The Australian Airports Association (AAA) National Conference & Industry Expo has opened on the Gold Coast with Transport Minister Catherine King, Melbourne Airport’s Lorie Argus and Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson among the speakers.
The conference, from 1-4 December, is the AAA’s biggest-ever event and brings together a record number of attendees and more than 100 speakers for four days of discussion under the themes Accessible, Connected, Safe and Sustainable.
Attendees are hearing from a broad range of speakers including airport and airline executives, government representatives and technical experts as they unpack the challenges and innovations shaping the future of aviation.
The program opened in Monday with the Women in Airports Forum, a closed session to members only, shining a spotlight on diversity, leadership and new workforce opportunities across the industry.
AAA Chief Executive Simon Westaway said before the conference that the agenda comes as the aviation industry enters a new phase of growth and modernisation.
“Australia’s airports are evolving rapidly – from infrastructure investment to technology, sustainability and the passenger experience,” Westaway said.
“This conference is an opportunity for our sector to come together, share real-world insights and focus on what’s next.
“This is our biggest program and largest expo yet, and we’re delighted to be partnering with Queensland Airports Limited (QAL) to bring it to the Gold Coast.”
QAL chief executive Amelia Evans said the event ahead of the event at it was about strengthening industry connections.
“Hosting the AAA National Conference and Awards on the Gold Coast creates a valuable opportunity for airports of all sizes to come together, share ideas and learn,” Evans said.
“It highlights the strength of us all as a network, where collaboration between government and industry drives productivity and progress.
“Aviation is critical to Australia’s future – connecting regions, supporting trade and tourism, and underpinning economic and social development.
“For Gold Coast Airport, this is an opportunity to showcase our role and reaffirm our commitment to partnerships and our community.”
