Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Mark Gale
Department: Aviation Division: Administration
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE co-sponsorship of the American Association of Airport Executives 2026 Conference of the Americas, scheduled to occur in May-June 2026 in Broward County, and authorize the Director of the Broward County Aviation Department to approve and execute the co-sponsorship agreements, subject to review and approval as to legal sufficiency by the County Attorney’s Office, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000.
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Why Action is Necessary
The Advantage Marketing Program requires that a County co-sponsorship of a third-party event or program with a total aggregate value of more than $5,000 be approved by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.
What Action Accomplishes
Approves the co-sponsorship of the American Association of Airport Executives 2026 Conference of the Americas.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☐County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTIONS.
This action will approve the co-sponsorship of the American Association of Airport Executives (“AAAE”) Conference of the Americas (“Conference”) in May-June 2026 in a not to exceed amount of $50,000.
AAAE holds approximately 50 domestic and international meetings each year with more than 7,500 attendees, comprised of airport and aviation executives. AAAE's meetings deliver industry knowledge tailored for airport professionals and offer important training and networking opportunities for career growth and business development.
This Conference is an annual event sponsored by AAAE. During this year’s Conference held in Lima, Peru, in June 2025, there were 160 people in attendance, totaling over 480 hotel room nights. As a host for the Conference, the Broward County Aviation Department (“BCAD”) would be responsible for hosting an evening event, which is open to all attendees coming from the Americas and the U.S.
The dates for next year’s Conference are scheduled May 31-June 2, 2026, providing a great opportunity to showcase the host airport's locale. BCAD is responsible for planning, executing, and paying for the evening event, which usually takes place at a local area attraction or is themed to promote the region. BCAD will partner with Visit Lauderdale to select an attractive location in Broward County for the evening event and provide suggestions for hotels in the area. The costs of the co-sponsorship, including the evening event, would be approved in a not to exceed amount of $50,000.
This action will authorize the BCAD Director to execute the co-sponsorship agreements for the Conference, subject to approval by the Office of the County Attorney as to legal sufficiency.
BCAD anticipates two agreements will need to be executed: one with AAAE for the Conference Host and another one with the venue for the evening event.
Source of Additional Information
Mark E. Gale, A.A.E., CEO/Director, Aviation Department, (954) 359-6199
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
BCAD’s co-sponsorship in a not to exceed amount of $50,000 is allocated in its Marketing budget in Fiscal Year 2026.