It was a productive week at the Airports Council International – North America Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

The City of Brotherly Love — and, as Mayor Cherelle Parker reminded us in her keynote, Sisterly Affection too — showed up for our industry in a big way. Warm welcome, great energy, and a program that gave us a lot to think about.

Imagine Wireless was grateful to be part of it.

Leading the Wireless Connectivity Session

It was an honor for Norman Fekrat and the team to lead the wireless connectivity session for airports on Sunday: “Wireless Connectivity at Airports: Building a Common Baseline for Approaches, Options, Contracts & Accountability.” We dug into DAS, Wi-Fi, and Private Wireless (CBRS/5G) strategy, including where spectrum advocacy fits into the picture as airports push for the access and policy support they need to make private wireless work at scale.

Thank you to ACI-NA for the platform, and to the team that made the session happen: Darryl Daniel, CIO Houston Airports System (BIT Chair), Eduardo Valencia, CIO, MAC (Private Wireless Working Group Co-Lead), and Samuel Ingalls, Barich (Private Wireless Working Group Co-Lead).

A Consequential Period for the Industry

One moment that stuck with us: outgoing ACI-NA CEO Kevin Burke’s final state-of-the-industry address, delivered with all his signature “Burkisms.” After 13 years leading the organization, he didn’t sugarcoat what’s ahead — he called it one of the most consequential periods our industry has ever faced, with airports managing billions in capital projects, rising construction costs, and a technology landscape that’s moving fast.

The Relationships Behind the Work

And of course, so good to reconnect with partners, clients, and new faces across the industry. This business runs on relationships, and weeks like this are a reminder of why.