Airports Council International’s 2018 North American Annual Conference (“ACI-NA”) is only a few weeks a way. With more than 200 airports and airport authorities attending, this is the premier conference for networking with industry leaders, learning from your peers about new trends and best practices, and meeting with current and future business partners that are critical to running your airport.
This year marks ACI’s 70th anniversary, and they’ve chosen to host the annual gathering September 30 through October 2, 2018 at the beautiful Music City Center, located right in the heart of Nashville, our hometown.
If you haven’t purchased tickets, you can still register for the full conference or purchase a one day pass on ACI-NA’s Annual Conference website.
We’ve compiled a list of all that you need to know for attending. While you are there, come visit us at booth #1436 on the exhibitor floor.
Must Know Nashville Tips To Know Before Heading to ACI-NA
Notable ACI-NA Speakers and Sessions
While the full conference agenda is quite impressive, we’ve pulled out a few speakers and sessions that particularly excite us around the Enliven office.
General Sessions:
Leonard Brody: 2-time Emmy nominee, best-selling author of Innovation Nation, and President of the Clarity Digital Group.
Julie Setser: Vice President R&D Innovation Capability, Proctor & Gamble
Education Sessions:
Rethinking the Customer Experience:
Philippe Rainville, President & CEO, Aéroports de Montréal
Huntley Lawrence, Director of Aviation of New York and Yew Jersey;
Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority;
Parm Sidhu, Airport General Manager, City of Abbotsford;
Monica Lombraña, Managing Director of Aviation and International Bridges, City of El Paso
Incorporating A Culture of Innovation:
Michael J. Landguth, President & CEO, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority;
Christina Cassotis, CEO, Allegheny County Airport Authority;
Steve Hankinson, Vice President, Planning & Innovation, Vancouver Airport Authority;
Christina Heggie, Invesment Principal, JetBlue Technology Ventures;
Sarah Naqvi, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, HMSHost Corporation
Rightsizing Airport Infrastructure for Future Success:
Cellie Cameron, CEO, Philadelphia International Airport;
Scott Brockman, President & CEO, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority;
Lance Lyttle, Airport Director, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport;
Reg Wright, CEO & President, Gander International Airport Authority
Happening Around Nashville During the ACI-NA Conference
From concerts to sports, Nashville has it all. See below for various activities that might add some fun to your time in the city. For a true Nashville experience, we suggest catching Vince Gill’s side band The Time Jumpers on Monday. And of course, there’s always a good time to be had wondering through the Honky Tonks on Broadway.
Saturday, September 29th
Kristin Chenoweth with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Kansas at the The Ryman Auditorium
Nine Inch Nails at Ascend Amphitheater
Nashville Soccer Club vs New York Red Bulls II at First Tennessee Park
Grand Ole Opry ft. Lidsay Ell & Brent Cobb at Grand Ole Opry House
Sunday, September 3oth
Joan Boez at the The Ryman Auditorium
Bad Bunny at Bridgestone Arena
George Clinton at The Cowan
Tennessee Titans vs Philadelphia Eagles at Nissan Stadium
Monday, October 1st
The Time Jumpers ft. Vince Gill at 3rd and Lindsley **Our recommendation**
Tuesday, October 2nd
Grand Ole Opry ft. Rascal Flatts at Grand Ole Opry House
Florence & The Machine at Bridgestone Arena
Here Come the Mummies at The Ryman Auditorium
Where to Dine in Downtown Nashville:
While you probably don’t think of Nashville as a foodie town, you might be surprised at the level of culinary innovation here. No matter your taste, there’s something to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites.
Martin’s BBQ: This 13,000 square-foot, 500-seat restaurant, bar, and beer garden is sure to offer a true Southern barbeque experience.
Pinewood Social: Amazing food, craft cocktails and… karaoke, bowling, swimming and bocce ball?! That’s right. It’s one of a kind. **Our Team’s Favorite**
CREMA: Our favorite coffee shop in town. Try the Cuban!
Husk: James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock brings an innovative take on Southern cuisine.
Kayne Prime: If steak is on your mind, look no further than Kayne Prime, Nashville’s premier steakhouse. Don’t skip out on the bacon appetizer with maple cotton candy.
Want to Meet Up?
Did you know we can help generate $1.5M in annual non-aeronautical revenue through pouring rights for the average airport attending the show? While you are here, let’s chat about how we can help you too. Visit our booth (#1436) or contact us today to schedule a time to meet.
Above all, enjoy your time in Music City!
