Window Seat Reflections from the NWAAAE Annual Conference
As I stare out the window at the fiery sunset reflecting off the clouds while descending over the Wasatch Front, I feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment – both from spending time with nearly 400 aviation professionals and from the decision to launch Auralis LLC earlier this year.
The only other flight I’ve seen with more eyes and cameras pointed out the window was when the northern lights made a surprise appearance on a red-eye somewhere over the Dakotas.
So, what’s so special about this flight?
At least twenty-five passengers are aviation professionals returning from the NWAAAE Annual Conference in Colorado Springs. We’d spent the last few days connecting over a common passion – aviation, and the NWAAE vision:
“To engage and inspire our members by delivering innovative services and by collaborating with stakeholders to advance the aviation industry.”
Below are a few reflections and conversations that stood out to me from this year’s event.
💡 Make the decision to Act, to Serve, and to Innovate.
In his closing remarks as Chapter President, Andrew Martz, Assistant Airport Director at Eugene Airport, encouraged us to act, to serve, and to innovate.
This message resonated deeply with me. Our industry, like many, is at a multi-faceted inflection point.
One facet being technology. With advances in advanced air mobility (AAM), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), hydrogen propulsion, and AI, aviation is evolving faster than ever. Because of this, the airport industry will look dramatically different in ten years.
Another facet is institutional knowledge. Decades of experience serving airports are nearing retirement – a ‘silver tsunami,’ as Pete Higgins, Chief Operating Officer at Salt Lake City International Airport put it. This is happening at a time when U.S. air travel is breaking passenger records.
The challenge before us is clear: the next generation of airport professional must be developed, supported, and empowered to lead.
This theme had come to life earlier in the conference during a session from the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, where they shared their approach to cultivating future leaders through their Airport Leadership Academy – a thoughtful, internally developed program to prepare the next generation.
🧩 It's the Small Things that Add Up.
Incoming NWAAAE chapter President Tony Bean, Executive Director of Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport, shared an important reminder:
“It’s not going to be the big things; it’s going to be all the small things that accumulate.”
Tony’s words reminded me of a note I had pinned on my bulletin board in high school:
“A jug fills drop by drop.”
Back then I applied that quote to my soccer training, but it’s equally true in the industry. Every mentoring conversation, every STEM Day we attend, and conversation about what we do is crucial to creating a stronger industry.
🚀 Big Things Start Small
The conference included two dynamic keynote speakers who shared powerful lessons from their experiences.
Keynote speaker retired Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin reminded us that,
“Big things start small. Technology alone doesn’t bring success - it’s the people. When you take care of your people they’ll soar.”
These reminders tie back to what Auralis was built on - aligning mission and people to deliver results. Technology, innovation, and process matter, but the backbone of any project is its people. When they feel valued, trusted, and supported, the project will succeed.
And keynote Olympic javelin thrower Kara Winger shared a powerful perspective on transitions and perseverance:
“Only you know if you’re doing your best.”
“Embrace the new title - you don’t know what it’s like looking down the cliff of retirement until you do it.”
Having recently retired, Kara spoke candidly about injury recovery, and navigating life transitions.
Her story resonated deeply with me – especially this year as I navigate the challenges of launching a new business. There are some conversations laced with judgement, but as Kara shared, only YOU know if you’re doing your best.
Auralis taking flight has been my version of standing at the edge of that cliff – and it’s been so worth it!
❤️🔥 The Passion in Aviation Is Contagious
Whether it was a conversation going into the minute details of a airport project, or the sessions on air service, sustainability, or wayfinding, one thing stood out: everyone in this industry is passionate – some in very specific niches. This passion drives progress.
In an era when many large projects are awarded to mega-firms, it was inspiring to hear how Portland International Airport (PDX) and their consultants intentionally built teams rooted in collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. PDX incorporated a local consultant with extensive wayfinding experience with industry experts.
The result? Wayfinding that truly works!
That same philosophy guides how Auralis approaches every project – by adding tangible value to teams through our diverse experience as an owner, airline technical representative (ATR), civil engineer and airport planner.
🌍 So What Can You or Your Organization Do to Give Back?
Like many things in aviation, this is a complex challenge and requires intentional investment of time, resources, and strategic partnerships. No single person or organization can solve it alone.
At Auralis we’re taking the ‘jug fills drop by drop’ approach to become more involved and serve. Here are a few initiatives we’re pursuing:
· Serving as a TRB ACRP Ambassador to promote the wealth of research available to airports.
· Serving as a Co-Chair on the NWAAAE Young Professionals Committee.
· Sharing my experiences through outreach and mentoring through Women in Aviation and in conversations with my alma mater, Michigan Tech.
· Writing a children’s book about aviation - because there’s no better time to start learning!
🌅 Looking Ahead
As the sun sets across the airfield while I wait for my connecting flight, I’m reminded of what makes this industry so special. It’s not just about runways, terminals, or projects - it’s about the people.
The NWAAAE conference was filled with knowledge sharing, laughter, adventure stories, and a shared sense of purpose. I left inspired – to act, serve, innovate – and to continue building Auralis around those same values.
✨I’m proud to be part of this aviation community - and committed to leading with the same purpose, integrity, and passion as those who’ve inspired me. ✨