#AEROMEMPHIS2018
About the Global Aerotropolis Summit
The 2018 Global Aerotropolis Summit is the first event of its kind - but it won't be the last.​​
Driven by the economic potential of airport cities, we envision this annual international trade and investment summit to be held in the partner cities of Memphis, Shanghai, Paris, and Guangzhou on a rotating basis.
Our objective is to empower businesses to think globally and unite as an Aerotropolis community, enabled by thriving logistics and transportation networks.
At the first-ever Summit event in Memphis this June, attendees will:
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Attend keynote addresses from FedEx Chairman & CEO Frederick W. Smith and leading Aerotropolis expert Dr. John Kasarda
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Form partnerships and gain the knowledge and tools to begin expansion into pivotal international markets
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Learn from thought leadership, best practices, and discussion around expanding business opportunities in healthcare, logistics and e-commerce industries around airport cities
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Experience panels, speakers, and business tours that bring exposure to Memphis as a global logistics hub and demonstrate how an Aerotropolis stimulates regional economic growth
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Hear firsthand from decision-makers from airports, airlines, economic development agencies, customs officials, trade experts, and leading healthcare associations and businesses
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In addition, world-renowned Airport Cities expert and Director of the Center for Air Commerce at the University of North Carolina – Professor John Kasarda – will conduct a Masterclass (included with the cost of registration) during the event to provide professional training to the global industry players.
AERO 2018 is presented by the Greater Memphis Chamber, the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County (EDGE), and the Memphis/Shelby County Airport Authority with sponsorship by FedEx.
In the past, airports were perceived simply as gateways for the transportation of goods and people from one region or country to another, but this historic perception is now giving way to a much broader concept of the airport as a business destination in its own right and as an economic engine for its region and local communities.
The model recognizes that apart from performing their traditional aeronautical services, airports can evolve a range of new non-aeronautical functions and revenue drivers, from developing their real estate into commercial assets, transforming their terminals into fully functioning shopping malls and expanding their logistics and distribution chains.
With airports typically surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of hectares of undeveloped land as environmental buffer for environmental reasons, it has been recognized that airports are sitting on a potential goldmine of real estate opportunities.
Office blocks, hotels, convention centers, medical facilities, casinos, free trade zones and even entertainment and theme parks can be built within or just beyond the airport fence to generate new sources of revenue for the airport operator and encourage the perception of the airport as a business or tourism destination in its own right.
The spatial and functional core of the airport city is the passenger terminal, which has been likened to an urban central square. It operates as its multimodal commercial nexus offering a variety of specialized goods and services.
WHAT IS AN AEROTROPOLIS?
Summit Attendee Profile
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALS
from Airport Cities (or Future Airport Cities)
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What does it take to become the next regional express hub?
Learn what Aerotropolis cities around the globe are doing, and connect with the industry leaders and investors who can help make that happen in your city.
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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY LEADERS
Meet other companies who are taking advantage of the benefits of an Aerotropolis to streamline operations, find ways your company could also profit from these advantages, and get the direction and connections you need to make it happen.
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INVESTORS & DEVELOPERS
Learn how industry is evolving in airport cities and how to plan business around innovation. Build relationships with industry leaders and economic development officials from major cities.
