After a successful inaugural Aerotropolis Americas Conference and Exhibition (AACE) in Dallas-Fort Worth, the Aerotropolis Globe was officially handed over to Denver International Airport (DEN), which was announced as the host of Aerotropolis Americas 2014.
During a handover ceremony at the AACE Farewell Reception on Oct. 31, the announcement was made that DEN would be the host of Aerotropolis Americas 2014. The 2014 event will take place in Denver, Colo., from Oct. 20-22, 2014.
“Denver is excited to host the second annual Aerotropolis Americas conference in 2014,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “With Denver International Airport as Colorado’s leading economic engine, Metro Denver is a perfect example of how the aerotropolis concept can create jobs and prosperity across an entire region. We compete in a global economy, and by working together as a region on land-use planning, mass transit and economic development, Metro Denver is poised to become a global leader in aerotropolis development. We are looking forward to sharing experiences, learning best practices and building new partnerships at next year’s conference.”
As the annual event for the global airport development and real estate communities, the three-day AACE conference and exhibition serves to build on the concept of the airport city. Aerotropolis Americas will further explore how the broader aerotropolis can drive the economic development of a whole region up to 30 miles from the airport.
AACE provides a learning platform for real estate developers and professionals, planners who are active in airport development, economic development agencies, suppliers and solution providers, cargo and logistics operators and freight-forwarders, airport executives and managers, and others interested in development in and around airports.
The Aerotropolis events are borne out of the well-regarded Airport Cities Conference & Exhibition, which was established more than 14 years ago. The event recognizes that all parties are key to the establishment and growth of a true Aerotropolis and the event provides an opportunity for these partners to meet, negotiate, learn the latest techniques and case studies, and hear from the leaders in their field.
Denver International Airport formally unveiled its vision for “Airport City Denver” in 2012 while hosting the Airport Cities Conference & Exhibition and is now moving ahead with the planning concept for Colorado’s aerotropolis. The land surrounding Denver International Airport and the eventual rail-linked route between the airport and downtown Denver’s Union Station, labeled the Corridor of Opportunity, comprise one of the most compelling commercial investment opportunities in the U.S.
Mayor Hancock envisions a bustling aerotropolis for DEN and the land surrounding it that will drive job growth and become a “regional economic powerhouse.” To make this vision a reality, DEN has already begun construction on the initial components: a new 519-room hotel and a rail station that will link DEN to Denver Union Station via the Corridor of Opportunity.
“We are excited to take Aerotropolis Americas to Denver, a city that is embracing the aerotropolis concept,” said Adrian Newton, group director of transport and technology, UBM Live, organizers of the event. “With vision, collaboration, and new transit links, Denver International Airport is on its way to becoming an aerotropolis, which will boost the regional economy and make Denver an international destination.
“Aerotropolis Americas 2014 will offer attendees insights on the collaborative planning process and development strategy that included numerous public and private sector stakeholders and how to leverage opportunities and implement best practice at their own airport developments. We look forward to working with the dynamic team at Denver International Airport throughout the coming year to deliver a great event.”
