Lessons Learned

Launching AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT has certainly provided a number of lessons learned. Thankfully, they've been mostly positive.

But that's not the point of my message today. It's that airport executives, consultants and vendors have eagerly embraced sharing best practices and lessons learned. The number of story ideas submitted by our industry has been substantial. They're willing to share their lessons learned.

When looking at the categories we cover, there is one that has received far more project "nominations" than any other: Runway and ramp. Perhaps this is so because no other publication regularly deals with the topic. This category has received an extraordinary amount of interest; so much that we have two stories pertaining to it each issue to chip away at the huge pile of project ideas submitted. The need for information is so acute that the response can't be contained to the magazine alone.

To address the high level of interest in the runway and ramp, we have arranged to host the AOA Improvement Expo and Conference in Milwaukee May 31 – June 2, 2009. The event will bring together everyone involved with the maintenance and operations of airfields. Areas of interest include runway incursions, pavement maintenance, security, winter operations, construction safety, grounds maintenance, rubber removal, friction testing, FOD, wildlife management, ARFF, signage, landing systems, weather management and more. The sessions will have the same formula that the editorial of the magazine has - the combined expertise and experiences of airport personnel, consultants as well as vendors involved. Together they provide hands-on lessons learned.

Complementing these sessions will be an indoor/outdoor exhibitor venue. Live demonstrations of equipment will be presented at the outdoor exhibitor area or right across the street at Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport.

Information about AOA Improvement is available on our web site at www.aoaimprovement.com. If your airport or company would like to participate as a presenter, please call or e-mail me at paulbowers@airportimprovement.com.

As always, thanks for all of your support.

Cheers! Paul