arrival at the hotel. Should you receive any of these calls or have any questions, please contact Jonna Thoma, AAAE, at 703.797.2578.
Gain Exposure with Sponsorship!
Sponsorship Levels
|
Level |
Benefits |
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Platinum Wings ($8,000 and up) |
Attendee Roster; 3 Complimentary Registrations; Complimentary Tabletop Exhibit |
|
Gold Wings ($6,000-7,999) |
Attendee Roster; 2 Complimentary Registrations; Complimentary Tabletop Exhibit |
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Silver Wings ($4,000-5,999) |
Attendee Roster; 1 Complimentary Registration |
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Bronze Wings ($2,501-3,999) |
Attendee Roster |
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Airport Angel ($2,500) |
Listing as Airport Angel |
Available Opportunities
Airport Angel
Co-Sponsor Rate: $2,500
General Sessions
General Session I
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,500
General Session II
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,500
General Session III
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,500
General Session IV
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,500
General Session V
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,500
Events
Claudia Holliway Newcomers' Reception
Exclusive Sponsorship Rate: $15,000
Welcome Reception
Exclusive Sponsorship Rate: $15,000
Monday Breakfast
Co-Sponsor Rate: $7,000
Monday AM Break
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,000
Monday Breakout Sessions
Co-Sponsor Rate: $5,000
Monday Keynote Luncheon
Co-Sponsor Rate: $8,000
Monday PM Break
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,000
Monday Evening Event
Sponsored by Conference Host
Tuesday Breakfast
Co-Sponsor Rate: $7,000
Tuesday AM Break
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,000
Tuesday Breakout Sessions
Co-Sponsor Rate: $5,000
Tuesday Keynote Luncheon
Co-Sponsor Rate: $8,000
Tuesday Roundtable Discussions
Co-Sponsor Rate: $3,800
Tuesday PM Break
Co-Sponsor Rate: $6,000
Other Opportunities
Notepads and Pens (sponsor supplied)
Exclusive Sponsorship Rate: $6,500
Lanyards / Name Badges
Exclusive Sponsorship Rate: $15,000
Tote Bags
Exclusive Sponsorship Rate: $15,000
Hotel Key Cards*
Exclusive Sponsorship Rate: $6,000
Mobile App
Co-Sponsor Rate: $7,500
Sponsor’s Right of First Refusal
In recognition of the sponsoring company’s support of the National Airports Conference, AAAE agrees that with respect to the following year, companies with EXCLUSIVE sponsorship will have the right of first refusal over all other potential sponsors for the same sponsorship of the same event or item, in the subsequent year.
Sponsoring companies are eligible for this right of first refusal to renew their sponsorship only if the company has exclusively sponsored an event; however, the benefits and consideration of the sponsorship may be renegotiated as necessary. Sponsor shall have 120 days following the conclusion of the National Airports Conference to renew their sponsorship for the following year. If the sponsoring company fails to notify AAAE of its intention to renew its sponsorship within the 120-day period, AAAE reserves the right to open the opportunity to the public without providing prior notice to the previous year’s sponsoring company.
Build brand recognition by having your brand front and center at the top events and branded items of the conference.
AAAE/Airport Business Solutions
Essentials of Airport Business Management Workshop
September 25-27, 2026 | New Orleans, LA
Held in conjunction with the NAC, this interactive workshop will focus on dealing with and managing non-airline-related business functions at airports, and will provide attendees with an overview of property and business management issues confronting airports of all sizes.
2025 REGISTRATION FEES
Registration includes two continental breakfast, two lunches, all refreshment breaks and workshop materials.
|
On/Before |
After |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Member |
$650 |
$700 |
|
Non-Member |
$700 |
$750 |
Saturday, September 27
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Registration and Continental Breakfast
8 -8:30 a.m.
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Welcome and Overview
8:30 - 8:45 a.m.
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Session 1 - Business Plans and Their Role in Daily Management
8:45 - 10:15 a.m.
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Refreshment Break
10:15 - 10:30 a.m.
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Session 2 - Leases and Leasing Issues
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Lunch
12 - 1:15 p.m.
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Session 3 - Appraisals and Market Rent Studies
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
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Refreshment Break
2:30- 2:45 p.m.
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Session 4 - FBO 101
2:45 - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 28
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Continental Breakfast
8 - 8:30 a.m.
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Review & Follow-up from Day 1
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
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Session 5 - Airport Management Document Overview
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
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Refreshment Break
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
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Session 6 - Minimum Standards
10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Lunch
12 - 1:15 p.m.
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Session 7 - Airport Rules & Regulations
1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
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Refreshment Break
2:30 - 2:45 p.m.
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Session 8 - Other Policy Documents/Miscellaneous Management Issues
2:45 - 4 p.m.
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Adjournment
4 - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 27
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Registration and Continental Breakfast
8-8:30 a.m.
Sunday, September 28
-
Continental Breakfast
8-8:30 a.m.
Thanks to Our Host Airport!
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Program, Press/Media Inquiries
Brian Kalish
703.575.2461
NAC Registration, Hotel Reservations, and Logistics
Jonna Thoma
703.797.2578
Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities
Amy Trivette
703.575.2471
