A Preview of the 2027 Symposium Engineering Track

A Preview of the Engineering Track

Twenty years after an unforgettable oilfield internship in New Orleans, I am excited to return to this beloved city as Engineering Track Host for the aviation industry鈥檚 premier technical conference鈥攚ith beignets, chicory coffee, and char-grilled oysters as an added bonus.

My YP Host, Sarah Fusco with RS&H, and I have worked closely with our moderators to develop timely, practical sessions for consultants, airport representatives, airlines, contractors, and professionals new to aviation. Attendees can look forward to fresh perspectives on resilient energy, award-winning engineering, advanced air mobility readiness, maximizing existing infrastructure capacity, and evolving pavement guidance鈥攁long with strategies they can apply to current and future challenges.

Join us in New Orleans for the 2027 Symposium Engineering Track and discover new ideas, proven approaches, and forward-looking insights from technical leaders across the industry:

Geothermal Energy Takes Off: Redefining Airport Infrastructure to Deliver Resiliency and ROI

This session will explore how geothermal systems can strengthen airport resiliency, improve energy efficiency, and deliver long-term operational value. Industry experts will share practical insights on planning and implementing geothermal infrastructure to reduce emissions, lower energy and maintenance costs, improve passenger comfort, and support future growth.

Optimizing Airfield Performance: Discuss How Innovative Pavement Strategies Can Improve Capacity and Lifecycle Value

This panel will examine upcoming FAA guidance, including AC 150/5370-10J and AC 150/5320-6G, and explain what the changes mean for the industry. ACPA and NAPA will highlight innovative tools and approaches to support interpretation and implementation, and NAPA will share its latest research on high-speed exit taxiways.

Maximizing Capacity Without Expansion: Discover How Charlotte Douglas International Airport Transformed Ramp Operations Through Dual Taxilane Design

This session will explore how the airport leveraged strategic planning, operational coordination, airline partnership, and apron design strategies to unlock additional capacity within its existing infrastructure. These lessons provide a scalable model for airports seeking to maximize efficiency, improve passenger experience, and accommodate growth without major expansion projects.

Power Before Pads: Preparing Regional Airports for Advanced Air Mobility

As passenger and cargo AAM concepts evolve, airports will face new demands for utility capacity, charging infrastructure, energy resilience, and long-range capital planning. This session provides a practical roadmap for airport leaders to evaluate electrical readiness, engage utility partners, assess infrastructure gaps, and make scalable investments that support future regional connectivity while minimizing risk.

ORD South Conveyance Storm Tunnel: Explore O'Hare's Next Phase Through Innovation and Collaboration

The presentation will demonstrate how technical innovation, cross-organizational collaboration, and decisive owner leadership combined to overcome extraordinary engineering and operational challenges. Attendees will gain insight into planning, procurement, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination, and construction strategies that enabled precision tunneling beneath active runways with no disruption to flight operations.