Title
Request to Enter into an Agreement with the American Association of Airport Executives to Sponsor the 2027 Annual Conference and Exposition (Ordinance S-50216)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) to sponsor the 99th Annual Conference and Exposition in 2027. The total value of the contract will not exceed $750,000. Further request the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Aviation Department is seeking to enter into a contract to sponsor the 99th Annual AAAE Conference and Exposition. As the host airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Sky Harbor), would work with AAAE to develop a conference program and promotional materials that would showcase the City's work in sustainability, technological innovation, and community engagement to airport executives and business leaders from across the United States and around the world. Sponsorship of AAAE's 2027 conference would also bring significant tourism investment to the City. According to an assessment completed by Visit Phoenix, staff estimates that a combination of lodging, food and beverage, and event spending is expected to generate more than $4.1 million in direct spending and nearly $7.8 million in total economic impact.
Recent and upcoming host airports that have sponsored the Annual Conference include Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Denver International Airport, Nashville International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. Sponsorship support from the host airport ensures that AAAE preparations can begin well in advance of the conference, and that adequate time is allowed for the development of educational and professional development programming, and planning for the airport industry's largest exhibit hall and show floor. If approved to proceed with the agreement, AAAE has already secured the Phoenix Convention Center as its primary venue.
Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world's largest professional organization for airport operators and represents individuals who work at public-use, commercial, and general aviation airports. Its 10,000+ members include industry professionals who serve at 875 airports from around the world. Membership also includes hundreds of companies that support the national airport system, including architectural, engineering, construction, technology, and other professional services firms. The 2027 conference is anticipated to draw approximately 3,000 attendees to the City.
In addition, as host airport, Sky Harbor will be provided the opportunity to register up to 75 participants to provide valuable educational and professional development opportunities.
Contract Term
The contract for the sponsorship would begin on or about Oct. 30, 2023. The term of the contract is four years with no options to extend.
Financial Impact
Cost of the sponsorship would be a total amount not to exceed $750,000. Funding is available in the Aviation Department's budget.
Location
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - 2485 E. Buckeye Road
Council District: 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Aviation Department.