Events - Month View

The Minnesota Electric Aviation Network (MEAN) Webinar Series is a free, ongoing program dedicated to exploring how electric aviation will transform Minnesota’s skies, airports, and communities.

The annual Minnesota Airports Conference is held each year in April at locations around the state. The conference features experts in aviation and aerospace fields sharing their experiences in general assembly presentations, workshops, and open forums.

Welcome to the annual Minnesota Airports Conference! This session is an opportunity for newer attendees to get to know other sponsors within their region of the state and meet MnDOT representatives. Ask questions you have about your airport and start networking before the conference even begins. All are welcome! Bring your questions and your curiosity to share and learn.

Eric Perkins will highlight the importance of making bold choices that define our lives, emphasizing how micro moments of decision making shape our fate. By taking leaps of faith, we can avoid stagnation and unlock our true potential. However, obstacles like fear of failure, concern over others‘ opinions, lack of confidence, complacency, and excuses often hold us back. Drawing from his experiences as a lifelong television personality, Perkins will share how overcoming these barriers has empowered him to pursue his dreams and achieve success. Eric Perkins is a longtime media fixture in the Twin Cities. Better known as "Perk," he was formerly the sports director at NBC affiliate KARE 11. He spent 25 years covering the local sports scene, including Super Bowls, All-Star games, Ryder Cups, and X-Games. He also covered five Olympic Games for NBC and won several Emmy Awards for his on-air work. Perkins currently owns Perk at Play Productions.

The annual member meeting is held each year in conjunction with the Minnesota Airports Conference. The meeting primarily consists of committee reports and election of new board members. The agenda and last year‘s minutes can be found on the MCOA homepage.

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

MnDOT Aeronautics will introduce BlackCat, a new platform for grant management and capital improvement planning (CIP). Come learn how BlackCat will streamline the grant process and planning of your airport’s capital improvement projects. This session will cover key features—from submitting applications and adding projects to your CIP to managing payment requests and leveraging reporting tools for compliance—plus a Q&A to answer your questions.

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

The annual Minnesota Airports Conference is held each year in April at locations around the state. The conference features experts in aviation and aerospace fields sharing their experiences in general assembly presentations, workshops, and open forums.

Join us as FAA leaders introduce new staff, provide organizational updates, highlight new initiatives, and share their perspectives on the future direction of aviation in Minnesota.

This session will feature a review of Minnesota statutes and rules for above-ground storage tanks, spill preparedness, and emergency response.

Obstruction removal is essential for maintaining safe aircraft operations and complying with federal grant assurances—yet it’s often deferred until it becomes a significant barrier to funding, project timing, and long-term airport development. This session will explore proactive strategies for addressing on- and off-airport obstructions, understanding environmental and seasonal constraints, and navigating funding requirements. We’ll examine successes, challenges, and practical approaches to staying ahead of obstruction issues.

Airfield electrical systems power the lighting and navigational infrastructure that keeps airports operating safely—but they also present serious high-voltage hazards for personnel working near them. In this session, industry experts will provide a practical overview of the risks associated with these specialized circuits. Participants will learn why airfield lighting systems operate at high voltage, the unique characteristics of these circuits, and the potential hazards they pose. The session will also cover essential safety practices, including what to do—and what not to do—when working around or near airfield electrical equipment.

Airports rely on clear, consistent communication to keep partners, tenants, community members, and agencies aligned. This session will highlight practical strategies airport staff use to communicate about upcoming projects and operational changes. Hear what has worked, what hasn’t, and what considerations matter most when sharing information that builds understanding and support.

This humorous, yet serious, presentation will examine what pilots from Minnesota appreciate about airports in our state and what they think could make airports even better.

Join us as we explore an in-depth analysis of what factors create a great customer experience at your airport. This scenario-based panel walks through service expectations and considerations for a multitude of airport users. From runway size to the type of soft drinks stocked in your vending machine, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what fuels traveler satisfaction.

Your airport is a community asset and deserves to be celebrated. Listen to this panel of airport managers as they share their experiences and recommendations for hosting typical, and not-so-typical, airport events. Covering topics ranging from fly-ins and air shows to hangar dances and more, this panel will leave you inspired to host your own event and give your community a reason to visit the airport.

You will need a ticket for this breakfast. You will receive it when you register.

Election of Officers

The annual Minnesota Airports Conference is held each year in April at locations around the state. The conference features experts in aviation and aerospace fields sharing their experiences in general assembly presentations, workshops, and open forums.

Final drawing will follow this session.