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 Reception (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 8:00 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!
Location: JW Marriott Entertainment Zone (onsite arcade)
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: Chair Marshall Stevens, A.A.E., Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Memphis International Airport and Todd Hauptli, President and CEO, AAAE
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 am 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
Airline business models, route networks, and capacity decisions are evolving rapidly, driven by profitability pressures and external forces such as fuel costs and economic uncertainty. This panel examines how these shifts impact airport operations and service delivery, and how airports can better align with airline priorities. Airport and airline leaders will discuss the real-world challenges of operating in a constantly changing environment and share strategies for anticipating disruption, managing risk, and making informed decisions that keep operations and business objectives moving forward.
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: Advanced Air Mobility: Airports, Airspace, and Infrastructure
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is moving from concept to deployment, requiring coordinated integration across airports, airspace, and infrastructure. This panel brings together an airport sponsor, operator, FAA representative, and OEM to examine real-world implementation challenges and opportunities. Panelists will share perspectives on planning, operations, and regulatory considerations, providing practical insights to help airports, industry partners, and policymakers prepare for the next era of aviation.
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! ✈️
Location: JW Marriott
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
This panel discussion will explore how airports are beginning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve operations, support business functions, and enhance decision-making across the organization. Building on the introductory AI session presented at the Monterey conference, this discussion will focus on practical, real-world applications of AI in areas such as operations, business development, information security, HR, legal, facilities, and environmental services. Panelists will share firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and perspectives on how airports can responsibly implement AI technologies while protecting proprietary information and preparing for the future of the aviation industry.
Moderator: Art Rempp, C.M., MBA, CIO/IT Director, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
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
Airport construction projects are among the most complex in the infrastructure world, requiring seamless coordination between Airport Sponsors, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Government agencies, Airlines, and the traveling public. This panel will explore how effective collaboration drives project success—from early-stage planning and design integration to on-site execution and operational handover. The session will also include discussions on how projects (RDD, RNO, & XXX) achieved or are achieving success.
Moderator: Patrick Wilcox, Account Manager, Swinerton
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
Today’s aviation industry requires teams that can respond quickly to operational shifts, evolving technology, workforce challenges, and changing stakeholder expectations. This panel will explore how airport and aviation leaders can develop adaptable, resilient teams that remain effective through periods of growth and organizational change. Discussion topics will include communication strategies, employee development, leadership approaches, and methods for building cultures that encourage flexibility, accountability, and innovation.
Moderator: Bob Trimborn, C.A.E., C.M., Senior Consultant, Aviation Management Consulting Group, Inc.
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
As airports plan for growth and electrification, understanding future energy demand and system limitations is becoming critical. Featuring real-world efforts at airports, this panel highlights approaches to energy master planning that improve resilience, support alternative energy integration, and align with utility infrastructure. The discussion will focus on practical lessons and emerging best practices.
Moderator: Annie Secrest, Sustainability Manager, San Luis Obispo Regional Airport
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 8:30 pm
President’s Banquet + Awards Ceremony
Location: JW Marriott
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.
8:30 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