CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

The 2026 Conference Schedule

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026

10:00 AM

Optional Golf | Golf Five O Fore Golf + Entertainment
Kick off the conference with an optional golf outing. Separate registration required.

12:00 PM

Doors Open | Registration & Networking
Check in, visit with exhibitors, and connect with fellow attendees before the program begins.

1:00 PM

Welcome | Opening Address
Charles Butcher & Walter Krygowski

Official conference welcome and opening remarks.

2:00 PM

State Leadership Welcome
Secretary Glenn Ledet and Commissioner Mark Wright

Welcome from Louisiana leadership and remarks on the importance of aviation across the state.

2:30 PM

Louisiana Legislative Panel
Senator Heather Cloud, Representative Daryl Deshotel, and Representative Paul Sawyer

After a quick Aviation Day recap, a panel of Louisiana legislators will discuss issues affecting airports, aviation, and economic development across the state.

3:45 PM

Louisiana's Aviation Workforce Pipeline
A statewide look at what’s in place, what’s coming, and what Louisiana needs to build the aviation workforce of the future.

4:30 PM

Monday Program Concludes | Exhibitor Networking & Free Time
Visit with exhibitors, continue conversations, or enjoy some free time before the evening events.

5:00 PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception with Exhibitors
Join us for cocktails, networking, and time with our conference exhibitors before we head to the evening entertainment.

7:00 PM

Riverboat City of New Orleans Cruise
Experience New Orleans from the Mississippi River with an evening aboard the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Boarding begins at 6:30 PM.

10:00 PM

Hospitality Suite Open
Keep the evening going with drinks and casual networking in the LAMA Hospitality Suite until midnight.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2026

8:00 AM

Exhibit Hall Opens | Breakfast with Exhibitors
Start the morning with breakfast and networking in the Exhibit Hall.

9:00 AM

Morning Kick-Off
Charles Butcher & Walter Krygowski

Welcome and overview of the day ahead.

9:15 AM

LIFTOff: What’s next for Louisiana Advanced Air Mobility?
Josh Duplantis, Kristina Buelo, Andrea Dupre, Amanda Nelson, and Zach Shuman

An introduction to Louisiana’s role in the FAA’s eIPP program and the state’s work to explore the future of advanced air mobility.

10:15 AM

Morning Networking Break

10:30 AM

DC Legislative Update | FAA HQ Panel
FAA Representatives, Emily Bacque Da Silva, and Paul Eubanks

Updates on federal aviation policy, priorities, and issues affecting airports.

11:30 AM

Annual Awards Luncheon
Celebrate this year’s LAMA award recipients and accomplishments across Louisiana aviation.

1:00 PM

The Airport-FBO Relationship: Expectations on Both Sides
Stacy Kuba

A practical discussion on expectations, communication, and building successful airport–FBO partnerships.

2:00 PM

Everything Program Management by LA DOTD Aviation

Laura MacArthur, Jamie Henry, and Austin Ragusa
Updates on Louisiana airport grants, funding programs, and key considerations.

2:30 PM

Afternoon Networking Break

2:45 PM

Connecting Airports & Communities
Erin Burns & Kevin Melton

Practical ways airports can strengthen community relationships, demonstrate their value, and build support for airport development.

3:30 PM

Changing of the Guard | Bringing GA Airports into the New Generation
Jason Ball, Jean-Pierre DuRousseau, and Chanse Watson

A candid conversation about new leadership, modernization, and the next generation of Louisiana’s GA airports.

4:15 PM

Everyone is a Risk Manager
Karin Barbee

A practical look at managing and reducing risks facing airports and their operations.

5:00 PM

Exhibitor Networking | Free Time
Visit with exhibitors or enjoy some free time before the evening event.

6:15 PM

Walk to Sazerac House
Meet up with fellow attendees in the Grand Foyer for the walk to the evening event.

6:30 PM

Sazerac House Costume Party
Join LAMA for cocktails, costumes, and Halloween fun at Sazerac House.

10:00 PM

Hospitality Suite Open
Keep the evening going with drinks and casual networking in the LAMA Hospitality Suite.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026

8:00 AM

Exhibit Hall Opens | Breakfast with Exhibitors
Start the morning with breakfast and networking in the Exhibit Hall.

9:00 AM

FAA | State of the Industry & Regional Update
FAA Representatives

An update from the FAA on the state of the aviation industry, current priorities, and issues affecting airports.

10:30 AM

Louisiana Aviation | State Priorities & Program Update
Deputy Commissioner Bradley Brandt

An update on Louisiana’s aviation program, statewide priorities, and what airports should be watching in the year ahead.

11:30 AM

Lunch Pick-Up & Multimodal Commerce Trivia followed by LAMA Membership Meeting & Lunch
Grab lunch as we recognize our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees and recap the conference. Fuel tax update followed by the annual LAMA Membership Meeting.

1:00 PM

Conference Adjournment
Official conclusion of the 55th Annual LAMA Conference.

2:00 PM

Optional Airport Tour | Behind the Scenes at MSY
Stick around after the conference for an optional behind-the-scenes tour of Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. 

Space is limited and advance sign-up is required. Register here.

Conference Hosted by

Thank you to our 2026 LAMA Conference Sponsors.