Updated April 29, 2025 | complete program
| Monday, May 5, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Texas Airports Council Annual Golf Tournament |
| 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Black Cat Training (Appaloosa/Quarter) |
| 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Exhibitor Setup (Kincaid/Pioneer) |
| 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration/Check-In |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | TxDOT RAMP Coordinators Site Visit |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | New Participant Orientation (Appaloosa/Quarter)Facilitator: Becky Vick, TxDOT, Aviation Division If you are attending for the first time, traveling solo, or want the chance to meet other attendees before the Get-Acquainted Reception begins, we urge you to attend the New Participant Orientation. Attending a conference for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. This orientation will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet friendly faces before the conference begins. This is an informal event on Monday evening, before the opening reception in the exhibit hall. |
| 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Exhibits Open (Kincaid/Pioneer) |
| 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Get Acquainted Networking Reception (Exhibit Hall) |
| 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Dinner and Networking (on your own) |
| Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | |
| 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast in Exhibit Hall (Kincaid/Pioneer) |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Opening Session (Eagles/Chilton)Presentation of Colors Air Force JROTC (TX-962), Denton High School National Anthem Welcoming Comments Introduction of Aviation Advisory Committee State of the Aviation Division Address |
| 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Legislative Update
Tom Chandler, Regional Manager, Central Southwest, AOPA |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Washington Update (Eagles/Chilton)Greg Pecoraro, President and CEO, National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) (Pecoraro presentation slides, 2.7MB) |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Break (Kincaid/Pioneer) |
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | System Plan Update and Economic Impact Study Announcement (Eagles/Chilton)Mollie Knowles, TxDOT, Aviation Division (Knowles presentation slides, 2.2MB) Daniel Benson, TxDOT, Aviation Division (Benson presentation slides, 2.6MB) |
| 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Plated Luncheon (Eagles/Chilton)Art Contest Awards sponsored by NBAA (Art Contest Awards presentation slides, 19.2MB) Texas Aviation Advisory Committee Awards Program
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| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Breakout Session I I: Aviation Education I Moderator: Dana Donati, Breaking Down Barriers Preparing the workforce of tomorrow is critical to the continued success of the aviation industry. Our panel of experts will share insights on various aviation educational and outreach programs as well as initiatives designed to cultivate interest and talent in aviation and aerospace. This session will highlight efforts for K-12 students to encourage interest in STEM and aviation. II: Airport Construction from a Contractor’s Perspective Moderator: Ed Mayle, TxDOT, Aviation Division This session will examine the construction project process from the perspective of the contractor. This panel discussion will cover a broad range of topics that will surely be of interest to both airport consultants and airport sponsors. Understanding various projects from different perspectives enables the stakeholders to better understand them, minimize delays and other issues, and ultimately results in a better finished project. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate in this session that brings together contractors, consultants, and airport sponsors. III: Airport 101 A: Compliance Moderator: Michael Van Vliet, TxDOT, Aviation Division This session will summarize the importance of the airport compliance program and airport grant assurances. It will also allow airport stakeholders to speak about current or past experiences, gain clarification, and engage with TxDOT Aviation staff related to airport compliance. |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Breakout Session II I: Aviation Education II Moderator: Jeff Borowiec, Ph.D. This session will address the current state of aviation higher education in Texas through a panel discussion with leaders of aviation education programs at universities across the state. Over 20 years ago, Texas did not have any comprehensive aviation/professional pilot programs at four-year public universities; a study aimed to address why this was and how a program may be designed to meet that need. Since then, several programs have emerged to meet that need including some that began enrolling students and teaching classes in the Fall of 2024. II: Airport Consultant Session Moderator: Eusebio Torres, Director of Engineering, TxDOT, Aviation Division TxDOT, Aviation Engineering Section This session will provide an opportunity for the consultant community to hear updates from the Engineering Project Management team. Eusebio “Chevy” Torres, the Engineering Project Management section director, along with his team of project managers, will also be available to answer questions. III: Airport 101 B: Lease Agreements Moderator: Catriona Gomes, TxDOT, Aviation Division This session will provide both new and seasoned airport managers with an overview of lease agreements including ground leases, large hangar rentals, and T-hangar/tie-down rentals. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and gain clarification on their questions related to lease agreements. |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Texas Airports Council Annual Meeting and Elections (Triangle Ballroom) |
| 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Networking in Exhibit Hall |
| Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | |
| 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast in Exhibit Hall (Kincaid/Pioneer) |
| 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. | Agency Update (Eagles/Chilton)Dan Harmon, Director, TxDOT, Aviation Division (Harmon presentation slides, 1.4MB) |
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Airport Layout Plans (Eagles/Chilton)Ben Breck, TxDOT, Aviation Division (Breck presentation slides, 2.8MB) Michael Van Vliet, TxDOT, Aviation Division |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Why Your Airport Needs an AWOS: From a Meteorologist’s Perspective, Things You Need to Know
Victor Murphy, Surface Observation Program Manager/ASOS Program Manager, National Weather Service Southern Region HQ, Fort Worth, TX |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Break (Exhibit Hall) |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Keynote Speaker (Eagles/Chilton)Darren Pleasance, President and Chief Executive, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (Pleasance presentation slides, 4.3MB) |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch Buffet (Eagles/Chilton) |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Breakout Session III I: Advancing/Emerging Technologies I Moderator: Ernest Huffman, NCTCOG The North Texas region is home to several drone delivery services; all part of the growing advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem that includes drones, electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and related infrastructure. Attendees will hear from three different companies providing service in the DFW area on the future of drone delivery and the role of Texas airports. II: Aviation Construction Specification Book and RPR Training Updates Moderator: Robert Johnson P.E., TxDOT, Aviation Division The TxDOT Aviation Division is developing an Aviation Construction Specification Book and a Resident Project Representative (RPR) training course. The session will provide an overview of the progress to date on developing these two resources. This is an opportunity for key stakeholders to gain information on these efforts and guide the development to meet Texas aviation needs. III: HUB/DBE/Title VI Moderator: Eli Lopez, TxDOT, Aviation Division Review of DBE and HUB program as well as Title VI compliance. The session will focus on compliance throughout the life of the project including an overview of eGrants interaction and documentation. |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Breakout Session IV I: Advancing/Emerging Technologies II Moderator: Emily Lambert, TxDOT, Aviation Division From drone delivery to eVTOL, technological development is advancing the aviation industry and airports of all sizes should be prepared for the changes these advancements will bring. This session will explore the status of the AAM industry from state and local perspectives in Texas. II: Hangar Inspections and Use Policy Moderator: Daniel Benson, TxDOT, Aviation Division This session is tailored for airport managers and aviation professionals responsible for hangar leasing and tenant engagement. Attendees will learn about conducting an effective hangar inspection and learn ideas to develop fair use policies that ensure safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. The session will cover regulatory requirements, best practices for inspections, and strategies for handling noncompliance with existing policies. It will also address security measures, code enforcement, and risk management. III: RAMP Michelle Burcham, Director of Grant Management, TxDOT, Aviation Division TxDOT’s Aviation Division administers the Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP), which matches local government expenditures up to $100,000 for eligible maintenance at publicly owned general aviation airports in 2025. This session will provide more information on RAMP grants including funding and eligibility requirements. |
| 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Open |
| 6:00 p.m. | Dinner on your own |
| Thursday, May 8, 2025 | |
| 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Exhibits and Registration Desk Open |
| 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast Buffet (Kincaid/Pioneer) |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Airport Manager Roundtable (Eagles/Chilton)Moderator: Sharlette Wright, Airport Manager, Mid-Way Regional Airport James Mason, Airport Manager, Bay City Regional Airport Haley Cuevas, Airport Manager, Mineral Wells Airport Ryan Adams, Airport Manager, Denton Enterprise Airport (Airport Manager Roundtable presentation slides, 6.8MB) Got questions? We have answers! This session provides attendees with an open forum to ask questions and engage a panel of experienced airport managers. No formal presentations will be made during the session, but the panel members will share their experiences and thoughts on questions and issues brought up by the moderator and those attending this session. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions about any issues and concerns at their airports. This forum is designed to provide an exchange of information and ideas among airport professionals. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | FAA Update and Listening Session (Eagles/Chilton)Ignacio Flores, Director, Southwest Region, Federal Aviation Administration Dan Harmon, Director, TxDOT, Aviation Division |