b'6 PUBLISHERS COLUMNAnd the Beat Goes onAs a runner, the past two years have been difficult for me. Sure, I couldreality and how they are used to enhance and still run; but without races, it just wasnt the same. I tried virtual races,lead the construction process.but that was just me running alone. Training with others and seeingGreg Phillips, director of Aviation at friends at events is a big part of my joy and motivation for running. Colorado Springs Airport, is creating a This spring I competed in two half marathons. Being with othersforward-thinking business park. Amongwas so rewarding! I had missed these events and am so glad werethe companies signing on are Amazon, back to in-person races. Aerospace Corporation, Flywheel CapitalThe same can be said for airport conferences. Im thrilled theyreand Hotel Equities. PAUL BOWERS, PUBLISHERback, too. The programmed interaction and chance meetings withFinally, theres Eddie Clayson, director of Airport Maintenance other attendees will never be taken for granted again. Virtual eventsat Salt Lake City Intl. He briefed us on the remarkable $4.1 billion were fine to try, but they arent good substitutes for the real thing. redevelopment project that is delivering a comprehensive series of Now that Ive had a chance to compare virtual to real, Ill nevermuch-needed operational and aesthetic upgrades throughout the sign up for a virtual raceor exhibit virtually again. entire airport.All three airport leaders are embracing technology, innovative Lately, Ive begun to question the platitude about airport leaderspractices and new ideasnot because the initiatives are safe, but being risk averse. Case in point: the three airport execs whobecause they had the data and vision to see the payoffs. shared their visions in a session I moderated at the InternationalIn todays world, its dangerous to assume what we hear is true. Association of Baggage System Companies summit in Dallas.Judging from the body of work by Bryant, Greg and Eddie, there Aviation Administrator Bryant Walker discussed the technologiesare leaders in our industry willing to take risks.being used to build the new terminal at Brownsville South PadreCheers,Island Intl. He talked about clash detection, digital twins, virtual Over 60 satised airports.RT3FLIGHT Friction TesterMakeDATA-DRIVEN decisions about your runways and taxiways to:Improve safetyDecrease runway downtime$ Reduce costsEvaluate pavement performanceJOIN US at snowsymposium.org, Booth # 43 HALLIDAYTECH.COMMarch | April 2022AirportImprovement.com'