Culture, Collaboration, and Innovation Take Center Stage at APDCS 2026
- Abagael Rudock
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Last week, our team joined airport leaders and industry innovators in Indianapolis for the AAAE/ACC Airport Planning, Design, & Construction Symposium (APDCS).
Over three days, conversations centered on how the aviation industry is adapting to rapid growth, new technologies, and evolving passenger expectations. Across sessions, speakers emphasized that the future of airports will be shaped not only by new technology but by culture, collaboration, and a renewed focus on human experiences.
Keep reading for key takeaways from our team.
Culture Drives Innovation
One of the most consistent messages throughout the Airport Symposium was the critical role of airport culture in driving long-term success.
In his keynote address, Super Bowl champion and entrepreneur Gary Brackett spoke about the culture required to sustain excellence. As aviation continues to grow and evolve, organizations must embrace change and strive for greatness while holding their teams to the same high standards.
This theme resonated throughout the show, including Ian Birnbaum's Innovation track panel, “Cultures that take Innovation from Buzzword to Reality.” As a Project Manager at Burns Engineering, Ian constantly works with airports on the cutting edge of innovation. When teams are empowered to think creatively, communicate openly, and collaborate across disciplines, innovation becomes part of their daily workflow rather than a strategic goal.
For airports navigating growth, modernization, and increasing passenger volumes, building that culture is a key competitive advantage.
Reimagining the Passenger Journey
Airports are rethinking the passenger journey, and every step from curb to gate is under review.
During the session “Guiding the Journey: Smart Systems for Parking, Queues, and Wayfinding,” panelists from Gresham Smith, Walker Consultants, and Lavi Industries explored how smart technologies are helping airports manage passenger flow more efficiently.
Tools such as Automated Parking Guidance Systems (APGS), real-time queue monitoring, and dynamic digital wayfinding give operators new ways to respond to changing conditions in real-time. While these tools play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency, they’re even more important factors in improving passengers’ experiences.
Dynamic displays and responsive wayfinding systems reduce uncertainty and help passengers move with confidence in complex airports. These tools ease stress and create smoother journeys. Combining operational data with thoughtful content design helps airports reduce congestion and create more comfortable journeys for travelers.
As passenger volumes continue to grow, responsive wayfinding systems are becoming essential.
Planning for Growth and High-Impact Events
Passenger growth and the surges caused by major events were a popular topic at this year’s show.
In the second plenary session, “Embracing the Excitement – Preparation, Lessons Learned and Opportunities from Large Scale Events,” the panelists discussed how past high-pressure events have helped airports strengthen their long-term planning strategies.
As the country prepares for a mega-decade of events, airports are preparing for passenger traffic to spike. For many, these moments may become catalysts for modernization and innovation.
Investments made to handle peak demand often leave lasting benefits, improving operational resilience, reducing congestion, and enhancing the passenger experience long after the event has ended.
AI as a Strategic Planning Tool
AI is a popular topic, and our team was delighted to join several conversations on the topic throughout the Airport Symposium.
In “AI: Reshaping Airport Planning, Terminal Design, and Operational Needs,” planning and automation experts from HNTB, the Clark County Aviation Authority, and other organizations explored how AI tools can help planners work with large operational datasets, forecast demand, and develop planning strategies.
The discussion emphasized that AI’s value goes beyond efficiency. These tools allow planners to analyze complex systems, synthesize best practices, and uncover insights that may have been difficult to identify previously.
At the same time, panelists stressed that AI should complement human expertise rather than replace it. The most effective solutions combine powerful data analysis with the experience and judgment of airport professionals.
Designing Airport Experiences with People in Mind
Some of the most compelling conversations at this year’s show centered on the emotional side of the airport experience.
The Innovation track session “Designed With People in Mind: Human Psychology in Airports,” explored how insights from psychology and behavioral science can influence how passengers move through and feel within airport environments. Panelists discussed how thoughtful design decisions on crowd flows, lighting, and sensory cues can reduce stress and create more welcoming spaces.
Synect has embraced these principles throughout our work to create content that helps passengers feel calm, informed, and confident. Smart content makes passengers feel calm, informed, and confident as they navigate their journey. When travelers understand what’s happening around them and what to expect next, the entire airport system works better.
After APDCS
APDCS remains one of our favorite industry gatherings each year, bringing together forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the future of aviation. From culture to innovation to AI, the conversations in IND reflected an era of rapid, thoughtful growth.
We’re excited to continue these conversations at other upcoming industry events. If we didn’t have the chance to connect in Indianapolis, you can reach out to our team online.
