From Here to Anywhere: See Synect in ATL at AAAE’s Annual Conference

The 97th AAAE Annual Conference is almost here, and our team is heading to ATL!

From June 8 to 10, industry leaders from across the U.S. will gather in Atlanta for AAAE’s annual conference to connect, share their knowledge, and explore the solutions that are transforming airports. We’re thrilled to be part of the event, and we’re especially excited to help celebrate Hartsfield-Jackson's 100th anniversary!

ATL has changed over the years! This photo, from 1919, shows the raceway that once stood at the site of the airport. Photo from Sunshine Skies.

This year’s theme, From Here to Anywhere, captures the energy and ambition of an industry poised for major transformation. Airports are evolving quickly, embracing new solutions to make every journey faster, friendlier, and more connected. Synect is proud to help airports meet the moment with smart solutions, and we can’t wait to chat about them during the show.

What is our team most excited about this year? Keep reading to learn.

Learning from Airport Leaders

AAAE’s annual conference is known for exceptional programming, and this year is no exception. We’re looking forward to hearing powerful insights focused on key growth areas in this year’s keynote panels:

• Will Guidara, restauranteur and author of Unreasonable Hospitality, brings a fresh perspective on creating world-class experiences. A hospitality focus is critical as airports emphasize customer and passenger experience.

• Retired U.S. Army general and leadership expert General Stanley McChrystal will share how high-performing teams can tackle complex problems.

As airports navigate new tech and identify key opportunities to scale their operations, collaboration and clear communication are more critical than ever. We’re looking forward to AAAE’s Training Theater sessions and our team bringing home fresh ideas after the show!

Innovation on Display

AAAE’s annual show is a launchpad for industry innovation, and we're especially excited about the ideas taking flight during this year’s event.

We can't wait to see our friends from Nanolumens’ present “Goodbye 1990s, Hello 2020s – dvLED Solutions for FIDS, BIDS and GIDS." Their panel promises to expand on an important point: FIDS isn’t as easy as it used to be. Airports are modernizing their communication infrastructure, and legacy digital signage can’t keep up. Neither can legacy content planning.

Faith Varwig, center, on stage during our standing-room only panel.

As Faith Varwig, Founding Principal of Faith Group, said during Synect’s panel on content-first strategy at FTE Global 2024:

“FIDS has been easy all our life... flight information, advertising. What else do we need to know, right? ... In today’s environment, that’s not true anymore. There is so much more information.”

In the days of split-flap displays, airports only needed to decide what flight information needed to be shown. Then, it was just rows of flight information.

Today, FIDS must do more, and airports must plan carefully to maximize the impact of their FIDS.

Synect’s FIDS of the Future prioritizes flight information based on real-time data and smart, custom automation rules. We showed it off with Daktronics at this year's Airport Design, Planning & Construction Symposium.

How will each upgrade help passengers? What do key stakeholders want to provide? What displays are needed, and what system should be used to power them? Are there any other requirements that need to be considered?

Synect asks these questions to help airports build content-first strategy and reimagine their digital communication. When content is the north star in the planning process, decision-making becomes straightforward. As Lewis Carroll said, “if you don't know where you are going, any path will get you there."

Truly understanding the message and the moment of delivery helps airports make smarter investments and more meaningful engagements. Coupled with smart solutions – like Synect’s FIDS and CMS – airports have more opportunities than ever to enhance passenger experiences.

Ready to learn more about how Synect’s content-first strategy is helping airports improve operations, enhance ROI, and optimize IT investments? Watch our full panel from last year's FTE Global event by completing the form below.

Connect with Synect at AAAE’s Annual Conference

We can't wait to connect with our colleagues, clients, and collaborators in Atlanta. Whether you’re there to explore new tech, learn about the latest industry trends, or make new connections, we hope we’ll have the chance to say hello.

If you’re heading to AAAE’s Annual Conference, you’ll see us at the Rock the Block party on Monday night—or anywhere else on the show floor!

Montee and Gina Marie will be on the floor in ATL! Aviators optional.

Want to schedule time to meet with our team? Send us a note.