Events - Future Events View

More information will be posted as it becomes available. All registration is done through the AirTAP website.

Visit the Mankato Regional Airport to meet city staff, consultants, the FBO, and MSU staff to learn about the significant changes that have occurred and the plan for an ATC tower. NO TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED TO OR FROM THE AIRPORT. AMPLE PARKING IS AVAILABLE.

Welcome to the annual Minnesota Airports Conference! Get to know other sponsors within your region and meet MnDOT representatives. Share questions about your airport and begin networking before the conference even begins! All are welcome. Bring your questions and curiosity to share and learn.

Please be in your seats by 11:55. Colors will be posted at 12 noon. After a few announcements the buffet will open. Attendees will be directed to the buffet by the catering staff.

Please leave the vendor area in time to be in your seats for the 1:15 keynote speaker in the Banquet Hall.

Kristin Scroggin openly admits that she can’t do math or bake a pie, but she knows her stuff when it comes to generational norms and communication! She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication and was a communications professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for 15 years. Kristin has a passion for decoding the generational enigma and is known for her straight-talk speaking style and wicked twist of humor. She has appeared on stages in 42 states, left her mark in 3 countries, and sprinkled her wisdom across more than 160 conferences for 350+ diverse organizations. Embark on a journey with Generation THEM, a captivating exploration into the WHY behind each American generation’s unique perspectives. Discover the key to fostering understanding, strengthening teamwork, and ensuring workplace cohesion. Kristin will provide a solid grasp of generational norms, emphasizing the critical need to attract and retain top young talent for long-term sustainability—all while offering a light-hearted look at the quirks that make us uniquely human.

Hear from MnDOT’s Office of Aeronautics leaders as they discuss funding, policy, staffing, and other news relevant to Minnesota’s aviation community.

Join the president and CEO of NASAO to learn about this organization and airport affiliate program as well as hear updates on the national scene.

Enjoy hearty appetizers, drinks, and networking with exhibitors and colleagues in the exhibit hall.

More information will be posted as it becomes available. All registration is done through the AirTAP website.

Exhibits will be open throughout the day to allow more time to visit vendors and network.

Exhibits will be open throughout the day to allow more time to visit vendors and network.

Hear how our system of airports was built and what is on the horizon. Discover how managers can keep their airports agile.

Being appointed to a board is an exciting, nerve-wracking, and important function. An airport board is similar to any other board, except for the partnership with the FAA, the state, and local governance structure. Hear more about the types of boards, fiduciary responsibilities, and appropriate meeting etiquette.

Learn about eligibility, spacing requirements, funding opportunities, timing of
projects, and justification for general aviation terminal buildings, snow removal
equipment (SRE) buildings, and hangars. With the extra IIJA funding, many airports
are considering improvements or construction of these types of facilities, which
do not normally score high for FAA and state funding. Listen to the presenters
explaining the challenges and providing the necessary information for sponsors to
make informed decisions.

Discover the preliminary Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (MEAN) findings from six statewide in-person workshops, survey responses, industry outreach, and utility engagement. Staff from MnDOT and consultant Kimley-Horn will share what has been learned and gather attendee feedback on the direction moving forward for the MEAN project.

Join us as we recognize those receiving awards for excellence in aviation.

Exhibits will be open throughout the day to allow more time to visit vendors and network.

The complexity of acquiring airport property and releasing airport property for other uses can be overwhelming. See an overview of the requirements that need to be considered for each of these processes and ask questions related to your airport projects. Federal requirements continue to shift and change; however, you can pick up some light and guidance for the process here.

Investigate a handful of topics that new managers should familiarize themselves with when taking on an airport in their portfolio. Topics will include items to ensure a safe, secure, and efficient airport.

Hear highlights of what currently exists for navigation systems throughout the state and discuss future technology updates and what these systems may look like with drone traffic and advanced air mobility.

This session will also explore bituminous pavement maintenance, including pavement condition index (PCI), available funding sources, pavement repair plans, and available funding sources. You will have the chance to discuss crack repair and seal coat practices and materials with expert pavement maintenance contractors and suppliers.

Exhibits will be open throughout the day to allow more time to visit vendors and network.

Navigating state funding can be complex, but understanding project eligibility and funding rates can be key to securing resources. Get familiar with a comprehensive overview of state funding opportunities, including criteria for project eligibility, funding structures, and strategies for maximizing financial support. Gain insight into application best practices, compliance requirements, and project alignment with state priorities—all to enhance funding success. Whether you’re a project manager, consultant, or funding applicant, this session will equip you with the knowledge needed to access and optimize state funding for your next airport project.

Exhibits will be open throughout the day to allow more time to visit vendors and network.

Learn about the new data collection portal that MnDOT developed to support a more continuous system planning process as well as to provide current data for project prioritization and decision making. View an overview of the portal as well as a detailed review of its use and functionality.

Enjoy a dinner buffet, drinks, and socializing with exhibitors and colleagues.

Join us for fun and laid-back entertainment with a comedy and circus show!

More information will be posted as it becomes available. All registration is done through the AirTAP website.

MnDOT Aeronautics’ Navigation Systems team partnered with consulting firm Kimley-Horn to study how much use the older systems are getting and whether there is overlap in ground-based navigation system coverage. Hear the results of that study and an outlook for the future of navigation systems.

Whether you are an airport professional or consultant, MnDOT welcomes your participation and perspective during these small-group roundtables. Discuss training and professional development gaps along with opportunities for supporting community relationships and outreach.

Calling all outstate airports! Share your shoutouts and project updates during this open mic session. Sponsors and consultants welcome!

Join the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) executive director/CEO as he shares the latest updates at the MAC and in Minnesota’s aviation community.

Final applications, based on bids, are due for projects using entitlement funds

This nine-webinar series will focus on advanced air mobility (AAM), including what airports across the country are doing to prepare for AAM operations at their facilities. AAM systems efficiently move passengers and cargo using sustainably powered aircraft that feature innovative propulsion systems or highly automated aircraft, each with a gross takeoff weight of 300 pounds or greater.

These webinars will feature experts in AAM aircraft manufacturing, operations, and supporting services sharing their insights and lessons learned. Join us to hear from those who have begun implementing AAM and get perspectives that may be useful for Minnesota airports!

There‘s no cost to participate, but separate registration is required for each webinar you would like to attend.

Detailed information and registration links will be posted for each webinar as it becomes available.

The FAA will carryover available entitlement funds absent a notice of intent submitted by airport sponsors prior to the April 28, 2025 deadline. Unused entitlement funds are used to fund discretionary fund projects. June 16 is the deadline to submit applications competing for discretionary funds.

This nine-webinar series will focus on advanced air mobility (AAM), including what airports across the country are doing to prepare for AAM operations at their facilities. AAM systems efficiently move passengers and cargo using sustainably powered aircraft that feature innovative propulsion systems or highly automated aircraft, each with a gross takeoff weight of 300 pounds or greater.

These webinars will feature experts in AAM aircraft manufacturing, operations, and supporting services sharing their insights and lessons learned. Join us to hear from those who have begun implementing AAM and get perspectives that may be useful for Minnesota airports!

There‘s no cost to participate, but separate registration is required for each webinar you would like to attend.

Detailed information and registration links will be posted for each webinar as it becomes available.

BIL-only funded project applications and bids are due to the MSP ADO.