2026 summer conference agenda
Saturday, July 18
12:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Board of Directors Meeting + Lunch
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Board of Directors and Conference Committee Dinner (By Invitation Only)
Sunday, July 19
6:00 am to 12:00 pm
Todd McNamee Past President's Golf Tournament (Separate Registration Required)
Our annual golf tournament is now officially hosted by the SWAAAE Foundation (501c3). Separate registration is required via the golf tournament registration form. Guests and non-members not planning to attend the full conference are welcome to register!
Check in: 6:00 am
Shotgun start: 7:00 am
Location: JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club
2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Exhibitor Set-Up
2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Registration Open
Stop by registration to pick up your name badge and conference materials. Conference information will be accessible via the conference app.
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Michael A. Shutt YoPro New Attendee & Mentor Meet and Greet Mixer
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
Get ready to press start on a night of fun! Join us for a lively Welcome Reception at the JW Marriott's Entertainment Zone arcade, packed with classic favorites and modern games. Whether you’re into high-score challenges, friendly competition, or just exploring something new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Mix and mingle over mini bowling, test your skills across a variety of arcade games, and connect with fellow conference attendees. Food and drinks will be provided throughout the evening, so you can refuel between rounds and keep the good times going.
Come as you are, bring your competitive spirit (or just your curiosity), and kick things off with a night full of energy, laughter, and connection!
Dress code: casual and colorful
9:30 pm to 11:00 pm
After Hours Networking Event
Monday, July 20
6:00 am to 7:00 am
Morning Mavericks
7:30 am to 3:00 pm
Registration
7:30 am to 9:00 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity
8:00 am to 8:45 am
Conference Opening Ceremonies
Conference Chair: Palm Springs International Airport
SWAAAE President: Gladys Brown, C.M., C.A.E., Airport Director, Yuma International Airport & Rolle Airfield
AAAE Leadership
8:45 am to 9:45 am
Keynote Session
9:45 am to 10:30 am
Break with Exhibitors
10:30 am to 11:30 pm
SWAAAE General Membership Meeting + Board of Directors Elections
11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Lunch on your own
11:30 pm to 1:00 pm
Student/YoPro Lunch (RSVP Required)
Invitations to participate in this lunch will be sent via email, and a ticket will be required for entry. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We look forward to connecting student attendees with industry YoPros in an intimate and meaningful way over lunch!
1:00 pm to 2:15 pm
Session A: State of the Airline Industry: Working in a Dynamic Environment
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
3:00 pm to 4:15 pm
Session B: AAM Integration Planning: Why Airports are "Bus Stops" in a Larger Network
4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
Corporate Membership Meeting
This meeting is open to all SWAAAE Corporate members to attend.
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Monday Night Networking Event - SWAAAE Festival of Flight (80th Annual Celebration)
Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a night of connection, celebration, and sky-high style at the SWAAAE Festival of Flight - it's your boarding call to an evening you won’t want to miss! ✈️
Dress code: Retro resort wear
9:00 pm to 10:30 pm
After Hours Networking
Tuesday, July 21
7:00 am to 8:00 am
Morning Mavericks
7:45 am to 3:00 pm
Registration
7:45 am to 8:45 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity
8:30 am to 9:45 am
Session C: AI in Action - Moving from Experimentation to Airport implementation
9:45 am to 10:30 am
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
10:30 am to 11:45 pm
Session D: Airport Construction: Collaboration for Project Success
11:45 am to 1:15 pm
Lunch on your own
1:15 pm to 2:30 pm
Session E: Capability in Motion - Developing Teams that Adapt to Change
2:30 pm to 3:15 pm
Break with Exhibitors
3:15 pm to 4:30 pm
Session F: Utility Master Planning- Best Practices for Resiliency, Future Demand, and Alternative Energy Sources
4:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Conference Wrap Up and Exhibitor Game Grand Prize Drawing
Must be present to win!
6:00 pm to 6:45 pm
President's Cocktail Reception
6:45 pm to 8:15 pm
President’s Banquet + Awards Ceremony
Theme and Dress code: Space Cowboy "Where the West Meets the Stars". Suggested attire (not required) includes blazers + boots, bolo ties, subtle metallic accents for men and denim, sequins, leather and shimmer, and star-inspired accessories for women.
8:15 pm to 11:00 pm
Post Banquet Reception
Wednesday, July 22
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Winter Conference Committee Planning Meeting
All volunteers interested in serving on the 2027 Winter 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!
11:00 am - 12:45 pm
Palm Springs International Airport Tour (tentative)
*Program is subject to change