Engines of Change: Our team’s takeaways from the ACC Annual Conference

Nationwide aviation leaders recently convened at the Airport Consultants Council’s (ACC) 46th Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, to tackle industry challenges and explore innovative solutions. At Connico, we view these events as opportunities to connect with other leaders in the industry and bring back fresh ideas to our clients and team. Our President Sri Kumar and Cost Specialist Michael Feeney attended, returning with insights on inclusivity, artificial intelligence, and more. Read on to discover their key takeaways and how they’re shaping our client service.

Driving Inclusivity and Innovation in Aviation

The inaugural Women in Aviation Breakfast stood out to me, moving beyond networking to initiate small-group discussions that led to actionable strategies for change. Linell Olecki, northeast aviation market sector lead at AECOM and conference chair, posed thought-inspiring questions in our round-table discussion. As a male leader in aviation, I gained a deeper understanding of how I can cultivate inclusivity and create a more equitable industry. The conversations highlighted the shared responsibility we have to shape the future of aviation.

Equally impactful was the “anchor” session on Artificial Intelligence (AI), moderated by Faith Varwig, managing principal of Faith Group, LLC. Rather than focusing on familiar applications, the session delved into AI’s potential to mitigate risks in the AEC industry, including those tied to its implementation. It was a fresh take on AI’s operational impact and implications for aviation professionals.

For me, another high point of the conference was joining a panel moderated by Rhea Hanrahan, director of aviation environmental and sustainability at HMMH, alongside other industry experts such as Carrie Shaeffer, VP and national director for aviation at Swinerton, Dwight Pullen, Jr., senior VP of global aviation at AECOM, Terry Ruhl, CEO at Lochner, and Brett Stewart, manager of loss prevention and education at AXA XL, to discuss critical needs like the discrepancy between infrastructure demands and limited talent. As consultants, our ability to adapt and support airport sponsors is pivotal to the industry’s future, as part of the short-term solutions could rest on us. 

Sri Kumar, President

Building Connections and Embracing Change

The State of the Industry session was an eye-opening part of the ACC’s Annual Conference programming. 

It reminded me that while the industry’s future looks strong, many stakeholders are struggling to adapt. I left with a renewed focus on how we can help clients navigate an evolving landscape and achieve lasting success.

Additionally, the Small Firm Forum, hosted by Connico, addressed the obstacles small businesses and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise’s (DBE) face. Participants discussed ways to increase visibility and bring awareness to these issues, including encouraging airports to use scorecards for accessibility and advocating for ACC to spotlight these concerns in webinars. Supporting our DBE partners remains a top priority, and this session reinforced the importance of collaboration in helping them succeed. 

I’m grateful for the time I had at the conference to form genuine connections. I met clients and colleagues from across the country at a young professionals event and enjoyed golfing with Laura Grayson, director of business development for Walker Consultants, Emily Kessinger, senior business development manager for Weitz Company, and Marc Champigny, national aviation practice leader for C&S Companies.

Michael Feeney, Cost Specialist

The ACC Annual Conference underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in the future of aviation. It inspired our team and recentered our commitment to pushing boundaries, driving growth, and fostering an industry where everyone can thrive.

For more information about Connico and how we support the aviation industry, visit connico.com/services.