Press Room

The Buffalo Airport Welcomes Professionals from Around the
World for the 43rd Annual International Snow Symposium

Thursday April 23, 2009

Buffalo, NY . . . The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is hosting the 43rd Annual Snow Symposium April 25-29 at the downtown Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Organizers expect almost 500 airport professionals, responsible for runway operations, from as far away as Iraq.

Lawrence M. Meckler, NFTA executive director, will open the conference, highlighting the economic and safety concerns that make a snow, slush and ice mitigation so significant, and the importance of successful strategies.

Meckler said, "A snowstorm can cost a major airport more than a quarter of a million dollars in removal alone. The cost of delays compounds that number. None of which compares to the potential safety risks ice and snow can create. The chance for the snow removal teams from around the world to exchange ideas and best practices is invaluable."

This year is an 'equipment year', which occurs once every three years. The newest in snow and ice removal technology will be on display, as well as expanded exhibits and hands-on workshops. This year will see over 100 pieces of light and heavy equipment.

This year is also the 24th time consecutive year the symposium is being held in Buffalo. Chairman of the event, Bob Nowak said, "The site selection committee has continued to be impressed with Buffalo. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, the area hotels and the NFTA all work together so well to create such a convenient package."

The feature event of the symposium is the Balchen/Post Awards, which are given to airport snow-control teams that have demonstrated determination and excellence in keeping their respective airport runways open and safe during winter storms. This year will also include an Idea Corner, where attendees are encouraged to share techniques and methods for snow and ice removal. Judges will hand out awards for the best ideas.

The following activities are planned:

INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SNOW SYMPOSIUM
BUFFALO CONVENTION CENTER
BUFFALO, NEW YORK April 25 – 29

SATURDAY - APRIL 25, 2009
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM REGISTRATION - TRAINING (BASIC AND ADVANCED)
SUNDAY - APRIL 26, 2009
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM REGISTRATION - TRAINING (BASIC AND ADVANCED)
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM STREET FAIR

MONDAY - APRIL 27, 2009
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EXHIBIT AREA OPEN
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM OPENING REMARKS
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM GENERAL SESSION S and WORKSHOPS

TUESDAY - APRIL 28, 2009
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EXHIBIT AREA OPEN
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM OPENING REMARKS
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM GENERAL SESSION S and WORKSHOPS

WEDNESDAY - APRIL 29, 2009
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM EXHIBIT AREA OPEN
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM GENERAL SESSIONS and WORKSHOPS
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM BALCHEN/ POST AWARDS LUNCHEON

The Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives organizes the event. Mr. Bob Nowak, Symposium chairperson, is the contact for the event. For more information, call (716) 684-8869 or visit www.snowsymposium.org

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