2018 Agenda Highlights

Check out the full 2018 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition agenda here. 

Balancing Access and Operational Concerns in Accommodating Passengers with Disabilities
Airports and airlines work to maintain operational efficiency and provide a pleasant travel experience while complying with their respective legal obligations relating to passengers with disabilities. In the U.S., airports must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act while airlines must adhere to the Air Carrier Access Act. Recent increases in the number and types of emotional service animals in airports and on planes have caused problems, with some passengers falsely claiming their pets are service animals to avoid paying airline fees. In Canada, airports and airlines have largely voluntary measures to assist passengers with disabilities, but the federal government is moving to tighten legislative and regulatory requirements. Join us for a discussion of the challenges facing airports, airlines and an important, growing segment of air travelers.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Cyberwar
Airports have enhanced their physical security to deter and prevent terrorist attacks. Airports have also strengthened their information technology systems to fend off growing cyberattacks. As airport technology becomes increasingly interconnected with passengers, airlines and concessions to improve the travel experience, there is increased vulnerability that a cyber espionage attack could damage critical systems used to support infrastructure and physical security. Join us for a discussion on recognizing potential threats and better integrating physical and cyber security.

Rethinking the Customer Experience
From multi-million dollar capital improvement programs to implementing the latest in technology to revamped training programs to partnerships with airlines and federal agencies, North American airports have recognized that providing a high-quality customer experience is a business imperative. Some use public-private partnerships to renovate facilities or implement innovative initiatives to improve the travel experience. But how do you decide what enhancements to make over the short and long term to translate passenger happiness into an improved bottom line?

Incorporating a Culture of Innovation
Adjusting to and planning for the ever-changing airport environment is increasingly difficult. To move beyond innovation as a mere buzzword to tap its transformative potential, organizations need to understand that it’s more than just technology; it’s a process centered on people that requires a culture shift and executive level commitment. How can we foster the involvement of leaders, employees and the local community to spur innovation? Don’t miss this important discussion about how airports, airlines and concessionaires are incorporating innovation to effectively respond to trends affecting operations and revenues.

Commercial Space – The Next Frontier for Airports
Commercial space operations are a critical priority for the Trump Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and bipartisan supporters in Congress. In 2017, a record 23 launches were licensed by FAA, but in just a few years this is forecast to more than double. Many of these new generation spacecraft are reusable, increasing demand even more than the forecasts suggest. Already, several U.S. airports have had to address potential conflicts between traditional aircraft operations and "space launches," whether by vertically launched rockets, horizontally-launched rocket planes or suborbital balloons. In this rapidly evolving "space," how will airports, space operators and the FAA effectively balance the interests of commercial aviation and commercial space in the National Airspace System?

Delivering Today: E-Commerce and Airports
Industry experts expect retail e-commerce to more than double over the next three to four years. This growth is expected to continue driving air cargo demand, despite rising trade tensions and increasing fuel costs. Airports need to be more involved with e-commerce development because the increasing variety of products transported often means new and different requirements for cargo and modal transportation facilities. Learn from the experts about how you can be more successful in this important and growing industry sector.