State of the Airports
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM) (EST)
Description
Air service is a critical driver of economic growth, connectivity, and opportunity for Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Join the Hampton Roads Chamber for the State of the Airports, featuring a keynote presentation followed by a panel of state, regional, and industry leaders discussing the role of air service in economic development, business growth, tourism, investment, and regional competitiveness at both the regional and national levels.
Opening Keynote: Why Airlines Pick Some Cities and Skip Others Presented by Scott Mayerowitz, Founder of GlobeTrotScott Strategies Every community wants nonstop flights to as many destinations as possible. It's good for business and tourism. But airlines are extremely picky about where they fly, and they're getting pickier. Decisions rest on the size of aircraft available, the ability to fill planes with the right mix of passengers, the fares they can charge, and the competing airports nearby. Travel expert Scott Mayerowitz maps out the decision-making process and offers examples of communities that have successfully increased their air service. |
Panel Discussion Moderated by Aubrey Layne, Former Virginia Secretary of Transportation for Governor Terry McAuliffe
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About the Opening Keynote Speaker
Scott Mayerowitz is a travel expert, consultant, editor and award-winning journalist. Drawing on more than two decades of experience across the travel, business and media industries, he advises startups, destinations and leading travel brands, including JetBlue Airways, Hilton Worldwide and Vail Resorts, on loyalty strategy, customer experience and communications.
A skilled storyteller and strategist, Scott helps companies strengthen their relationships with travelers through thoughtful customer experience enhancements, robust loyalty programs and savvy media strategies. He also advises luxury hotels on small changes that can have an outsized impact on the guest experience, from refining service and other soft touches to identifying low-cost capital improvements. When time allows, he continues to write for top-tier travel publications.
Previously, Scott served as executive editor of The Points Guy. Before that, he was deputy global business editor at The Associated Press, a travel and business reporter at AP and ABC News, and a political reporter for The Providence Journal.
Scott lives in Manhattan with his wife and daughter. When he is not mapping out their next vacation, he can be found running, cycling, skiing, rock climbing and exploring new restaurants.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
For sponsorship information, please contact Anne Thuma: athuma@hrchamber.com or 757-664-2518.
To register as press, email Lauren Roberts Carter at lroberts@hrchamber.com
CANCELLATION POLICY
The Hampton Roads Chamber must maintain a cancellation policy for events in order to properly plan for catering, venue expenses, and marketing efforts. Unless stated otherwise, Chamber reservations must be canceled five (5) business days before the event to be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for non-attendance.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
3630 Victory Blvd.
Portsmouth, VA 23701 United States