Gresham Smith is pleased to announce that Senior Environmental Graphic Designer David Park, SEGD, and Senior Vice President Brad Sucher, AIA, NCARB, will speak at the 2026 AAAE/ACC Airport Planning, Design & Construction Symposium on Wednesday, March 4, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Recognized as the industry’s leading technical event, the symposium brings together aviation professionals to explore the latest developments shaping airport planning, design, and construction.
See below for more information on the presentations:
Terminal/Landside Track: Guiding the Journey: Smart Systems for Parking, Queues, and Wayfinding
Presented by David Park, SEGD, alongside industry colleagues
From parking lots to security queues and terminal corridors, airports are leveraging smart technologies to improve passenger flow and experience. This session explores how Automated Parking Guidance Systems (APGS) use sensors and signage to streamline parking, including ADA and EV spaces. It also highlights how airports are using real-time data to drive automations in queue pathways and digital wayfinding, optimizing passenger flow and service delivery. Finally, we’ll explore Salt Lake City’s rapid response approach to solving wayfinding challenges in its new terminal. Learn how dynamic infrastructure and responsive design can deliver faster service, reduce staffing needs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Terminal/Landside Track: Expanding Horizons: Strategies for Small-Hub Airport Expansion
Moderated by Brad Sucher, AIA, NCARB, alongside industry colleagues
This panel will address the unique challenges small-hub airports face during large-scale expansion programs that affect every aspect of operations—from curbside to runway. We’ll explore strategies for cost management under tighter budgets, the benefits of Progressive CMR and GMP contracts, and innovative design approaches that provide flexibility for changing aircraft and traffic needs. Discussion will also cover the ripple effects of decisions in small hubs, the importance of thoughtful project phasing, and lessons learned from navigating global events—all while ensuring projects align with capital plans and maintain ongoing operations.
