Airport Adaptability, Accessibility, and Everything Else You Should Ask Us About at AAAE 2026
- Abagael Rudock
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Synect’s team is gearing up for one of the biggest shows of the year: AAAE’s Annual Conference!
This year, we’ll be joining our friends from Daktronics in Booth 508.
Synect’s Head of Strategic Engagement, Montee Fiely, and Director of Business Development, Gina Marie Paquette, are excited to connect with the many peers and pioneers headed to Los Angeles for AAAE 2026. As we prepare for the show, we’re tackling a few of this year’s top questions.
What topics are top of mind in the aviation industry?
“If there’s one thing that’s come up again and again this year, it’s events,” according to Montee.
Airports are increasingly recognizing major events as opportunities rather than disruptions. Investments made to support major events often improve operations, communication, and infrastructure long after the event has ended.
What events are airports preparing for?
The FIFA World Cup begins this summer, alongside celebrations for America’s 250th birthday; planning for the 2028 Summer Olympics is already well underway; the 2030s bring the Rugby World Cup and Winter Olympics. This is just the beginning of a mega-decade of events. US airports will be stepping into the global spotlight, welcoming unprecedented numbers of international travelers.
These events will test every part of the airport ecosystem. Passengers will need support from curb to gate, and traditional signage won’t meet their needs.
Which of Synect’s solutions can help airports prepare for events?
“It depends on what your airport wants and what your passengers need. For any airport that wants an unforgettable event experience, event-themed content is a must,” Montee says.
“Of course, there’s a lot of ways to do that. You can put event content on existing screens. Or you can approach the event as an opportunity make lasting upgrades. Some airports are adopting smarter systems, like Passenger360, or adding new tools, like ReadySeeGo. You can always start with content, but if you aren't thinking about how to manage it, now is the time,” he added.
How do Synect’s solutions scale?
Synect’s solutions are built to support airports of every size. From regional hubs like RKS to international mega-airports like MCO, our content and solutions are built to integrate with existing systems and scale based on the airport’s needs.
Airports can start with targeted improvements in high-impact areas and grow their strategy over time. EventReady follows the same approach, offering modular components that can be deployed quickly and adjusted as conditions evolve.
How does EventReady benefit airports?
EventReady, Synect’s premier event experience solution, helps airports build better passenger experiences. Its modular structure ranges from content-only implementations to mobile and AI add-ons to airport-wide updates.
Event-specific content help airports engage and support a wider variety of passengers. It makes information exciting and accessible, improving passengers’ experiences and easing airport operations.
Plus, big events make displays even more impactful. Airports have a unique opportunity to drive non-aeronautical revenue with sponsored event experiences.
How can airports create better passenger experience during events?
“Make the most of every opportunity to connect. Understand where your passengers are coming from. Think about what they want and what they need, and create the content that meets those needs,” Gina Marie says.
Multilingual content helps airports communicate with global audiences and makes critical information like wayfinding more accessible. Integrated systems can update displays in real time, ensuring passengers receive accurate, relevant guidance as conditions change.
With a strong content strategy, airports can influence passenger behavior, reduce friction, and support smoother operations.
What are the best practices when preparing content for major events?
Synect’s content strategy is built on a three-stage framework: attract, relate, and engage. This approach is even more critical during high-pressure moments when passengers are distracted, overwhelmed, or navigating unfamiliar environments.
Key best practices for designing airport event experiences include:
Incorporating event-specific details to create a stronger connection with passengers
Providing clear, contextual guidance at each stage of the journey
Using accessible, multilingual content to support international travelers
Updating messaging in real time to reflect conditions such as wait times
Focusing on simple, actionable instructions
Maintaining consistent branding to build trust and familiarity
How does airport event content differ from other types of content?
During major events, airports serve a larger and more diverse group of passengers. Many of them may be unfamiliar with the airport, the area, the language, or even with air travel. Passengers are excited for their event, which may lead to heightened emotions and anxiety.
Event-focused content must be highly visible and highly contextual to attract passengers’ attention and meet their changing needs as they move through the airport. It should welcome every passenger to the airport and the region. It should guide them clearly while acknowledging the excitement and stress that come with event travel.
In our Legend Tournament scenario, content guides international arrivals along each step of their journey. Once they exit the gate, ReadySeeGo Vision directs them to Customs and Border Patrol; at baggage claim, sponsored content recommends specific concessions while sharing key information; as they move to ground transport, event-focused content extends the celebration.
Smart content can do much more than move people through the airport. It can shape how they experience the journey and change their behavior.
See You in Los Angeles for AAAE 2026
AAAE is always one of our favorite shows of the year, and we’re already dreaming about our time in California.
If you’re attending, visit us in Booth 508 with Daktronics to meet the team and continue the conversation. We’d love to hear what you’re seeing in your airport and what you’re preparing for next.
