Airport Organizations

Expand your business at airport organizations
By Linda C. Ray National airport organizations offer a slew of opportunities for additional sales and positive exposure for your business. In addition to members of the international airport organization who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other international airport organization members, including peripheral businesses and government organizations that support the airport clubs.

Affiliation with airport associations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in airport industry associations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional airport organizations offer even more chances to network with local business and industry leaders in your community. Use your membership in airport retail organizations in a number of different ways.

1. Expand your network through national airport organizations

2. Support the industry by participating in airport clubs

3. Stand out as a leader in airport associations

Develop business contacts in an international airport organization

Airport industry organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At associations of airports programs and events as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work with the airline industry. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.
Try:  The Airline Association for Benchmarking and Measurement is an association of airport executives that identifies and promote best practices in the airline industry. The International Air Transport Association offers a plethora of events, training and other activities that support the airlines and their employees.

Show your interest by joining airport industry organizations

If you to do business with the airlines in any kind of capacity, you will want to express your support as well as meet national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in airport industry associations with both your presence and your financial support.
Try:  Get benefits while meeting others at industry events as a member of the International Airline Passengers Association. A trade association for the airline industry is the Air Transport Association.

Set yourself up as an industry expert at airport organizations

To stand out as an expert and further your own business interests, you need to be recognized by your peers and those whom you do business with. Most national airport organizations present opportunities to impress your peers through speaking engagements, training seminars and writing opportunities. Start in a committee and volunteer to speak or write for the group until you develop a reputation that other members of the international airport organization recognize.
Try:  The American Association of Airport Executives is an association of airport executives that offers plenty of opportunities to show your talents and services through committees, training seminars and events all over the country. Another group that appreciates innovation and is always in search of talented volunteers is the Airport Consultants Council.

• Join and serve on fund raising or membership committees in airport associations to develop closer relationships with others who could be helpful to your business.