Agenda
The FTE World Innovation Summit will bring together over 400 air transport industry innovators for a three-day interdisciplinary series of conference sessions, interactive workshops, innovation tours, and networking opportunities, all taking place in Pittsburgh.
Among the highlights are exclusive sessions on Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Programme, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry’s most innovative projects. Attendees can also participate in interactive workshops, designed to provide hands-on learning and practical insights.
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An agenda focusing on 3 Core Focus Areas:
Advanced Technology
Exploring cutting-edge technologies and approaches that will shape the future of aviation.
Energy & Sustainability
Driving new approaches to sustainability & energy for a greener aviation future.
Future Airports
Considering new approaches to airport development, operations, commercial, technology, baggage and PaxEx.
Register to attend FTE World Innovation Summit
Register NowIncredible Conference Sessions
FTE conferences are renowned for being the best in the business and our sessions in Pittsburgh promises to be up there with our best ever with input from leaders inside and outside the industry, technologists, researchers, entrepreneurs and more to cover topics like digitilisation & technology, physical infrastructure & assets, workforce, commercial & collaboration models, passenger experience, sustainability and much more.
- Design, Construction, Delivery & ORAT
- Passenger Journey & Commercial Offering
- Baggage
- Technology & Innovation
- Operations - Landside & Airside
Interactive Workshops
In addition to the conference tracks, the FTE World Innovation Summit will feature hands-on workshops designed to deepen your understanding of critical topics and provide actionable takeaways. These collaborative sessions will focus on: Advanced Technology, Energy & Sustainability & Future Airports, designed to provide a deeper dive into the event’s key themes. Led by industry experts and innovators, the workshops will offer actionable insights, real-world applications, and the opportunity to collaborate with peers and thought leaders. Stay tuned for more details on workshop topics and facilitators – coming soon!
Innovation Tours
The Summit will offer attendees a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of the most pioneering companies headquartered in Pittsburgh. During previous shows in PIT we have visited key companies like Astrobotic Technology, which is readying its lunar lander for its next moon mission; Gecko Robotics, which offers advanced ultrasonic inspection robots; and Mill19, the catalytic redevelopment of the former Pittsburgh Jones & Laughlin Steel Company mill into a green, sustainable, advanced manufacturing research centre. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit other leading robotics and AI innovators, including Carnegie Robotics, Formlogic and Oshkosh.
Exclusive look and insights on the PIT Terminal Modernization Program (TMP)
Pittsburgh International Airport is transforming travel by undergoing an ambitious, airport-wide modernization to better meet the needs of a region on the rise. It is an airport designed for the challenges of tomorrow reduces its operational costs—and a smarter, more cost-efficient airport will create a ripple effect of opportunities to better serve passengers. Attendees will get an in-depth look at this landmark new facility ahead of its opening through tours and conference sessions.
Provisional Agenda Schedule
Essential Timings
Tuesday 13 May
Taking place at Hyatt Pittsburgh International Airport:
- 08:30-10:30: FTE BIWG meeting
- 11:00-13:00: FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub meeting
- 13:00-14:00: FTE Community Day Lunch
Taking place at Pittsburgh International Airport:
- 14:00-17:00: Guided tours of the new terminal
Taking place at the new terminal:
- 17:00-18:30: Kickoff Event – doors open, registration & networking
- 18:30-19:30: Opening Keynote Session
- 19:30-21:00: Networking, open bar & hors d’oeuvres
Wednesday 14 May
Taking place at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU):
- 08:00-09:00: Networking breakfast
- 09:00-12:30: Conference sessions, workshops & tours
- 12:30-14:00: Networking lunch
- 14:00-17:00: Conference sessions, workshops & tours
All over Pittsburgh:
- 18:30-20:00: Happy hour and networking
Thursday 15 May
Taking place at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU):
- 08:00-09:00: Networking breakfast
- 09:00-12:30: Conference sessions, workshops & tours
- 12:30-13:30: Working lunch
- 13:30-15:00: Finale Session
“I believe innovation is a mindset, and the primary goal of this Summit is to co-create new approaches and highlight how first-movers and pioneers are already leading the charge when it comes to new technology adoption, and energy and sustainability innovation. It will also provide the perfect showcase for our transformational new terminal program, with multiple conference sessions and dedicated tours of the new terminal - opening in 2025 - sure to be among the many event highlights.”
Christina Cassotis, Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh International Airport
Read the full letterWhy attend FTE World Innovation Summit 2025?
“This event is the highlight of my year and the conversations, ideas, and collaborations that come out will have a lasting impact on this industry. I think the format (day 1 demos, day 2 lectures and tours, day 3 workshop) allows professionals to get inspired and really drive meaningful conversations.”
“Absolutely wonderful. It was very well coordinated, the speakers were phenomenal, the events were engaging, and the attendees were friendly and hospitable. Wonderful job!”
“The Summit served as a thought-provoking platform for Alaska Airlines. It was two days filled with engaging interactions with core engineers and product demonstrations by innovators in Pittsburgh. The experience of exploring potential applications of these technologies across various facets of our industry was intellectually stimulating, competitively thrilling, and enlightening.”
“The Summit brings together forward-thinking individuals from across the industry in one of the most innovative cities in America. It’s an incredible opportunity to think outside the box and envision the possibilities that lie before us in the future of aviation.”
“The Summit is the only event I’ve participated in – in any industry – that proactively works to develop new partnerships, technologies, and companies to address aviation’s most critical needs. By dedicating significant time to workshops focused on building multi-disciplinary groups of aviation professionals alongside technologists, roboticists, researchers and entrepreneurs, the Summit has created a unique environment than can actually lead to real advances for the industry.”