Welcome to Tampa for the largest "for airports, by airports" event in the world.  We are thrilled to have you here with us!  

The 2019 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition brings all sectors of the airport industry together to provide airport decision makers and their peers from across North America with insights on the latest trends and strategies that advance the industry. This year’s event is no exception.   

This year’s conference promises to position you ahead of the curve as we take a deep dive into the most pressing issues of the day, including organizational alignment, financial resiliency, airport construction, infrastructure, passenger facilitation, risk management, security, and much more.  This year’s event also includes access to solutions in our sold-out exhibit hall, thought leadership sessions, panel discussions, and enhanced networking opportunities. Be sure to check out this year’s agenda in the conference app.  

We look forward to this week’s engaging dialogue on ways we can enhance the work we do to provide a safe, efficient, and sustainable airport industry.  

For those watching along at home, our daily issue of Centerlines LIVE will keep you up to speed. 

Enjoy! 

Candace S. McGraw
Chair, ACI-NA

Make the most of your ACI-NA Conference experience by downloading the ACI-NA Conferences app on your smartphone or tablet. The ACI-NA Conferences app lets you search the participant list, connect with attendees, customize your agenda and much more! Get the app now by searching "ACI-NA Conferences" in the App Store or Google Play.

Username: Email used to register for the conference
Password: airports

For questions pertaining to the Mobile App on-site, visit the registration area on the 2nd level of the Tampa Convention Center. There will be a Mobile App help desk agent available near the registration desk. 

The 2019 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition is the aviation industry event you cannot miss, featuring numerous opportunities to network with airport industry professionals from across North America. At this conference, attendees will also have a chance learn about the latest updates in aviation that will impact the North American airport industry.

Plan now to explore our expansive trade show floor to see the latest products and services in the industry!

TODAY’S AGENDA AT A GLANCE

Unless specifically stated, all sessions take place at the Tampa Convention Center. All agendas for the pre-conference workshops/meetings are available in the Mobile App.

Sunday, September 15

7:30 am – 7:00 pm: Check-in / Registration – East/West Registration (2nd Level)
8:00 am– 9:00 am: Networking Breakfast – Grand Ballroom A
8:00 am – 4:45 am: Committee Meetings and Pre-Conference Workshops (see agenda for details)
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Networking Break – Grand Ballroom Foyer
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Networking Lunch – Grand Ballroom A & D
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Networking Break – Grand Ballroom Foyer
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Press Office Open – Room: 10
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Exhibition Hall Grand Opening (Reception in Exhibit Hall) – Room: East/West/Central Exhibit Halls

BETWEEN: September 13-18, 2019
TO/FROM: Tampa Airport, Marriott, Embassy Suites, Hilton Tampa and the Tampa Convention Center
Before you request your ride, in the “Promos” section of the Lyft app, enter your promo code: AIRPORTS19. Applied credit is displayed on the ride payment screen. Here are the details:

GET THE APP
Download the Lyft app for iPhone or Android . Already have the Lyft app? Go straight to step 3.

CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
Set up a Lyft account. You’ll need to add a credit card, in case your Lyft rides go beyond the event. Any additional tips will be charged to your credit card as well.

SUBMIT YOUR INFO
Add the code AIRPORTS19 to the “Promo” section of the Lyft app before you request your ride. You must be in “Personal” mode for the code to apply and will only need to enter the code one time.

ACI-NA Presents Phoenix’s Bennett with 2019 Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award

Last night, Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) announced that James E. Bennett, Director of Aviation Services for the city of Phoenix, was named this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award. The award was announced during the 2019 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Tampa, FL.

“ACI-NA is pleased to recognize the distinguished leadership of Jim Bennett with the 2019 Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “As the Director of Aviation Services at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Jim leads one of America’s busiest airports with integrity and the understanding that employee alignment is critical to execute a sound, unified business strategy. His dedication to PHX and its 45 million annual passengers is unmistakable, and will ensure the continued success of the airport and the local Phoenix community.”

Workshops and Committee Meetings
Many attendees participated in issue-specific workshops, committee meetings, and explored new industry trends. 

Under Construction
The exhibition hall is almost done! This year's exhibitors are putting on the finishing touches.

Checking In, Networking and Having Fun!

General Session 1

General Stan McChrystal
Former Commander of U.S. and International Forces in Afghanistan
Author of best-sellers Leaders: Myth and Reality, Team of Teams and My Share of the Task
Co-Founder of the McChrystal Group

A one-of-a-kind commander with a remarkable record of achievement, General Stan McChrystal is widely praised for creating a revolution in warfare that fused intelligence and operations. He is also known for developing and implementing the counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan and for creating a comprehensive counter-terrorism organization that revolutionized the way military agencies interact and operate.

A dynamic, powerful speaker, McChrystal impresses audiences with field-tested leadership lessons, stressing a uniquely inclusive model that focuses on building teams capable of relentlessly pursuing results. When old systems fall short, he believes true leaders must look for ways to innovate and change. Citing stories from his career, McChrystal will reveal a four-star management strategy, concentrating on openness, teamwork and forward-thinking.

General Session 2

Aaron Sharockman
Executive Director, PolitiFact

Aaron Sharockman is the executive director of PolitiFact, the largest fact-checking organization in the United States. Aaron leads the growth and development of PolitiFact, manages its outreach and news partnerships, and oversees new initiatives and product development. Sharockman has been with PolitiFact since 2010 and served most recently as the editor of PunditFact, a website dedicated to checking claims by pundits, columnists, bloggers and the hosts and guests of talk shows. He was a 2016-17 Reynolds Fellow at the University of Missouri and taught a class on political fact-checking at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Check out the full 2019 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition agenda here.

Aligning Organizational Structure to New Demands

Business as we know it is changing significantly and airport operators are no exception. Innovation, changing customer expectations and increased pressure for greater non-aeronautical revenue generation are just some of the factors pushing leaders to re-think how their organization prepares for these new challenges. Hear from airport leaders on how they’re structuring their organizations, creating more cross-functionality and working closer with stakeholders to better serve their customers and communities.

How to Be More Financially Resilient?

The Great Recession ended in 2009. A decade later economic indicators show the next recession may be on the horizon. Economists are hedging their bets by forecasting a downturn in the economy, if not a recession, over the next 12-24 months. If history has taught us anything, it is that the airline industry is more sensitive to economic downturns, as personnel and business travel budgets decline. And, as airline traffic declines, so do airport revenues that are tied to enplaned passengers. Is your airport financially and operationally ready to weather another recession? Join the conversation with your fellow airport executives and build your toolkit to ensure your airport is prepared.

Complex World of Airport Construction

Airport capital projects worldwide are on the rise and the growth in terminals, runways and infrastructure construction shows no signs of slowing. A significant number of airports currently have major expansion programs in the works, which will certainly result in major construction going forward. As the ACI-NA Airport Infrastructure Needs Study, Terminally Challenged, found, airports in the U.S. face over $128 billion in infrastructure needs between now and 2023. Proportional needs exist in Canada. Our panel will discuss how airports in both countries are using innovative planning and design processes, capital program management techniques and project delivery strategies to meet these needs on-time, on-budget and on-quality.

Enabling 21st Century Passenger Processing

The most successful airports have focused on passenger processing technologies and new solutions to improve the passenger experience and maximize operational efficiency. Passengers are constantly connected with smartphones, and as such, passengers demand an increased level of personalized service. Adopting a new passenger processing experience can optimize capacity of existing facilities and lower operational expenditures. Make sure you are taking advantage of resources to better serve your customers, avoid disruptions and increase passenger satisfaction.

Managing Changing Risks in Aviation

Airports of today are faced with an increasingly complex and evolving plethora of risks and challenges, such as unmanned aerial systems, climate change, cyber-attacks and PFAS contamination. How does airport leadership ensure they are focusing on the right priorities? What processes can help review and evaluate not only risks but also opportunities? How do you bring together your staff to solve these issues using a multi-disciplinary approach? In this session, learn about how your organization can be structured to proactively manage today’s risks and be prepared for tomorrow’s unknowns.

North American Aviation Security Dialogue

Evolving threats to civil aviation such as those posed by creatively concealed explosives, large crowds in public areas and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), present a unique challenge for both regulators and airport operators. Technology is an essential component in enhancing the security of the aviation system. In order to improve security effectiveness while managing budgetary constraints, it is important for agencies and the industry to collaborate on effective processes, procedures and technology. Don’t miss this opportunity to talk directly with senior TSA and CATSA representatives about initiatives to stay ahead of the latest threats.

The Transnational Regulatory Picture

Join us for this perennial transnational favorite, which provides the opportunity to interact face-to face with senior officials from both Transport Canada and the FAA. In this year’s session, we will be discussing the latest regulatory landscape, reform efforts from both agencies, key policy initiatives and a look ahead. This is always an informative and engaging session and provides a superb opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns.

Be sure to tweet comments and photos while you are at the 2019 ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition. Mention @airportscouncil and use the hashtag #airports19.

The latest issue of Centerlines, ACI-NA’s flagship magazine is here! Each topic and article was carefully selected to position 2019 annual conference attendees ahead of the curve. Read the articles below or stop by registration to pick up a copy!

Evolution of the C-Suite:  The airport C-suite has changed over the years, and it no longer just includes the big four – CEO, CFO, COO and CIO. New roles have emerged and they have a purpose: to help address important areas for an airport’s success.

Pressure Points of Revenue: Airports require constant renovations and upgrades to keep up with passenger demand, innovative technology and sustainability goals. But finding funding to pay for these necessary upgrades takes some creativity – especially when faced with insufficient revenue.

2020 Vision:  Learning about new trends is what drives success for the future. Find out what the future holds in concessions, transportation and construction.