Conference Presentation Descriptions 2026

A Day in the Field with a Part 139 Team – Review of the Central Region Cert Program to include relevant updates and changes to FAA guidance ( ACs, CertAlerts, Policy, SMS, F3, NOTAMs, etc.). The session will discuss recent trends and data analysis of the Region. The main session will include an interactive photo discussion to provide insight into what ACSIs are seeing in the field (good, marginal, out of compliance) to provide education and best practices while working towards consistency. Presented by Andrew Edgar, Jerry Hayes & Andrew Wells, FAA

Airline Rates and Charges 101: Airline Leases and Rates for Non-finance, Non-airline Professionals -This session will focus on the airport-airline “business” relationship at commercial service airports. Topics will include airport revenue sources, regulations on those revenue sources, and how that translates to the airport-airline use and lease agreements (or other governing documents) that define the mechanics for airline rates and charge. Presented by Andrea Goodpasture, Garver.

Airport Airspace Planning – This session will focus on practical strategies airports can use to prioritize capital improvements while also positioning themselves for long-term financial sustainability. Through real-world case studies and examples from airports of varying sizes, the presentation will explore how thoughtful CIP planning can support hangar development, non-aeronautical revenue opportunities, lease strategies, and future airport growth without losing sight of core infrastructure and operational needs. Presented by Jay Pudenz, P.E., LEED AP – McClure 

Best Practices for Airport Concrete Mix Design – Airfield concrete mixture requires a balance between meeting FAA P-501 requirements and maintaining workability as specifications and materials are shifting, it is critical for both contractors and engineers to understand which mixture characteristics are foundational to durability along with how to apply best practices for optimizing paving mixtures. This presentation will look at some of the common challenges that are seen across the region. Presented by Harold V. Hney, P.E., PMP, Chief Engineer – American Concrete Pavement Association

Building Support for Airport Initiatives! – Learn about steps you can take to create buy-in and support for your airport projects. Presented by Hilary Fletcher, Planning Program Director and Abe Forney, Woolpert

Contract Towers – Roundtable discussion. This problem is still on the table. Presented by Steve Stockham, Olsson

Do You Have a Storm Water Prevention Plan? Stormwater Permit and Plans for Airport Operations – SWPP are important because only about 25 percent of the airports are complying or have permits? We will cover the basic federal and state requirements regarding who must have a permit / stormwater plan. We will cover the general requirements of a permit such as annual training, monthly/quarterly inspections, recordkeeping, and online submissions of reports.  Identifying potential pollutants that could impact your airport. And best management practices that must be implemented. Presented by Steve Spencer & Rick Smith, Midwest Training and Consulting Services

Does Your Airport Have Leased Hangars Whose Tenants Are Using Them For None-Aeronautical USE? – You need a T-Hangar/ Hangar Improvement Plan. You need to address hangars that are non-compliant that are storing non-aeronautical items in their hangar. This tends to be a systemic problem because it is usually goes unenforced for many years. We will cover how we delt with the problem.   In short, we went from around 33 non-compliant hangars to nearly 100% compliant in about 1.5 years after implementation. Presented by Joel Arrington, Airport Manager, Kansas City Lee’s Summit Regional Airport

FAA Pavement Design, Construction & Maintenance – This session will provide an overview of common FAA pavement design and pavement related construction questions from the last year. As well as an overview of changes in the industry, modification of standards, the draft pavement design AC, and FAA maintenance recommendations. Present by Justin Collier, Pavement Engineer, FAA Central Region

FAA Update – General Session – This is a listening session. Get the latest information from the FAA. Presented by Rodney Joel, Director of Airports, FAA Central Region.

How Regulatory Changes Affects Your Everyday Life – In 2025 and 2026, the FAA added an entire Part to the Federal Aviation Regulations, completely changed the Environmental standards, responded to regulatory mandates from the Congress from the 2024 FAA Reauthorizations Act, and changed the Required Contract Provisions multiple times. Learn how and why these changes keep an airport attorney up at night. Presented by C. Edward Young, Senior Attorney, Jetlaw   

How to Prepare and Submit Your Capital Improvement Projects – This session will discuss how to complete a CIP Data Sheet and how to know the project has been properly planned and is ready for funding assistance. Presented by Russ Owen & Doug Anderson, Airport Planners, FAA Central Region  

I Got the Money for my Airport Development Project. – Now What? – The presentation will go over the required steps after a grant is executed. It will discuss putting together an invoice summary, making proper drawdowns in Delphi, submitting proper progress reports & annual forms and preparing documentation to close out a grant. Presented by Andrea McKinnie, Todd Rastorfer, Airport Engineer, FAA Central Region

Latest Advancements in AWOS Technology and Ownership – This session explores how modern AWOS are moving beyond legacy technology to deliver greater reliability, lower lifecycle costs, and expanded capabilities for airports of all sizes. Topics covered include the latest developments in sensor technology and system architecture, the growing role of subscription-based services such as remote monitoring, weather cameras, and rapid parts exchange in reducing maintenance burden, and emerging ownership models that give airport sponsors and state aviation agencies more flexibility in how they procure, fund, and sustain their weather infrastructure. Presented by Andrew Kuchel, Mesotech International, Inc.

Life-Cycle Cost Analysis for Airport Pavement Selection and Alternate Bidding – The FAA requires a life-cycle cost analysis to be done when selecting the final pavement section during new construction. FAA policies and standards regarding low life-cycle costs can be confusing and are often misapplied. We will clarify the FAA policies and standards regarding LCCA for airfield pavement & talk about the keys to effective LCCAs and provide some best practices for evaluating various pavement sections. Presented by Sarah Dalton, American concrete Pavement Association

Obstructions On & Off Airport – OE/AAA (Airspace) Updates – Presentation will describe how to navigate the OE/AAA submittal process and discuss recent changes to the software. Discuss how to efficiently submit studies on public use airports and describe the common mistakes that we see made when reviewing submittals. Provide an overview of Off Airport (OE) Studies and how the submittal process is different from On Airport (NRA) studies. Presented by John Karrasch, FAA Central Region

Promoting Your Airport: Branding & Marketing for Small Airports – Discover practical branding and marketing strategies tailored for small airports. Explore how to define your airport’s identity, strengthen community engagement, leverage digital tools and communicate your unique value. Learn actionable tactics to elevate visibility, attract partners, and build a compelling, sustainable brand presence. Presented by Lori Walderich, IdeaStudio Branding & Marketing

Recognizing Compliance Risks Before They Become Part 13 Complaints: Recent Trends in Revenue Diversion, Leases, and Contracts – How to recognize compliance risks before they can become a Part 13 Complaint. Review of recent trends and issues that have placed airports in a non-compliant status, leases, contracts, financial diversions, etc. Presented by Angie Muder, Compliance Specialist, FAA Central Region

Stupid Things Leaders Do – A Guide to NOT Ruining Your Airport Culture – Creating a strong workplace culture doesn’t start with inspiration – it starts with eliminating the leadership behaviors that quietly damage trust, engagement, and performance. In this candid and practical session, Brett highlights the most common (and costly) mistakes leaders make and the measurable impact those missteps have on morale, turnover, and results. Attendees will leave with straightforward techniques they can apply immediately to strengthen accountability, build employee pride, and improve organizational performance. Presented by Brett Hoogeveen, CSP, BetterCulture

The Landside Case for Automated Transit Networks: Restoring Flow, Elevating Experience, Unlocking Revenue – Airport curbs were designed for a different era and can no longer absorb the volume of TNCs, shuttles, and shared rides competing for the same frontage — degrading both passenger flow and passenger experience. We will show how a dedicated Automated Transit Network connecting terminals to parking, rental car, and employee lots restores flow, elevates the passenger journey, and unlocks new revenue across every landside asset. Presented by Brian Gettinger, Glydways

TSA Update – The latest information from Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. Presented by TBD

What Can Drones Do for Your Airport? Inspections? Wildlife Detection? –  More? – Drones are increasingly being used at airports to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance. We will explore how drone technologies can assist with wetland delineations, wildlife detection. How drones can be used in support of airport planning, design, and construction, including providing more informed quantities for cost estimates, higher-quality data for facility siting, and updated visuals for airport marketing, public relations, and internal needs. Drones enhance traditional methods and provide airports with flexible, data-driven tools to address both environmental and operational challenges. Presented by Gabrielle Broeker, Lochner