66th Annual airport management Short Course AGENDA
SWAAAE conference sessions are eligible for continuing education hours required for many designations, including the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) program.
Saturday, January 31
8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Accreditation Final Interview Workshop (Separate Registration Required)
This one-day workshop will assist candidates in completing the A.A.E. accreditation program and teach them how to better prepare for the final interview.
8:45 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 1
8:30 am to 10:30 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. Virtual participation is available.
10:30 am to 5:00 pm (11:30 am shotgun start)
Todd McNamee Past President's Golf Tournament at Del Monte Golf Course (Separate Registration Required)
Registration required via the golf registration form (Club rentals are limited - first come, first served. Attendees are responsible for picking up their clubs at the course). Guests are welcome to register!
Del Monte Golf Course: 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey, CA 93940
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm *Start times vary
Escape Room & Arcade (Separate Registration Required)
Join us for an exciting Sunday alternative activity at Oscar’s Playground! Test your puzzle-solving skills in the escape room and enjoy fun in the arcade area. Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early. Please note that transportation is on your own.Oscar's Playground: 685 Cannery Row Third Floor, Monterey, CA 93940
2:00 pm to 7:15 pm
Registration
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
6:00 pm to 7:00 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.
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The "Bruce Loev" Welcome Reception
More info to come!
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
After Hours Networking Event
Monday, February 2
7:00 am to 8:00 am
Morning Mavericks
7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Registration
7:30 am to 9:00 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity
8:15 am to 9:00 am
Conference Opening Ceremonies
Conference Chair: Graham Ritz, A.A.E., C.A.E., Director of Airport Operations, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority
SWAAAE President: Gladys D. Brown, C.M., C.A.E., Airport Director, Yuma International Airport
9:00 am to 10:15 am
Keynote Presentation
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
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Student/YoPro Lunch
Invitations to participate in this lunch will be sent via email and a ticket will be required to attend. We look forward to connecting student attendees with industry YoPros in an intimate and meaningful way over lunch!
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Session A: Artificial Intelligence - AI Leadership Foundations
AI is already at our airports, and yet there is still questions about what it is and how it can benefit airports. This foundational discussion centers around AI as co-intelligence, not replacement, and will discussing leadership, risks, responsibilities, and balance through case studies and a scenario workshop.
2:30 pm to 3:15 pm
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
3:15 pm to 4:15 pm
Session B: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Coming to an Airport Near You!
The question is no longer “if,” but “how” these technologies will integrate into airport operations and the National Airspace System. Join us as we explore what's already happening in AAM, and we can prepare for the eventuality of AAM landing at your airport.
4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
Corporate Membership Meeting
This meeting is open to all SWAAAE Corporate members to attend.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Dinner on your own
6:45 pm to 10:00 pm
Transportation to Tipsy Putt
Complimentary transportation will be provided between the conference hotel and Tipsy Putt throughout the evening starting at 6:45 pm. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes, with the final departure from Tipsy Putt at 10:00 pm.7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Monday Night Dessert Networking Event - Tipsy Putt
Join us for a fun-filled dessert reception at Tipsy Putt, where networking meets friendly competition! Indulge in sweet treats and enjoy unlimited games, great conversation, and a lively atmosphere you won’t want to miss.
Note: First-time guests are required to complete a liability waiver before their visit. You can do so by downloading the Tipsy Putt app or visiting this link.
Tipsy Putt - 95 Prescott Ave, Monterey, CA 93940
9:00 pm to 10:30 pm
After Hours Networking Event
Tuesday, February 3
7:00 am to 8:00 am
Morning Mavericks - Line Dancing Lessons
7:45 am to 3:30 pm
Registration
7:45 am to 8:45 am
Hot Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:45 am to 10:00 am
Session C1: NEPA: A New Landscape for Project Environmental Reviews
Since January 2025, the implementation of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) has undergone dramatic shifts with legal, development, and funding implications. This session will discuss those changes, explore impacts, and identify case law.
Session C2: Security Hot Topics
Join us for a session that will touch on several current security topics that beg the question...
- With the TSA Worker Screening Rule vacated in August, what happens next?
- What security challenges do airports face for scheduled charter operations such as JSX?
- How can innovations in remote screening help airports address capacity issues?
10:00 am to 10:45 am
Break with Exhibitors – Learning/Networking Opportunity/Attendee Giveaways
10:45 am to 12:00 pm
Session D1: More Self-sufficient Airports: Renewable Energy
Learn why airports are turning towards microgrids and on-site renewable energy to become more self-sufficient. The panel will address if on-site renewables make airports producers as well as consumers, and what those implications are.
Session D2: Nonaeronautical Revenue: Creative Revenue Streams
There never seems to be enough money to go around. This session will explore how airports can think outside the box to improve their financial position. The panel will identify case studies, lessons learned, pitfalls, & successes.
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Lunch on your own
1:30 pm to 2:45 pm
Session E1: More Effective Airport Operations through Asset Management
When was the last time you had a dead car battery? What about a flat tire? How did that impact your day? Multiply that by the number of assets at your airport at risk of failure, and you are staring at some hefty impacts. This session will explain what Asset Management is, why its important, and how airports can employ effective asset management techniques to improve operations, safety, and the bottom line... minus the need to call AAA.
Session E2: The New Boss in the Room: Building Credibility as a Young Leader
Join this session to learn how emerging leaders can earn respect, foster trust, and create influence - without relying on tenure, as well as navigate the peer-to-supervisor transition while maintaining relationships and setting boundaries.
2:45 pm to 3:30 pm
Break with Exhibitors, Giveaways
3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Session F1: The Seasoned Leader: Succession Planning
We all hope to retire one day. In the meantime, many hope to promote, and might end up managing the groups we are a part of now. What are we doing to leave a legacy of capable and prepared professionals to follow in our footsteps? This session focuses on workforce development, training, succession planning, and knowledge transfer to maintain excellence during staffing transitions.
Session F2: Turning Communication into a Coalition for Airport Success
Airport leaders must transform communication into action by building strong coalitions. This session explores how airports can partner with other airports, community leaders, businesses, and policymakers to learn from each other and help reinforce the role of airports as essential infrastructure. Attendees will gain insights into how collaborative relationships, shared insights, innovative problem-solving, and ongoing peer support can elevate airport leadership and ensure airports remain trusted and valued anchors across the region.
4:45 pm to 5:00 pm
Conference Wrap Up and Exhibitor Passport Grand 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
8:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Post-Banquet Reception
Wednesday, February 4
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Annual Summer Conference Committee Planning Meeting
All volunteers interested in serving on the 2026 Annual SWAAAE 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