Monday, June 21 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Security Mandates versus Traveler Demands: Finding the Equilibrium-Spotlight on the Federal Security Director Program
Balancing the need for a high level of security with the need to ensure the continued efficiency of our nation's air transportation system is one of the biggest challenges facing airports and the TSA. Federal security directors are key figures in trying to strike that balance and serve as a direct link between TSA and airport operators and managers. Don't miss your opportunity to learn what it takes to forge a cooperative relationship with your FSD and to hear the challenges and changes TSA anticipates at airports in the near future. Beyond AIP Dollars-Innovative Financing Methods to Fund Capital Projects for General Aviation Join us for a discussion on the latest in innovative financing for capital projects on general aviation airports. We'll hear from some financing experts and get the latest on recent airport successes.

Big Opportunities Grow from Small Beginnings-Update on DOT's Small Community Air Service Program
This session will focus on the popular Small Community Air Service Program-a federal program that helps small communities enhance their air service. Join a panel of experts as they discuss how communities are selected to participate in the program. Also learn about changes that Congress made to the program in the FAA reauthorization bill and prospects for increased funding.

Each New Link Makes the Chain Stronger-The Latest on AAAE's Accreditation Program
The chain of public airport management becomes stronger when AAAE's members pursue professional development through certification or accreditation. Find out how you can be a new link in this chain. The Board of Examiners, new A.A.E.s, candidates who participated in accreditation/certification training workshops or seminars and accreditation department staff all will be on hand to discuss and answer your questions about the accreditation/certification processes.

Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Traveler-Current Trends in Airport Master Planning
As the travel industry evolves, so, too, must the airport. Airports continue to wrestle with developing the airport while keeping in mind the vision of the local community and the aviation industry as a whole. This panel will focus on master planning and its impact on airport decisionmaking. It will also cover the expected changes to FAA's Master Planning Advisory Circular, which is currently under revision.

Tuesday, June 22, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Out of Sight Isn't Out of Mind-The Future of EDS Installation
All checked bags are being screened, but many baggage-screening system configurations are far from finalized. Airports large and small are looking to reclaim terminal space lost to EDS and ETD machines by setting up inline systems. How are they doing it, and how can lessons learned from the first inline installations help create better systems? This session will focus on these questions and more.

A Marriage of Equals-Successful Strategies for Airport-Community Harmony As airports continue to struggle with budget constraints and cutbacks, many have discovered just how valuable partnering on projects with the surrounding community can be toward improving their bottom line! And while the concept of community involvement sounds like an admirable goal, attend this informative session to find out the real and tangible benefits of implementing an effective community outreach program.

Staying on Course During Economic Turbulence-Surviving Airline Bankruptcies Individual airports have learned some hard-won lessons on protecting themselves from getting pulled under when airline tenants go bust. With the release this past spring of FAA's report on the impact of airline bankruptcies, and the accompanying case studies and recent experience, we have lots of material to draw from to come up with some best practices to keep your airport on solid financial footing.

It's All About Customer Service-Adopting Best Practices in Airport Terminal Signage
Do your passengers walk around the terminals and concourses looking confused? Do your customer service representatives and volunteer airport ambassadors receive numerous directional questions? Maybe your signage program needs enhancements. This session will highlight the importance of clear, consistent and simple way-signage that will ease navigation around terminals for your airport's passengers. Additionally, you will be exposed to important trends in terminal signage, including the use of logos to attract passengers to concessions as well as signage at security checkpoints.

Sometimes You Win-The Impact on Airport Management of Regional Jet Successes
Since their initial introduction into the U.S. airline fleet, regional jets have been seen as a great improvement in the quality of air service for the passenger. And while RJs offer greater comfort and schedule reliability, they also bring their own set of challenges for the airlines and airports. For airports, those challenges include accommodating these jets at the gate and ramp. This session will explore both the positives and negatives on the RJ fleet for airports, from physical plant to the effect on quality and quantity of air service.

Wednesday, June 23, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Roundtable Discussion: General Aviation Airports
We will first discuss runway safety, then move into discussions on managing tenant relations and maintaining a level economic playing field among tenants, resolving environmental issues, and dealing with Minimum Standards and Rules and Regulations. We'll end up with a give and take discussion among audience members.

Roundtable Discussion: Large and Medium Hub Airports
This session explores several key issues that large and medium airports have in common today. Airports must continue to be flexible in a dynamic operating environment and introduce creative practices that address both simple and complex issues. Join us as we tackle these issues head-on and explore feasible solutions to address them.

Roundtable Discussion: Non-Hub Airports
This session will explore the changes that have occurred in the past year in this segment of the industry. Issues will range from the new Century 100 legislation to the latest happenings on the security and airline fronts.

Roundtable Discussion: Small Hub Airports
The issues may be the same for airports of all sizes, but it is how they are solved that makes the difference. Small hub airports have unique challenges. Come to this session to see how other small hub airports tackle these challenges. This open forum will provide the dialogue that may lead to solutions to your airport's problems.

Thursday, June 24, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

A Security Dilemma-Are You In or Out? Evaluating the Screener Opt-Out Program
In November 2004, airports will have the opportunity to apply to TSA for privatized screening or to "opt-out" at their facilities. While a provision in the law that created TSA and federal screening sets up the option, effective date and basic concept, many questions remain for airport executives before they decide to keep federal screening or explore privatized screening opportunities at their airports. This session will bring together policymakers and leaders to discuss the issue and shed light on this important initiative.

Gambling on Certification: Part 139, Its Provisions, and How to Win the Game-A Top-to-Bottom Look at Part 139
FAR Part 139 has been changed. Are you fully aware of its impact on your airport's operation? FAA and airport experts will be on hand to help you glean information about the "new" elements.

Environmentalist Seeks Airport Planner. Intentions Unpredictable-FAA Reauthorization Renews Environmental Issues
In the recent FAA reauthorization bill, the agency was given a number of directives on environmental issues. From more attention to research and planning to increased investments in streamlining for addressing capacity issues, the agency will be spending tremendous resources on environmental matters affecting airports. This session is essential to the airport executive who wants to learn and understand these new directives and responsibilities given to FAA. Topics to be covered include the research provisions of the FAA reauthorization bill and, its implications and expectations, as well as other new regulations, guidance and advisories issued by FAA and EPA.

A Facelift for Your Terminal-Remodeling Existing Terminal Buildings
Upgrading airport facilities is critical for an airport to remain competitive and often necessary to comply with new security laws. However, like many aspects of airport management, this is often easier said than done because, unlike other operations, an airport can't simply close its doors for renovations. Learn how others have remodeled while addressing passenger and business needs.

A Well-Tested Recipe for Improved Safety-An Update on FAA's Contract Tower Program
There are currently 219 FAA contract towers. This government/industry partnership continues to receive high marks from airports, aviation users, Congress and DOT/FAA. This session will explore future challenges facing the program and also provide insight to airport officials interested in having an FAA contract tower at their airport.

Thursday, June 24, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 P.M.

Searching for Safer Skies-A Review of Air Cargo Security
Cargo security is on the top of the agenda for policymakers in Washington. Air cargo has made many strides over the past two years to strengthen security and is now facing new comprehensive security regulations. This session will discuss how far air cargo security has come over the past two years and what still faces the industry as new regulations and policies stand to change air cargo operations.

Preparing the Tools to Confront Next-Generation Threats-Projecting the Future of Explosives Detection Technology
Today airports and airlines are dealing with the realities of government-mandated 100% hold bag screening with explosives detection systems technologies (EDS). While this works reasonably well for checked baggage, the industry awaits technologies to reduce false positives, speed up the detection process, allow 100% screening of air cargo (large format detection), and rapid EDS tools for passenger screening checkpoints. This session will examine what the future may bring in EDS technology and the "next-generation" threats we may have to detect. Will the technology be gamma ray, mass spectrometry, quadrapole resonance, millimeter-wave or some other top secret technology? What are the new realities for passenger screening checkpoints and trends for air cargo and hold bag screening?

Waving the Welcome Banner and Meaning It-Airport Customer Services Challenges
The importance of providing excellent customer service and a welcoming environment at your airport has never been more important. Passenger traffic is on the rebound and we want our customers to feel safe, secure and happy to be traveling. It is of vital importance that we provide the facilities, services and atmosphere to make every travel experience as enjoyable as possible. To help you understand the issues and aspects of delivering exceptional customer service at your airport, don't miss this opportunity to hear from experts in the customer service arena on what it takes to do exactly that.

2004: A Wireless Odyssey-A Review of Airport Wireless Issues
In the ever-changing world of wireless technology, airports balance the financial and security challenges they face with the desire to offer passengers and tenants the convenience and advantages of wireless service. This session will look at where airports are in terms of achieving this balance and what the challenges have been for both airports and wireless providers.

Joining Hands to Improve Service-FBO/Business Aviation Panel
Panelists will discuss good business practices, including internal and external customer service. They also will explore how the way a company does business affects both its image and its product.

Thursday, June 24, 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.

Close the Gaps, Not the Business Opportunities-The Future for GA Airport Security
Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the federal government has taken certain actions directed at or that encompass general aviation operators and airports. This session will discuss the federal government's action and recommendations, as well as the Transportation Security Administration Aviation Security Advisory Committee Working Group's recommendations on general aviation security.

Not the Odd Couple Anymore-Developing Successful Public/Private Sector Partnerships
The benefits of successful public/private partnerships include improved services, cost savings and increased community support. In addition, these partnerships are becoming more and more critical as federal, state and local resources become stretched. However, developing sustainable public/private ventures can be easier said than done. Learn more about this issue, including tips for creating win-win partnerships for your airport and community.

Maximize Your Opportunities-Successful Non-Aviation Land Development
In difficult economic times, it is paramount to develop non-aviation land uses to diversify and increase an airport's revenue stream. In this session, you will learn how to draft policies and develop regulations to promote economic development, including commercial and unit development zoning processes and understanding FAA compatibility guidelines. This session will also provide information on preparing the necessary facilities and services (roadways, water and drainage) to attract additional development. Examples of successful and unsuccessful non-aviation land use development will be discussed.

Planning for the Rolling Stones' Farewell Tour-Preparing Terminal Facilities for Today's Aging Population
The baby boomer generation is on the go-and that brings with it a new set of responsibilities and challenges for today's customer-driven airport environment. Estimates are that by 2020, 21 million older Americans may travel by air. It is essential for airport planners to begin to assess the accommodations that will be required by this new generation of older Americans. This session will explore the unique challenges for airport terminal design to accommodate the needs and wants of the aging traveler, as well as review the accommodation needs and challenges for today's disabled traveler.

This Could be the Start of a Beautiful Friendship-Partnering with Business/Civil Organizations to Attract Air Service
Learn all the tricks of the trade for attracting and maintaining air service-everything you need know to keep your airport humming with activity! This valuable session will address innovative ways to work with your community and local businesses to attract air carriers and keep them happy. We'll address such trends as "banking" and other inventive programs, community marketing partnerships and much more.