
American Association of Airport Executives - AAAE 2027
Event Date
May 16–18, 2027
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Expected Exhibitors
238
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe 99th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition is the flagship annual meeting of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, from May 16–18, 2027, under the theme "Bright Skies. Bold Innovation." The event is hosted in partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and brings forward-thinking aviation professionals together to spark progress and reimagine what's possible in airport management.
The conference draws airport directors, deputy directors, and operations, finance, and senior leadership from commercial-service and reliever airports across North America, along with the FAA, DHS, TSA, industry suppliers, consultants, and academics. Programming spans high-impact education sessions, general sessions, an extensive exhibit hall, and dedicated networking events, plus a robust Academic Track that connects students with industry mentors.
Attendees come for critical regulatory updates, emerging-trend education, and unmatched networking with the people who run U.S. airports. With roughly 2,600 professionals gathering and the vast majority being purchasing decision-makers, it is a focal point for U.S. airport-side policy, operations, and buying decisions — making it worthwhile for both airport leaders and vendors seeking to reach that audience.
Show Highlights
- Theme: "Bright Skies. Bold Innovation." — focused on the future of aviation and airport management.
- Hosted by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), known as "America's Friendliest Airport."
- Keynote speaker (featured on the conference page): Will Guidara, American restaurateur and NY Times bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality, sponsored by Hudson.
- Official Conference Opening Ceremony and Keynote, plus multiple General Sessions and a CEO Panel.
- Education sessions covering SAF and decarbonization, capital and construction, air cargo, operational readiness, customer experience, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, technology (ramp/baggage operations, camera AI), eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility, legal and regulatory topics, and roundtables with the FAA, CBP, and TSA.
- Academic Track with a Student Career Exploration Fair, Mixer with the Mentors, mentor/mentee match-ups, and student-led discussions.
- Exhibit hall with breakfasts, lunches, and networking breaks held on the floor, plus signature receptions and evening social events.
- The event has been certified for 12 CEUs.
Attendance
According to AAAE's published attendee demographics, the Annual Conference draws 2,600+ North American airport and aviation professionals and features 238 exhibitors. By seniority, the audience is 77% executive level, 10% managerial level, 7% specialized professionals, and 6% other. AAAE reports that 85% of attendees are purchasing decision-makers who come to find business solutions, and 99% of attendees visit the exhibit hall. Conference coverage reaches leaders at more than 900 airports. Attendee job functions include management, operations, security/safety, concessions, customer service, environmental, finance, legal, marketing, facilities/maintenance, terminal management, and airport planning and development.
Booth Pricing
AAAE had not published specific per-booth exhibit space pricing for the 99th Annual Conference at the time of research. The organization does state that exhibitors receive two (2) complimentary exhibitor personnel registrations per 10'x10' (100 square feet) booth, which include access to all sessions, meals, and receptions from Sunday through Tuesday. Additional exhibitor personnel registrations are $675 (early bird, on or before March 26, 2027) and $775 (regular rate thereafter). Prospective exhibitors should contact AAAE's exhibits team for current booth rates and availability.
Registration
Registration for the 99th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition is handled through AAAE. Full-conference rates (early bird on or before March 26, 2027, then regular rate after) are:
- Airport Member Full Conference: $995 early bird / $1,195 regular
- Airport Non-Member Full Conference: $1,450 / $1,650
- Corporate Member Full Conference: $1,160 / $1,435
- Corporate Non-Member Full Conference: $2,255 / $2,530
- U.S. Federal Government: $495 / $595
- Student: $400 / $475 (must be a full-time student not working in the aviation industry; student ID may be requested)
- Exhibitor Additional Personnel: $675 / $775
Single-day rates and guest registration are also available — contact aaaemeetings@aaae.org for details. Cancellation policy: requests received on or before Friday, April 30, 2027 are subject to a $175 processing fee; no refunds are issued after that date. Substitutions within the same conference are accepted without penalty via written request to AAAEmeetings@aaae.org.
History
The AAAE Annual Conference & Exposition is the American Association of Airport Executives' flagship annual gathering, and the Phoenix event marks the 99th edition, indicating a history stretching back nearly a century. The 2027 conference is hosted in partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The immediately preceding 98th Annual Conference (#AAAELAX) was held in the Los Angeles area, and AAAE rotates the event to different host cities and host airports each year. AAAE itself is headquartered at The Barclay Building, 601 Madison Street, Alexandria, Virginia.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: September 19, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 99th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition?
The conference takes place May 16–18, 2027, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Phoenix Convention Center. It is hosted in partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Who should attend the AAAE Annual Conference?
It is designed for airport executives, directors, and operations, finance, and senior leadership from commercial-service and reliever airports, along with FAA, DHS, and TSA personnel, industry suppliers, consultants, and aviation students. AAAE reports about 2,600 North American airport and aviation professionals attend, with 85% being purchasing decision-makers.
How much does registration cost and when is the early bird deadline?
Early bird rates apply on or before March 26, 2027. Full-conference pricing ranges from $995 for airport members to $2,255 for corporate non-members, with U.S. federal government at $495 and students at $400; regular rates apply afterward. Single-day and guest registration are available by contacting aaaemeetings@aaae.org.
What is the conference theme and who is the keynote speaker?
The 2027 theme is "Bright Skies. Bold Innovation." The conference page features Will Guidara, the American restaurateur and bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality, as a keynote speaker, sponsored by Hudson.
How do I get to the venue and where can I park?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 3 miles from downtown Phoenix, and the Phoenix Convention Center is reachable by light rail, rideshare, taxi, or car. The convention center manages five parking garages nearby, including the West, East, and North garages, with additional metered street parking downtown.
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