Taking Flight: a Briefing on Airports throughout the Golden State

Date: Wednesday, January 21

The aviation market sector is at a crossroads. Competition is great between airports to attract travelers by providing an enhanced experience. Simultaneously, the economy is in a state that most of us have never seen in our lifetime. Skyrocketing fuel prices have forced airlines to increase costs and significantly cut back the number of flights throughout the United States. These changes directly affect the revenue stream for airports.

Today's passenger is sophisticated and discriminating, and those willing to face potential flight delays and cancellations want a comfortable travel experience. We're talking about massages, manicures and pedicures, luxe airline clubrooms, high-end retail and even a wine bar where one can sample a flight of local wines and cheese before taking flight. The airlines need a friendly business environment that is respectful of their bottom line requirements.

How will these factors impact the aviation industry - in both the short and long haul? Subsequently, what does it mean for A/E/C firms that work in this market sector? SMPS/LA's rousing panel of California's leading airport executives will address these questions and many more that you are likely already pondering, such as:

• How does an airport balance major improvements that will meet the needs of both the passenger and the airlines while maintaining challenging budgets?
• How can airports stay on the cutting edge of industry trends while facing a tough economy and decreased revenue?
• What are the trends in design and development? Did SeaTac International Airport's Pacific Marketplace set the bar?
• Is LEED Certification in an airport achievable?
• Will flight cutbacks affect capital improvement programs?
• Are alternate delivery methods, including Design-Build and CM at Risk the answer?
• What projects are in the pipeline and how can the A/E/C community help airport executives succeed in these challenging times?

Find the answers to these questions at SMPS/LA's Taking Flight program! We look forward to seeing you on January 21st.

MODERATOR
Benét Wilson, Airports/Security Editor, Aviation Daily

PANELISTS
Keith Wilschetz, Director of Airport Planning, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

DATE & TIME
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
11:30 am - 1:30 pm

PLACE
Millennium Biltmore Hotel - Bernard's Room
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071

COST
SMPS Members: $65
Non-Members: $85
Click here to register!
Additional charge applies to walk-ins.

SMPS DOMAIN(S) OF PRACTICE
1 - Marketing Research
3 - Client and Business Development

AIA Learning Units
1 Learning Unit Offered to AIA Members

PROGRAM COORDINATORS
Tonya Giebel, HNTB Architecture
Lucy Orta, DeStefano+Partners Architects

REFUND POLICY
Reservations canceled more than 72 hours prior to an event will be subject to a full refund of all the fees paid. Cancellations made less than 72 hours but more than 24 hours prior to an event will receive credit for attendance at a future SMPS/LA program. No-shows and cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the event will not be refunded.