Young Professionals Symposium / Innovation Competition

Are you ready to highlight your innovative ideas and solutions to industry experts? The ACC Young Professionals Innovation Competition is the perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate your expertise and creativity.

Sponsored by the ACC Foundation, the event is designed to encourage innovative thinking among young professionals involved in airport development and operations. The final teams will present their projects during the AAAE/ACC Airport Planning, Design, & Construction Symposium, taking place from March 16–18, 2027 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

All questions and submissions, including teams, abstracts, and proposals, must be submitted to Evelynn Zhang, Outreach Coordinator for the ACC Young Professionals Committee.

SCOPE

Creative thinking from new leaders will be vital as the industry continues to adapt to these factors. Presentations can be technical or operational, and fall within any discipline of airport development, but they are required to be an original concept or a unique improvement to an existing model or practice that furthers the development and addresses growing challenges at airports. Finalist teams will then present their ideas in person to a panel of five industry expert judges.

PARTICIPANTS

All participants must be 35 years old and under.

Teams can comprise a maximum of four members, with a minimum of two members.
Team members from different companies/organizations – including airport staff – are highly encouraged but not required.
One team member must be from an ACC or AAAE member firm. Not sure if your company is an ACC member? Check the ACC Member Search here.

Interested in joining the competition, but do not have a full team? Complete this form by August 7, 2026, to be added to a list of participants looking for team members.

Already have a team? Great! Complete this form with all members and submit it by August 14, 2026.

All finalized teams and team members’ names will be sent to all participants on August 28, 2026.