TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary to enter into an agreement with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) to host the 2017 AAAE Annual Conference and Exposition. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
With the opening of the new Concourse at the Long Beach Airport (Airport), it is important to refocus the attention of the aviation world back on the City of Long Beach. The Airport recently competed against other larger airports and cities and was selected to host the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Conference and Exposition for 2017. The AAAE is the world's largest professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's members represent some 850 airports, and hundreds of companies and organizations that support airports.
The Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has partnered with the Airport to host this event. According to the CVB, the economic benefit associated with this conference is expected to exceed $4.9 million for the Long Beach area. The AAAE conference is scheduled for May 21 through May 24, 2017, to be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, and will draw approximately 1,000 attendees. The Airport commits to pay for the costs of the 2017 event, provide a coordinator, staff, volunteers, and support as needed.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu on May 7, 2014 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 6, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 20, 2014 in order to execute the agreement in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
Hosting the conference will require a $450,000 payment to AAAE, which will be paid incrementally during FY16, FY17 and FY18. Sufficient funds are available in the Airport Fund (EF 320) and appropriation will be requested in the fiscal years when payment to the AAAE is required. The FAA classifies this as an acceptable expenditure. Approval of this recommendation will have a positive local job impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MARIO RODRIGUEZ
DIRECTOR, LONG BEACH AIRPORT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER