The Allegheny County Airport Authority made this statement to appear alongside Jim Parsons' Team 4 report from July 30, 2008.
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The Allegheny County Airport Authority hosted the Airports Council International-North America Marketing and Communications Conference and Jumpstart for a special event on June 24, 2008. The attendees were airport marketing and communications professionals from the US, Canada and the Caribbean and route planners for all the nation’s commercial airlines. A complete list of the attendees is at this link:
http://www.aci-na.org/index/jumpstart2008_participants

This event was a requirement of the Airport Authority as part of the agreement with ACI-NA to serve as the host organization. As the host organization, we can promote the region and Pittsburgh International Airport to the airlines as a means of attracting more flights and destinations, an important goal of the Airport Authority.

The Airport Authority also requested sponsorships to help offset the costs of this event.

This was the largest attendance in the history of this conference. The reason there was so much interest is because of the need for airports nationwide to maintain quality air service during challenging times in the aviation industry.

Wednesday meetings featured the JumpStart Air Service Development program, where airport representatives meet one-on-one with airline route professionals in an exhibition-like setting.

“Pittsburgh International Airport is a world-class airport and the Allegheny County Airport Authority is dedicated to building on our continued success by being an advocate for advancing new ideas and programs within the aviation industry. Hosting these meetings engages the airport and the region in being a part of the latest trends in technology, marketing and industry advocacy,” explained Glenn R. Mahone, Chairman, Allegheny County Airport Authority.

In September 2010, the Allegheny County Airport Authority will host the ACI-NA Annual Conference & Exhibition, which is the North American airport industry's largest annual forum. More than 2,000 airport leaders, government representatives, industry service providers and partners are expected to gather at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

PNC Park June 24, tickets and catering - $34,512.00 Host event gift (Pirates visors) - $1,200.00
Total - $35,712.00
Funding from Sponsors: - ($20,000.00)
Net cost to Airport Authority - $15,712.00
Cost per person (522): $30.10