The first FTE Communities Live Days event of 2025 takes place in Orlando on February 11-12 and is exclusive to our 600+ innovation community members. This first-of-its-kind gathering is designed to connect and inspire all of our FTE Communities – the Baggage Innovation Working Group, Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, and World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group – while showcasing the very best of Orlando. This milestone event also marks the continued growth of our FTE Communities, reflecting the expanding influence and impact of our collective efforts. Over the course of two days, members will engage in inspiration-filled sessions, collaborative discussions, valuable networking, and exclusive airport tours, all hosted by Orlando International Airport. Plus, as the event is in Orlando, we are encouraging participants to bring their loved ones and we have special activities planned for them, including tours.
View the full agenda below for details on the organisations confirmed to speak, plus activities including an Emerging Company Showcase hosted by BlackPath, an exclusive Open House Tour hosted by Oceaneering, an Evening Networking Event, a special Golf Event hosted by FTE and sponsored by Vanderlande, and more.
Monday, February 10 (pre-event activities)
13:30-16:00 The Emerging Company Showcase, hosted by BlackPath (limited capacity) – taking place at Orlando International Airport
The Emerging Company Showcase, hosted by BlackPath – an innovation advisory firm specialising in guiding emerging companies to thrive through partnerships with large enterprises – will highlight six to seven high-potential, innovative companies that are gaining traction with large organisations. During the showcase, the companies will present back-to-back, concise, 10-minute presentations, offering an inside look at the challenges they tackle and the innovative solutions they provide. The showcase is intended to spark meaningful discussions around real-world use cases, scalability, and testing, serving as a bridge between groundbreaking startups and established industry leaders. Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to network with the startups, fostering collaboration and driving innovation.
16:00-18:00 Open House Tour hosted by Oceaneering
FTE Communities members are invited to join us at Oceaneering’s production campus in Orlando for a sneak peek into the future of autonomous transportation and mobile robotics. At this exclusive Open House Tour, you can experience live demonstrations of autonomous vehicles designed for real-world applications. Indeed, this pioneering technology is already being leveraged at world-famous theme parks, offshore oilfields and airports. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see cutting-edge technology in action while networking with your peers.
From 19:30 Unofficial Networking Event at Uncle Julio’s, ICON Park
Tuesday, February 11
Location: Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
9:00-9:30 Registration, networking & coffee
9:30-9:50 Welcome and introductions from Future Travel Experience (FTE) and Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA)
9:50-10:30 Inspirational opening keynote from Space Florida
Mike Miller, Vice President of External Affairs and Workforce Integration, Space Florida, will deliver a truly inspirational opening keynote. He will discuss innovation in the space industry in Florida, including SpaceX, NASA and more, highlighting how this is related to overall innovation in Central Florida: Space, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL), Brightline High Speed Rail, Orlando International Airport (MCO) expansion, and more.
Miller plays a vital role in advocating for the mission of Space Florida both in Tallahassee and Washington, DC. He is also tasked with guiding the organisation to access and enhance the skilled labour force in Florida through partnerships with the Department of Education and companies seeking to relocate to Florida or expand their current operations in the state.
10:30-10:45 Networking coffee break
Following the coffee break, attendees will break out into three streams: World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group; Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub; and Baggage Innovation Working Group.
FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group agenda
10:45-12:45 FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group meeting
Highlights:
- Insights from the FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Advisory Board members
- Tracy Harris, Vice President Concessions, Orlando International Airport – “Retail innovation at MCO”
- Eric Wanger, Chief Financial Officer, Enklu / Verse – “Insights from an experiential retailer”
- Sheena Fowler, Chief Executive Officer, Innovate Orlando – “Leveraging technology to benefit travelers, guests, and community”
- Rana Ghosh, Chief Transformation Officer, Spirit Airlines – “Insights on the latest digital efforts by Spirit Airlines to drive commercial success”
- Vikas Gupta, Founder & CEO, GrayMatter Software Services – “How the new Servy/GrayMatter tie-up can help airports and airlines create a bigger revenue pie for all to share in whilst making passengers happier”
- Interactive discussion on digital and immersive ideas and possibilities
13:00-14:30 – Networking lunch (for all FTE Communities members)
Enjoy lunch and a unique opportunity to network with members of all the FTE Communities.
14:30-16:30 Guided MCO Tours – Retail Innovation
This tour will offer a unique Orlando experience and include a “Taste of Terminal C” where you’ll have the opportunity to sample light bites and delights and exciting innovations from various partners & concessionaires.
18:30-22:00 Evening Networking Event at Pat O’Brien’s, Universal CityWalk
FTE Communities members will come together for an exciting evening networking event, hosted by Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), taking place at Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk. Food and beverages will be included for all attendees.
Learn more about the FTE World Ancillary & Retailing Working Group >>FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub agenda
10:45-12:45 Guided MCO Tours – Innovation & Digital
This tour will showcase the impressive Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO), showcasing the digital-centric innovations that are enhancing and differentiating the MCO experience.
13:00-14:30 Networking lunch (for all FTE Communities members)
Enjoy lunch and a unique opportunity to network with members of all the FTE Communities.
14:30-16:30 FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub meeting
Highlights:
- Richard Clarke, Chief Creative Officer, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) – “The Orlando Experience”
- Fireside chat with Rana Ghosh, Chief Transformation Officer, Spirit Airlines (interviewed by Daniel Coleman, Founder & CEO, FTE)
- Kevin Thompson, AVP Planning, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) – “Developing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at MCO”
- Interactive Session – Digital Engagement and Experience Platform (AI enabled Immersive Experiences)
18:30-22:00 Evening Networking Event at Pat O’Brien’s, Universal CityWalk
FTE Communities members will come together for an exciting evening networking event, hosted by Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), taking place at Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk. Food and beverages will be included for all attendees.
Learn more about the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub >>FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group agenda
10:45-12:45 FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group meeting
Highlights:
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Scott Goodwin, Assistant Vice President, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (MCO) – Presentation: “MCO Accommodating Growth and Leveraging Innovation”
- In-depth group discussion on this year’s BIWG themes, building on the priorities set in January’s meeting
13:00-14:30 Networking lunch (for all FTE Communities members)
Enjoy lunch and a unique opportunity to network with members of all the FTE Communities.
14:30-16:30 Guided MCO Tours – Baggage Innovation
The two baggage tours at Orlando International Airport will include a visit to the new ICS system with inbound sortation and EBS, as well as a tour of the Remote Screening Facility and the original baggage system. These tours offer a comprehensive look at the airport’s innovative baggage handling solutions.
18:30-22:00 Evening Networking Event at Pat O’Brien’s, Universal CityWalk
FTE Communities members will come together for an exciting evening networking event, hosted by Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), taking place at Pat O’Brien’s at Universal CityWalk. Food and beverages will be included for all attendees.
Learn more about the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group >>Wednesday, February 12
09:00-13:00 Meeting of the FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) Smart Ramp members at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport (invite only)
ACE is dedicated to driving real collaborative action among stakeholders, facilitating fast progress and dynamic change in key areas of the aviation industry which are ripe for transformation. The focus on Smart Ramp operations has the ultimate goal that aircraft turnaround can be achieved autonomously and more efficiently.
10:00-12:00 Baggage Tour at MCO (open to FTE Communities members and guests; limited capacity)
12:00-17:30 Golf Event at ChampionsGate Golf Course, Orlando – hosted by FTE and sponsored by Vanderlande (pre-registration required; limited capacity)
FTE Communities members are invited to participate in a special Golf Event, kindly sponsored by Vanderlande, at Orlando’s fantastic ChampionsGate Golf Course. In addition to enjoying a round of golf, this provides another great opportunity to network with industry peers in a relaxed environment.
Organisations already confirmed to attend*
We’re also delighted to share that a growing number of organisations have already confirmed their attendance, including United Airlines, Hamad International Airport, Isavia – Keflavik Airport, Southwest Airlines, CVG Airport, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, IAG (International Airlines Group), American Airlines, Journey Robotics, Springshot, Canadian Aerodrome Support Services, Barich, Inc., Turkish Technology / Turkish Airlines, DataArt, Fraunhofer IML – Aviation Logistics, Pattern, Studdiford Technical Solutions, BagsID, NetForecast, Space Florida, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Enklu / Verse, Innovate Orlando, Spirit Airlines, FetchyFox, Vanderlande, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, SITA, nlmtd, Waites Sensor Technologies, Swanson Rink, Robson Handling Technology USA, Schiphol Group, Power Stow Americas, Assaia, Populous, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Avolta/Hudson, Airport Dimensions, Transglobal Concessions, Glydways, SSP America, Ethos Farm Americas, Areas USA, Wrap N Fly Inc, JPMorganChase, Opermium, Beltways Inc, Stripe, Heathrow Airport, Lagardère Travel Retail, Miami International Airport, Cardinal Robotics, Siemens Logistics, Augury, International Essence, Vantage Airport Group, CLX Engineering, Vancouver Airport Authority, Petroleum Marketing Group/7-eleven, Trackonomy, Cockpit Innovation, D2Airport/D2Cruises, WHSmith North America, tRetail Labs, Diamarx Management, Hold My Luggage, SIXT, Master ConcessionAir, Smarte Carte, BlackPath, Cognex Corporation, Zaza Cuban Comfort Food, Optionizr, IonDynamics Energy, GrayMatter Software Services, Villa Restaurant Group, SoundHound AI, ControlTouch Systems, BagCheck, Introba USA, Evolvending, Oceaneering, JSM & Associates, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Transformidy, Skyme, BEUMER Group, Associated Cost Engineers Inc of Delaware, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and more.
*Correct as of 11 February 2025
Stay tuned for more exciting announcements in the coming weeks, including details on keynotes, networking events and more!
Find out more about the FTE Communities and how to participate >>
