CAK goes to Houston to Roundtable

I just returned from Houston, Texas. What a big sprawling city it is! I, along with my mighty marketing team, were in Houston to rap with other airports from throughout the country, compare notes, and hang out. A few of the airports even scored meetings with Continental Airlines. They weren’t so interested in meeting with me… go figure!

We have dubbed this gathering the Midwest Roundtable. It’s mostly for small and medium small airports that have to be scrappy, tough, innovative and downright nutty to survive in this industry. We spend about five hours just learning about each other and picking up ideas. My pals in Quad-cities are the masters of promotions. You should have seen their port-a-potty promotions. Hee hee. Those guys will do ANYTHING to fill up an airplane! Lots of airports are giving their websites a face lift and adding airline booking tools to their sites. We spent a lot of time learning about how to maximize your relationships with local corporations too. All in all, I have to say that this is my favorite gathering of the year.

We have candid, fun discussions, ask tons of questions and learn a lot from each other. I even learned that the Airport Director in Peoria, IL is the Oreo ® eating chap of the whole state! He won a car and a trip… just because he scarfed down 22 cookies in 107 seconds. Ken, I really admire your large mouth and bountiful accomplishments at PIA.

I need to thank Sabre Airport Solutions and Mead and Hunt for sponsoring this roundtable for the past 2-3 years. Brad and Joseph, you guys rock! Next year we hope to gather in Phoenix, home of US Airways. Jason, are you ready for 20 crazy airports? Just say the word…

Comments

Happy New Years to my neighbors out at Akron/Canton. Continue the tremendous work you do at your airport. Most airports are jealous of how well you have grown in just a 10 year span, and will continue growing in the future. I have flown it 10+ times in the last couple years, and will continue using it.

Right now my coalition of Airport Supporters are trying to help out the struggling Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. They have done a successful job with flights to Orlando aboard Allegiant Air (ALGT-Nasdaq), but they have not done much since then.

YNG needs to look at how well CAK has done over the years and perhaps take some tips from you guys. You run a very successful operation and should be commended for IT! You earn my award for the best airport in Ohio and the best operation of any government funded operation in the region.

GOOD LUCK IN 2007!

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