Speaker Details

Brian Cobb
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Brian Cobb

Brian is the chief innovation officer at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, leading innovation, IT, and customer experience divisions. With three decades of experience, he began his journey with a bachelor’s in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and has held executive roles at both an airline and an airport. A visionary in versatility, resiliency, and adaptability, Brian is committed to shaping the future of aviation and driving progress across the industry and beyond.
Day - 1 - Management and operations – increasing capacity and efficiency, airside - 16:55 - 17:25

Integrating ground vehicle automation into aviation: putting theory into practice

Discover how autonomous vehicles are transforming the aviation industry. From improving experiences to enhancing operational efficiency, this presentation will delve into the latest advances and future possibilities in autonomous aviation. Learn about the benefits, challenges and real-world applications and integrations of this groundbreaking technology.

The audience will learn:

  • Efficiency: understand how autonomous vehicles can streamline airport operations, reduce costs and improve turnaround times
  • Safety: explore the enhanced safety measures enabled by autonomous technology, including accident prevention and improved working conditions
  • Innovation: discover the cutting-edge technologies and advances propelling the autonomous aviation industry forward
  • Benefits: learn about the tangible benefits for airlines, airports and passengers, including improved experiences and economic advantages
  • Challenges: understand the potential challenges and considerations associated with implementing autonomous vehicles in the aviation sector


Day - 1 - Future airports - 09:00 - 17:30

The edge of now


Day - 3 - Accessibility and assisted travel - 09:00 - 15:00

Breaking down barriers: leveling up inclusivity with AI sign language

Experience how an airport and a startup are revolutionizing accessibility for deaf travelers through the integration of American and British Sign Language (ASL/BSL) with AI technology. Learn from industry experts as they discuss the innovative steps taken to create a more inclusive travel experience. Learn about the technology behind ASL integration, the challenges and successes faced during implementation, and the future implications for accessibility standards in the aviation industry.

The audience will learn:

  • The power of collaboration: discover how partnerships between technology providers, airports and accessibility advocates can drive significant change
  • The importance of inclusivity: the impact of ASL technology on the travel experience and how it can set new standards
  • Technological advances: explore the latest developments in sign language technology to reach this point and expand accessibility
  • Addressing challenges and overcoming obstacles: learn about deploying the technology and adoption curves
  • The future of accessibility: gain insights into the potential future implications of sign language integration


Day - 1 - Customer service, passenger and workforce experience - 09:00 - 17:30

Level up your feedback: gamified surveys for soaring customer satisfaction

Explore an innovative gamified survey platform that can transform the way airports, airlines and mutual parties gather guest feedback. We'll delve into the power of gamification to increase survey participation, engagement, rich data and value-added insights. Hear real-world examples and best practices to implement a successful gamified survey program.

The audience will learn:

  • Boost participation rates: discover how gamification elements like points, badges and leaderboards can incentivize passengers to complete surveys
  • Enhance engagement: explore interactive survey formats that go beyond traditional questionnaires and help build site-specific detailed personas
  • Actionable insights: learn how to leverage data from gamified surveys to identify key areas for improvement and make informed decisions
  • Improved customer satisfaction: see how a gamified survey approach can foster positive passenger interactions and higher customer satisfaction
  • Measurable ROI: understand how increased survey response rates and valuable data insights can translate into measurable improvements


Day - 2 - Customer service, passenger and workforce experience - 09:00 - 17:30

Panel discussion: From raising awareness to taking action to making progress


Day - 1 - Airport design, planning and development - 09:00 - 17:30

Panel discussion: AAM – how do you imagine the future business of transportation?

This panel session will discuss the status of advanced air mobility (AAM) as an industry, as well as how airports, operators and regulations around the globe are preparing for the integration of the first new mode of transportation in decades. Be it cargo or passengers, this will create new means of connection for people and goods, as well as potential new business models in the transportation industry as whole and new streams of revenue. The future is upon us and we as an industry we need to be prepared.

The audience will learn:

  • How will this affect airports and operators around the globe?
  • Identifying new business models and revenue streams
  • Understanding the latest updates on eVTOL and AAM
  • How to understand infrastructure requirements
  • How to get involved in AAM


Day - 2 - Technovation - 09:00 - 17:30

Panel discussion: Curbside evolution – data-driven solutions for efficient airport operations and better customer experience

The evolution of technology and processing power has opened many opportunities for the complex infrastructure in states. What was supposed to be the traditional design is now being designed as flexible to cope with future variations in traffic demands. The heart of the flexible infrastructure is derived from robust data collection, which gives the owner the operational insights needed to change operations based on real-time traffic and pedestrian demands.

The audience will learn:

  • The unique operational challenges faced at the airport curbside, where traffic congestion, fluctuating pedestrian demands and resource allocation can create bottlenecks
  • The types of valuable data that can be collected outside the terminal, including traffic flow, pedestrian movement and vehicle dwell times
  • The power of AI-based solution. What challenges can be expected when considering AI-based technologies for curbside management?
  • The success story of a US airport's groundbreaking curbside monitoring and analytics system