Industry-wide, airports are experiencing disruptive and continuous changes that include the rapid introduction of new technology, financial constraints, retirements, and the need to replace seasoned veterans. These changes are compounded by a diminishing pipeline of individuals interested in working at airports. While the term “knowledge management” is not in widespread use at airports, many are already applying techniques, such as documenting standard operating procedures or conducting after-action reviews following airport disruptions. Knowledge management (KM) is a well-established discipline for creating, capturing, sharing, and leveraging essential knowledge needed for success. Without tasking these deliberate steps, airports may face reduced efficiency, degradation of customer service, and increased vulnerability to business and operational interruptions. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern that provided practical approaches and solutions that any airport can use to facilitate active and continuous knowledge management.

This webinar was based on ACRP Research Report 258: The Evolution of Knowledge Management at Airports.

This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Overview of the report – Frances Harrison, Spy Pond Partners

2. KM and challenges at airports – Ann Richart, Washington State Department of Transportation

3. Best practices for continuous KM – Jeanette Saunders, Airport Minority Advisory Council

4. Question and answer session moderated by Frances Harrison, Spy Pond Partners

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Mitigate the loss of institutional knowledge using KM when employees change jobs or retire

2. Explore how to prepare for and respond to emerging trends

3. Ensure continuity of operations and how to maximize effectiveness and efficient use of resources

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.

Continuing Education Units for Accredited Airport Executives

The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) provided 1 Continuing Education Units (CEU) to accredited airport executives who attended this webinar. Claim CEUs by visiting www.aaae.org/ceu. For questions about AAAE continuing education units, please contact accreditation@aaae.org.