Alexandria, Va., 2013-05-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — The airport industry’s most significant and influential annual gathering – the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Annual Conference and Exposition – gets underway in Reno starting Sunday, bringing together top aviation and government leaders to discuss the most significant issues facing airports and the aviation industry.
The 85th Annual AAAE Conference and Exposition takes place May 19-22, and will be hosted by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. More than 1,500 delegates are expected to attend, including representatives from over 225 airports, hundreds of industry suppliers, and key government agencies.
The agenda features senior executives from across the aviation industry, key government officials, and others. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and Representative Mark Amodei (R-NV) will provide keynote addresses during Monday’s opening day session. Andy Wirth, President and C.E.O. of Squaw Valley Ski Holdings, LLC and Bob Montgomery, Vice President of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines Co., will focus on customer service during Tuesday morning’s general session. Maury Gallagher, C.E.O. of Allegiant Airlines, will keynote Wednesday morning’s session.
In addition to the keynote addresses, some two dozen educational sessions will take place featuring leading airport and airline executives, senior FAA and TSA officials, and representatives from leading airport suppliers.
Among the notable agenda topics are the impact of recent airline mergers, advancements in airport customer service, the latest in airport security technology, and sustainable airport practices.
The event also features the airport industry’s largest exhibition, open Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon. Inside the exhibition hall, more than 180 companies will display the latest products and services aimed at solving today’s airport challenges and capitalizing on tomorrow’s opportunities.
Additionally, attendees and the association will be partnering with the Food Bank of NV, a regional food distribution and support system, at a volunteer event on Saturday in an effort to give back to the community that will host the conference.
“After 85 years, the AAAE annual conference continues its role as the key opportunity for top airport, airline, and government leaders to exchange information and collaborate on ways to keep our industry moving forward,” said AAAE President, Meetings and International, Spencer Dickerson. “Our comprehensive agenda, combined with the remarkable job done by our hosts at the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, make this year’s event a must-attend for today’s industry leaders and those of the future.”
Attendees have several ways to connect with AAAE conference happenings during the event:
- JACOBS is sponsoring a mobile app for the event. Click here to download the app on your device.
- Twitter users can follow @AAAEDelivers and #AAAERNO for updates from conference.
Members of the working media interested in attending AAAE conferences should contact Gwen Basaria. On-site registration is available.
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ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE (www.aaae.org) is the world’s largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.
CONTACT:
Joel D. Bacon
Vice President, Airport Legislative Alliance
(703) 824-0500, Ext. 154
Joel.bacon@aaae.org
Gwen Basaria
Director, Legislative and Regulatory Communications
(703) 824-0500, Ext. 187
Gwen.Basaria@aaae.org
@AAAEDelivers