ACC Online Learning

This session will provide an overview of how the FAA and TSA works. Participants will get an understanding of the FAA organization and the Office of Airports, and a briefing on the different functions of the FAA – as funder (the Airport Improvement Program), as regulator, and as advocate for airports. This will be followed by a briefing on the TSA organization.

MODERATOR

• Kevin Spitz, CKL Engineers

SPEAKERS

• Kent Duffy, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Larry Studdiford, Studdiford Technical Solutions

This session will offer strategies on working with the FAA’s Office of Airports at its different levels, including Headquarters, FAA Regions, and Airport District Offices. Attendees will learn how to navigate approvals and effectively elevate issues within the FAA. Attendees will also understand the different FAA roles and the importance of understanding those roles before asking for approvals, assistance, support or funding.

MODERATOR

• Matt Wenham, C&S Companies

SPEAKERS

• Stephanie Ward, Mead & Hunt
• Kelvin Solco, The Solco Group, LLC
• Peter Kirsch, Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP

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This session will provide a general overview of the workings of the U.S. Congress, including the role of Washington and district offices, and how congressional committees work. A briefing on types of legislation relevant to airports (i.e. authorization, appropriation, etc.) will also be provided. Attendees will learn where involvement by the congressional delegation can be most helpful and where such involvement might be counterproductive, and how best to engage members (including not only members from your own district but also committee leadership).

MODERATOR

• Kaly Queiroz, Jacobs

SPEAKERS

• Peter Kirsch, Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP
• Michael Higdon, A1.9 Strategies, LLC

Effective advocacy and engagement on “The Hill’ are best understood by those working through the issues every day. This session will feature perspectives from staff working on Capitol Hill and the district offices, who will offer insights on how to best engage lawmakers on issues and policy decisions.

MODERATOR

• Chad Nixon, McFarland Johnson

SPEAKERS

• Amanda Spellicy, Office of Senator Charles Schumer
• Holly Woodruff Lyons, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, US House of Representatives

This session will feature a diverse panel of aviation/airport and business association representatives on the importance of engaging in policy decision making. They will also cover specific tactics they use to advance their messages in Washington, including how advocacy has changes due to the pandemic. Attendees will also learn how to leverage industry influence and access for the most effective advocacy.

MODERATOR

• T.J. Schulz, Airport Consultants Council (ACC)

SPEAKERS 
 • Annie Russo, ACI
 • Joel Bacon, AAAE
 • Christa Lucas, NBAA
 • Steve Hall, ACEC 

Workshop participants will roll up their sleeves in this final, interactive session where you will be asked to develop and present an advocacy campaign, including drafting key messages and developing strategies. Attendees will put into practice lessons related to not just the ‘who’ when approaching Washington policy makers, but also ‘when’ and ‘how’ to be an effective advocate.