By Jeff Borowiec,
Texas Transportation Institute
The 2008 Texas Aviation Conference marked not only a return to the Capitol in Austin but a record-setting attendance on the heels of last year’s successful conference in Corpus Christi. Some 567 aviation leaders attended, including airport sponsors, TxDOT employees, consultants and contractors along with other industry representatives. A record 70 exhibitors sponsored the event, ensuring the conference’s success.
And so it begins
The conference opened Tuesday, April 15, 2008, with a Get Acquainted reception hosted by the Associated General Contractors in the exhibit hall. TxDOT’s Aviation Division Director Dave Fulton opened the next day’s session and was followed by Tim O’Krongley, president of the Texas Airport Management Association (TAMA) and Assistant Director of Aviation at Son Antonio International Airport. Jay Carpenter, secretory of the Texas Aviation Association (TM), offered remarks as well. TAMA and TM co-sponsored the event.
After introducing the Aviation Advisory Committee members, Fulton gave his “State of the Aviation Division” address and recapped the achievements over the last year and detailed the challenges ahead. Valera’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Mike Crownover, spoke next, giving a corporate perspective of the value of general aviation aircraft. Valero owns a fleet of aircraft based in Son Antonio that is not restricted to senior management and views its aircraft as business tools. The company allows any employee to use the aircraft if there is a need and flying will save the company time and money.
Sessions with substance
The morning concluded with sessions on air service and marketing from Ron McNeil! and Rob Mark, respectively. McNeil!, a former airline executive now with Mead & Hunt in their St. Louis office, spoke on the current state of the airline industry and how it might affect air service across Texas. Intrastate service in Texas appears particularly vulnerable to cutbacks. A large number of smaller commercial service airports in Texas are served by aging, turboprop aircraft and the current airline economic environment makes serving these small communities more difficult.
Rob Mark, a nationally known aviation journalist, blogger and public relations/marketing expert, made a return trip to the Texas Aviation Conference. Mark’s presentation focused on understanding your market and included interesting information on generational differences when it comes to consumer behavior and habits. He also addressed the new and emerging media elements that airport managers should be aware of when promoting their airports and associated businesses.
Following the Tejano Fiesta lunch, the conference format moved into workshop sessions where participants had a choice of topics to choose from. During the latter half of lunch, the Texas Airport Management Association held a meeting that was attended by approximately 40 people. During this meeting, the group reviewed their budget, discussed goals for 2008, held elections for new officers and voted to change the name of the organization to the Texas Airports Council.
Three different workshop sessions were held in the afternoon and included topics concerning
- Asphalt vs. Concrete;
- Wildlife Management;
- Maximizing the Potential of Your AWOS;
- Risk Management and Insurance for Municipal Airports;
- Airport Lighting and Basic Troubleshooting;
- General Aviation Airport Security; and
- Airport 101 for RAMP Coordinators.
Winners among us
After an evening reception sponsored by TAMA, aviation leaders and facilities were recognized at the annual awards banquet, a perennial favorite among attendees.
A new award, Aviator of the Year, was added this year. Wayne Collins of Mineola, Texas, was the first to earn the prestigious new award. Fulton, reading from the citation said, “Beginning 25 years ago, Collins was instrumental in the establishment of a new airport for his county. Since that time, he has led the effort for every one of the many improvements made to his airport including a runway extension to 4,000 feet, a new parallel taxiway, a new terminal building and an automated weather system. He began an annual airport recognition day. Presently, this annual celebration attracts some 75 to 100 leaders of his community, including his state representative.” Collins, a Rice University graduate and World War II veteran, has flown around the world twice as a member of the Earthrounders.
The winners of the art contest were also presented with their awards. The theme of this year’s contest, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, was “Commercial Aviation.” The number of entries in the contest was also a new record with 1,430, a significant increase over previous years. The winners were selected according to three age categories, and they received two round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines.
The evening ended with a fabulous social complete with a dessert bar and refreshments sponsored by Rodriguez Engineering.
The home stretch
The final day of the conference began with breakfast followed by the morning general sessions. The first two morning sessions focused on reauthorization and current federal issues affecting airports. Henry Ogrodzinski, the President of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), spoke about reauthorization, the importance of general aviation and NASAO’s recent activities, including the nationwide general aviation alliance they were instrumental in creating.
Spencer Dickerson, the Senior Executive Vice President of the American Association of Airport Executives, spoke on other federal issues including funding. He also highlighted his organization’s role in keeping general aviation airports informed of current issues and providing professional development opportunities to aviation professionals.
The late morning sessions began with a warmly received presentation of the newest general aviation airport in Texas. Andrew Perry with Houston Executive Airport highlighted the development of the airport from its initial conception thru its current status and into its future plans. The presentation also included the plans for developing Austin’s Bird Nest Airport near Manor, Texas. Both airports are owned by telecommunications executive and aviation enthusiast Ron Henriksen.
All good things, must…
The conference concluded with a listening session by Fulton and Mike Nicely, manager of the FMs Texas Airport Development Office.
In all, TxDOT’s 2008 Texas Aviation Conference was well attended and well received by participants and exhibitors… And the conference next year promises even more success.
But, mark the date!
The conference returns to Austin next year but arrives a little later than usual. Please plan to attend May 11-13, 2009 (Monday-Wednesday) at the Downtown Hilton Hotel. Please submit program ideas or suggestions for activities to Becky Vick at: [email protected].
