2016 Minnesota Airports Conference

About the Event

The annual Minnesota Airports Conference features experts in aviation and aerospace fields sharing their experiences in general assembly presentations, workshops, and open forums. The conference, held in conjunction with the Minnesota Council of Airports annual meeting, also includes technical and safety presentations, an industry trade show, and an awards and recognition program.

Conference Presentations

Air Service Development Challenges & Emerging Trends Impacting Non-hub Airports

Emerging trends and challenges facing regional or non-hub airports

• Bill Swelbar, InterVistas (PDF)
• Mike Gordon, Sixes (PDF)

Technology, Social Media, & Public Engagement for Small Airports

Creative ways to employ technology and social media to effectively reach your target audience

• Natalie Peterson, Duluth International Airport (PDF)
• Sara Rudolf, MnDOT (PDF)

Opening Luncheon

Experiences and insights from naval aviator, astronaut, aviation accident investigator, and air race pilot Robert “Hoot” Gibson

• Robert “Hoot” Gibson (PDF)

FAA Update

Update on funding and policy topics at the FAA

• Andy Peek, Lindsay Butler, and Christina Drouet, FAA (PDF)

MnDOT Aeronautics Update

Latest funding and policy topics at MnDOT

• Cassandra Isackson and Kathy Vesely, MnDOT Aeronautics (PDF)

Airport Liability and Risk Management

Airport risk management best practices and airport liability topics

• Robert "Hoot" Gibson (PDF)

Airline Pilot Shortage Discussion

Challenges to sustainable air service in regional centers

• Mike Gordon, Sixel (PDF)
• Faye Malarkey Black, RAA (PDF)
• Bill Swelbar, InterVistas (PDF)

Your Community’s Front Door—Is Your Airport “Minnesota Nice?”

What matters most to pilots and passengers and cost-effective strategies for improvements

• Steve Burklund, Milaca Municipal Airport (PDF)

Emerging Technology to Administer and Maintain Small Airports

Creative ways to employ technology to operate and maintain an airport

• Blaine Peterson, Duluth Airport Authority (PDF)
• Jason Ceminsky, Mankato Regional Airport (PDF)
• Melissa Underwood, Bolton & Menk (PDF)

Airport Sustainability

Simple ways to make an airport more sustainable

• Tricia Fantinato, TKDA (PDF)
• Tiffany Finley, MSP/MAC (PDF)
• Jen Wolchansky, Mead & Hunt (PDF)
• Josh Fitzpatrick, FAA (PDF)

Airport Zoning Update

Updates on airport safety zoning requirements and proposed legislative changes

• Ryan Gaug, MnDOT (PDF)
• Neil Ralston, MAC (PDF)

Sponsors

The conference is brought to you by the Minnesota Council of Airports and the Minnesota Department of Transportation and facilitated by the Airport Technical Assistance Program (AirTAP).