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The focus for Altitudes East 2009 Air Access Forum was "Green Skies Ahead." As climate change awareness dominates academic discussion and consumer consciousness everywhere, the pressure is on airlines and airports to considerably increase their green initiatives. From better fuel efficiency and noise reduction to carbon neutralizing and recycling programs, climate strategy is both an environmental and economic issue, with businesses seeking expertise as well as business advice and financial analysis.

This October 5-7, world leading consultants discussed climate change, while preserving profitability and delivering shareholder value—and figuring out who's going to foot the footprint bill.

For more information and updates on speakers, sessions and participants at Altitudes East 2011, click here to sign up for our e-newsletter.  

Conference Agenda

Pre-conference - Monday, October 5
12:00 - 6:00 p.m
Delegate Registration
Main Lobby, The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis St., Halifax
Delegate registration will be held in the Main Lobby of the Westin Nova Scotia. Look for the Altitudes East booth and drop in to pick up your full delegate package when you check into the hotel.

Optional: City Tour, Golf at Glen Arbour or rejuvenate at Spirit Spa.

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7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Nova Scotia Welcome Reception
Skyways Ahead: Atlantic Gateway and the potential for air industry
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Following the keynote address, experience DRUM! POWER! An engaging journey into the cultures and music of Nova Scotia. Also enjoy samplings from renowned local business: Grand Pré Wines, Glenora Distilleries and Propeller microbrewery.

Delegates: In the event of rain please check in with the Altitudes East registration desk at The Westin Nova Scotian as alternative transportation will be arranged.

Join Paul Boutilier, Managing Director, Atlantic Gateway Business Development, as he gives fresh insight into the big picture of positive growth occurring in-market and on the ground. He will also address the business opportunities and development that this will generate. The world economy and means of transportation are rapidly evolving. The Atlantic Gateway initiative aims to place Nova Scotia in the centre of this activity. In this new economic milieu multi-sector, multi-stakeholder and international collaborations are critical.

After the presentation, enjoy an evening of Nova Scotia history, culture and hospitality. Along with delicious, world-famous regional food, join Altitudes East and members of the musical production DRUM! for an engaging journey into the cultures and music of Nova. Every guest will have a chance to play an instrument from one of Nova Scotia's founding cultures; Aboriginal, Acadian, Black and Celtic. Four percussionists, one from each culture, share with guests both their personal experience, and what music and rhythm means to them.

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Day 1 - Tuesday, October 6
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Delegate Registration - 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis St. Halifax

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8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hot Plated Breakfast
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

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8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Conference Start
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
Welcome Remarks - Tom Ruth, President and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority
Conference Launch - Robert Ready, Chief Air Negotiator, DFAIT

Join Mr. Ready as he welcomes conference guests and launches a conference of learning and partnership-building. He will also speak to industry topics from a government perspective, including the EU and Canada blue/open skies status.

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9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Opening Keynote: Green Skies Ahead
Dr. Steven Davis-Mendelow, Bombardier
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

Climate strategy has moved well beyond a strictly environmental focus, with businesses seeking understanding, insights and financial analysis. Keynote speaker Stephen Davis-Mendelow, Manager of Market Research and Forecasting for Regional Aircraft division of Bombardier Aerospace, will speak about understanding climate change, while preserving profitability and delivering shareholder value. Steven is passionate about aviation and the environment, believing in the incredible potential for the two. A licensed commercial pilot with twin-engine rating and an experienced speaker on environmental issues in aviation, Steven loves the challenge of leading the wave and being ahead of the trend.

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10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Refreshment Break
Outside Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

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10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Face-to-Face Meetings
Airline meetings in the Bedford Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Air Canada, Cargojet, Condor, First Air and United

Airline meetings in the in the Maritime Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Air Transat, American Eagle, Icelandair, Porter, Provincial Airlines

Airline meetings in the Fundy Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Continental, Starlink, Westjet

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10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Q&A Discussion: Airlines à la Carte
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

Moderator: Richard Garson, Halifax International Airport Authority
Panelists: Catherine De Sua, Fraser and Hoyt Travel, Andrew Pierce, Porter and Jim Facette, Canada Airports Council

Only five years ago, airline passengers could expect a free meal on many flights, along with a pillow, a blanket and a selection of other amenities. Now the menu of offerings has changed, with increasing surcharges and fees being implemented. There seems to be some willingness on travellers to accept fees, but at what price and for how long? Is it merely coincidence that Southwest Airlines—with its "freedom from fees" policy—was the only major airline to earn a profit in the second quarter? Join the round-table discussion of industry experts to determine what passengers really want from their airlines, what is affordable and realistic and what are considered the deal breakers... At what cost comes the price of customer service?

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12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Luncheon Keynote: The Role of Regional Airlines in Mainline Networks
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
Peter Bowler, President and CEO, American Eagle

What do relationships between regional airlines and mainline networks look like? Join Peter Bowler, President and CEO of American Eagle Airlines, as he shares his insight on managing capacity, revenues, synchronization and the unique role of regional airlines in mainline networks.

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1:50 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Northern Exposure
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

Moderator: Carol Hutchins, Edmonton International Airport
Panelists: Joe Sparling, Air North, Tracey Medve, Canadian North and Pam Rudolph, Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Not so long ago, northern Canadians were fairly limited in travel options and access to goods and services of the rest of the country. Travel out of the community and getting supplies were measured in terms of days, sometimes weeks. Today, however, a shopping trip "south" or flying abroad for a vacation takes mere hours, and important equipment, parts or goods, now often arrive the same day they are ordered. But despite creating new partnerships and better networks, how can airlines and their passengers forge ever stronger ties from coast to coast to coast to 49th parallel?

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2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Refreshment Break
Outside Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

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3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Face-to-Face Meetings: Airlines and Airports
Airline meetings in the Bedford Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Air Canada, Cargojet, Condor, First Air and United

Airline meetings in the in the Maritime Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Air Transat, American Eagle, Icelandair, Porter, Provincial Airlines

Airline meetings in the Fundy Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Continental, Starlink, Westjet

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3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Keynote Presentation - Joined at the Tip
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

Moderator: Neil Raynor, Jacobs Consultancy
Keynote: Dr. Ken Button, George Mason University

Closer cooperation amongst former rivals has created strategic alliances, and provided consumers with easier journeys to more destinations with better-aligned schedules and frequencies. Many airline investors have been clamouring for consolidation for years, arguing that mergers would allow airlines to eliminate redundant hubs and overlapping flights — which could lead to less competition and higher fares — and fill geographic holes in their route coverage.

Dr. Kenneth Button is professor of Public Policy, Director of the Aerospace Research Center, and director of the Center for Transportation Policy, Operations and Logistics at George Mason University. Dr. Button's academic training is in the fields of economics, econometrics and transportation planning. He has published some 100 books, over 400 papers in leading academic journals, and forecasting software. Listen as he discusses the industry trends as well as the benefits — and drawbacks — of being joined at the tip.

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4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
ADI Info Session (open to all delegates)
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
Jeff Pellitier, Sabre Airport Consulting, a division of Sabre Airline Solutions®

Sabre Airport Consulting, a division of Sabre Airline Solutions® provides the most reliable, comprehensive, and sophisticated online global O&D database in the market. Users of ADI gain an unparalleled understanding of their marketplace and a stronger grasp of what they can do to affect market dynamics.

Come join us for a real-time demo of the Sabre ADI product. See the power of ADI in reviewing historical and upcoming schedules and capacity, historical O&D demand, as well as future bookings. Ask questions and have them answered directly by ADI Product Director, Jeff Pelletier.
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Evening Reception - Lobster Dinner (Note: dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m.)
Murphy's Cable Wharf Restaurant, 1751 Lower Water Street, Halifax

Delegates: In the event of rain please check in with the Altitudes East registration desk at The Westin Nova Scotian as alternative transportation will be arranged.

This is your chance to experience our legendary lobster dinner feast and enjoy oceanside hospitality at its finest! Join us at the Murphy's on the Water restaurant for extraordinary dining specializing in fresh local lobster and spectacular night views of beautiful Halifax Harbour. The evening will be complemented by the energetic entertainment of local band, Studebaker Pie. From Sam Cooke to the Rolling Stones, traditional jams to classic rock; Studebaker Pie plays the music that crowd wants to hear. A five piece dance band, they've earned a reputation for keeping the audience dancing from the first beat to the last.

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Day 2 - Wednesday, October 7
7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Delegate Registration

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8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hot Plated Breakfast
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
Opening Remarks - Tom Ruth, CEO, HIAA

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9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Keynote and Panel Discussion: The Economic Impacts of Airports
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

Keynote: Chris Lowe, Independent Analyst
Panelists: Jim Frost, Marinova and Stephen Plummer, IMP Aerospace

Airports are vital players in local and regional economies, with many direct, indirect and induced impacts. This session will look at these contributions in the case of Halifax Stanfield Airports's economic benefits. Economic consultant Chris Lowe will address airport contributions to the economies of Halifax and Nova Scotia. Indicators will include gross output, taxes, employment, tourism, international trade, innovation and new capital projects (construction). Regional experts Jim Frost and Stephen Plummer will give further insight and commentary to this topic.

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10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Refreshment Break
Outside Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

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10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Panel Discussion: Technology Trends
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

Moderator: Monette Connaughton, Atlantic Canada Airports Council
Panelists: Mike Maxwell, Halifax International Airport Authority, Dean Stewart, Winnipeg Airport Authority

Given the ever-changing technological landscape — and skyscape — what does our panel of experts see as strategies for passenger communication services and green innovation? Also, what can be expected for future implementation? How are technological developments supporting the creation of a more sustainable aviation sector?

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10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Face-to-Face Meetings: Airlines and Airports
Airline meetings in the Bedford Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Air Canada, Cargojet, Condor, First Air and United

Airline meetings in the in the Maritime Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Air Transat, American Eagle, Icelandair, Porter, Provincial Airlines

Airline meetings in the Fundy Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Continental, Starlink, Westjet

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12:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Luncheon - Closing Keynote Speaker: Blowing the Doors off Business As Usual
Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

Every great leader asks 'How can I motivate my people?' Dr. Jackie Freiberg gets to the heart of what it takes to create engaged and results-oriented team members, one choice at a time. "Whether you are the leader or those being lead, these choices will determine the quality of your life and the significance of your contribution to the world in which you work. Will you become a person who is truly indispensable to your company or one who's hardly missed—the choice is yours," says Jackie.

Jackie will take delegates through: Blowing the Doors Off Business-As-Usual! After 20 years of exposing the unconventional success strategies of businesses that are booming, Jackie has distilled this collective wisdom into seven essential choices for building cultures of commitment and accountability. Experience it first-hand from the author of Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success. Jackie proudly served as a member of Southwest Airline's Culture Committee, and she was one of only two non-employee members invited to serve on this highly influential leadership committee.

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Luncheon Sponsored by:

2:15 p.m.
Face-to-Face Meetings: Airlines and Airports
Airline meetings in the Bedford Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Air Canada, Cargojet, Condor, First Air and United

Airline meetings in the Fundy Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
» Continental, Starlink, Westjet

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2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
ADI Training Session
Maritime Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian
Jeff Pellitier, Sabre Airport Consulting, a division of Sabre Airline Solutions®

Please register for this training session at the Sabre Airport Consulting booth outside the Atlantic Ballroom, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian


3:45 p.m.
Conference Thanks
Maritime Room, Conference Level, The Westin Nova Scotian

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