65th Annual airport management Short Course program
Saturday, February 1
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Accreditation Final Interview Workshop (Separate Registration Required)
Led by AAAE Board of Examiner Representative Rosalyn F. Bond, A.A.E., Deputy Director, San Jose Mineta International Airport
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
The Role of the Airport Attorney Workshop (Separate Registration Required)
The goal of The Role of the Airport Attorney workshop is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge amongst public-use airport managers and their attorneys, learn new material beneficial to aviation job responsibilities with ever-changing rules and regulations, find new opportunities for collaboration and networking, all while providing valuable professional development and experience in beautiful Monterey.
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Board of Directors and Conference Committee Dinner (By Invitation Only)
Sunday, February 2
8:00 am to 11:00 am
SWAAAE Board of Directors Meeting
All Chapter members are invited and encouraged to attend Board of Directors’ meetings. If you are interested in attending, please contact Executive Director Cathy Herring. A virtual participation option is available.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Todd McNamee Past President's Golf Tournament (Separate Registration Required)
Registration required via the conference registration form (limited club rentals available first come, first served). Guests are welcome to register!
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Registration Opens
Stop by registration to pick up your name badge and conference materials. Conference information will be accessible via the Whova conference app.
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Exhibitor Set-Up
6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
Michael A. Shutt YoPro, New Attendee & Mentor Meet and Greet
First time attendees, new SWAAAE members and young professionals are welcome and encouraged to attend to meet and network with others before the conference officially kicks off.
7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Welcome Reception at Other Brother Beer Co.
Kick off the conference over networking, beer, wine, heavy appetizers, board games and trivia at Other Brother Beer Company! Roundtrip transportation will be provided from the Monterey Marriott.
10:00 pm to 11:30 pm
After Hours Networking and Wine Tasting - Movie Night
Monday, February 3
7:30 am to 8:00 am
Morning Mavericks - The Walk
7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Registration
7:30 am to 8:30 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity
8:30 am to 9:00 am
Conference Opening Ceremonies
Conference Chair: Angi Daus, MPA, Marketing Supervisor, City of Santa Barbara Airport
SWAAAE President: Courtney Johnson, C.M., C.A.E., Director of Airports, County of San Luis Obispo
9:00 am to 10:15 am
Keynote: Jennifer Zientz, Director of Programs and Head of Clinical Services, Center for BrainHealth
10:15 am to 11:00 am
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
SWAAAE General Membership Meeting + AAAE Elections
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Lunch on your own
12:15 pm to 1:15 pm
Student/YoPro Lunch (By Invitation Only)
1:30 pm to 2:45 pm
Session A: What in the Workforce?! A Workshop on Building Talent Inclusively
This session will provide an overview of: how to address the drivers and challenges of Workforce Development efforts from the lenses of the entities that need development and the people that comprise the talent pool.
Building a diverse, continuous aviation talent pool is not just a necessity, but a strategic imperative for the future of the industry. Through concerted efforts of hiring authorities, innovative funding strategies, and inclusive programming, the aviation sector can pave the way for a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future. This session challenges participants to champion diversity and inclusion in their spheres of influence. Attendees will be able to act as live contributors to a working paper on inclusive workforce development for the AAAE ACT Program.
Speakers:
Monique Jackson, Founder & CEO, L & F Project Management
Dassie Persaud-Van Der Westhuizen, ENV, SP, Aviation Planner - Sustainability, Mead & Hunt, Inc.
2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Session B: Smart Airports: Leveraging Technology and Data for Tomorrow
Airports should be aware of technological advances in the industry. This session will discuss some of those advances including the use of big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the equipment supporting these advancements.
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Corporate Membership Meeting
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Dinner on your own
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Monday Night Dessert Networking Event - Casino Night (Bruce Loev and SWAAAE Foundation Event)
Network over dessert, cocktails, and casino games at Monterey Beach Station (walking distance from the Monterey Marriott).
10:30 pm to 11:30 pm
After Hours Networking and Wine Tasting
Tuesday, February 4
7:30 am to 8:00 am
Morning Mavericks
7:45 am to 3:15 pm
Registration
7:45 am to 8:30 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors
9:00 am to 10:00 am
Session C1: Unpackaging Section 743 from FAA Reauthorization 2024 and FAA Land Use Policy
The 2024 FAA Reauthorization brought several updates to the FAA's rules and regulations, including the replacement of Section 163 with Section 743, a new regulation governing how the agency manages airport land use changes. Section 743 represents a significant shift from previous guidelines. This session will highlight the key differences, clarify the responsibilities of both the FAA and airport sponsors, and explain the implications for the FAA's land use policy.
9:00 am to 10:00 am
Session C2: FAA Session
10:00 am to 10:45 am
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
10:45 am to 11:45 am
Session D1: Case Study: LAX Taxiway D Extension
This session will provide an overview of: Discussion between the engineer, contractor, and owner about the challenges faced during Taxiway D construction and how the team worked together to adapt, bring innovative solutions, and finish the project ahead of schedule, within budget, and without injury.
Partnering: Owner, engineer, and contractor all on same page about partnering throughout the project. Took collaborative approach. Partnering workshops, what’s working, what’s not working.
Pivoting: LAWA doubled size of project as a change order without changing schedule duration.
Moderator: Brett Shank, Aviation Market Leader, RS&H
Speakers:
Byron Chavez, PE, Sr. Project Manager, RS&H
Travis Clausen, Sully Miller
10:45 am to 11:45 am
Session D2: Ethical AI, Data Use and Public Trust in Airport Technology
With technological advancements and big data, there comes great responsibility in how we use technology and interpret sets of data. As public entities, airports needs to ensure they are properly utilizing the information they gather, ensuring accuracy and non-discrimination, and to be aware of the public perception of the invasiveness of what we gather.
11:45 am to 1:15 pm
Lunch on your own
1:15 pm to 2:00 pm
Session E1: Preparing your Airport for Wildland Fire Support
Arizona, California, and Nevada airports are often called upon to support firefighting activities on a moment’s notice. This session will present a case study of the Chico Regional Airport and share best practices on how to be prepared when called upon in a wildland fire emergency. This discussion will include how to survey your airport and determine the locations for staging, fuel, water, and other utility access, airfield access, rental agreements, rates, and charges. Panelists will include an experienced airport director, CalFire, BLM or Forest Service and industry.
Moderator: Kenneth G. Moen, A.A.E., C.A.E., President, Nevada Aviation Association
Speakers:
Tom Bahr, Manager, Chico Regional Airport
Paul Petersen, Executive Director, United Aerial Firefighters Association
1:15 pm to 2:00 pm
Session E2: Navigating the National Environmental Policy Act Process
This session will provide an overview of: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements for airport projects, using real-world examples and lessons learned. The session will focus on key environmental and related concerns for Airports and how to take a proactive approach to addressing these issues as early in the process as possible to avoid, minimize, and mitigate potential impacts, reduce NEPA timeframes, and minimize potential for litigation.
Moderator: Missi Shumer, Principal Consultant - NEPA/Federal Programs, HMMH
Speaker: Kimberly Threlfall, LEED AP, PMP, Principal Consultant - NEPA, HMMH
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm
Short Break
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm
Session F1: Airport Project Life Cycle a.k.a. Why Did I Inherit the Facility Like This?
As part of our daily responsibility, many of us are focused on a single phase of the project life cycle and may have limited awareness, understanding, or influence of other phases. This interactive session will introduce the project life cycle of typical airport development projects and describe basic actions, decisions, and interdependencies associated with each phase. “Do it yourselfers”, members of multi-departmental teams, planners, engineers, builders, operators, and maintainers will all benefit from this session.
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm
Session F2: Runway to Success: Charting Efficient Delivery Methods for Aviation Infrastructure
This presentation delves into the critical risks owners face focused on design-related liabilities regarding the Spearin Doctrine and Professional liabilities and provides an in-depth analysis of the unique strengths and challenges contractors bring to each delivery method. We will also assess a range of alternative delivery methods, highlighting their advantages and limitations, and offering strategic guidance on selecting the most suitable approach for airport construction projects. Attendees will leave with valuable insights on balancing risk and efficiency to achieve optimal project outcomes in aviation infrastructure development.
Moderator: Michael Hill, CPC, LEED, DBIA, Project Director, Sundt Construction
3:00 pm to 3:45 pm
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
Session G1: AAAE Frontline Leadership Training
Join us to Learn about the AAAE Foundational Leadership Training and how to participate in the SWAAAE Cohort. This free virtual training is offered to all AAAE Members and designed for first time or front-line supervisors, targeting individuals who are stepping into their initial supervisory roles, often transitioning from being part of a team to leading one. These front-line leaders are responsible for managing and guiding the day-to-day activities of a group of employees. Learn how you can grow your professional network while improving your leadership skills. Note: Registration for the AAAE Training is recommended but not required prior to attending this session.
Moderator: Alice Bimrose, A.A.E., ACE, CAE, Executive Program Director, PSM Squared, Inc.
3:45 pm to 4:30 pm
Session G2: Surprising Secrets from Seasoned Leaders
Join this panel of leaders to learn the surprising aspects of the daily life of a seasoned leader. Hear about the challenges, lessons, and the compromises senior leaders made in their career journeys and every day lives.
Moderator: Mindy Price, Chief PACE Setter, Direct Effect Solutions
Speaker: Jason Watkins, A.A.E., CPA, CGFO, Aviation Chief Financial Officer, Broward County Aviation Department
4:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Conference Wrap Up and Exhibitor Bingo Card Giveaway Grand Drawing
Must be present to win!
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Cocktail Reception
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
President’s Banquet
9:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Post Banquet Reception
Wednesday, February 5
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Summer Conference Committee Planning Meeting
All volunteers interested in serving on the 2025 Summer Conference Planning Committee are encouraged to attend this planning kick-off meeting. All are welcome, and it is a great way to get involved in the Chapter!
*Program is subject to change