Reflections from Conference Chair Chris LeTourneur on the SMART Airports & Regions Conference Europe 2025
The SMART Airports & Regions Conference Europe 2025 concluded after three engaging days in Amsterdam Airport City. Bringing together professionals from around the world, the event focused on advancing innovation, sustainability, and growth in airport regions.
Chris LeTourneur, President and CEO of MXD Development Strategists, chaired the event. With vast experience in airport-driven development, he facilitated knowledge sharing among attendees. Reflecting on the event, he says, “As Conference Chair, it was an absolute pleasure to engage with the incredible assemblage of Hosts, Panelists, Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Delegates from across Europe and around the globe. It was an enriching experience to witness the convergence of ideas and solutions.”
The conference covered key topics such as multimodal infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital transformation in airport regions. “This event brought together professionals from around the world involved in the strategic planning and economic development of airports and their adjacent regions to embrace smart technologies and innovations that stimulate efficiency, sustainability, and community development” says LeTourneur.
A central theme was the evolving role of airports and their surrounding areas as multifunctional hubs. “Trends addressing airports and their regions as Multi-Modal Hubs, Employment Hubs, Business Hubs, Community Social Hubs, Energy Hubs, Data Hubs, and Innovation Hubs were explored and illustrated with best practice case studies,” LeTourneur adds.
The Airport City Tour, hosted by the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, was a highlight. Delegates saw how vision, policy, and investment come together in the development of Amsterdam Airport City. “The Airport City Tour provided an incredible snapshot of the progressive planning and implementation of the Amsterdam Airport City, not only as a ‘Connected Place’ by air and ground, but also as a place to live, work, play, stay, and learn, in a sustainable and resilient multi-use community,” says LeTourneur.
LeTourneur also praised the public-private collaboration that is key to the region’s success. “The public-private organizational and collaboration structures used by the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, its Amsterdam Airport City, Royal Schiphol Group, Province of Noord-Holland, Schiphol Area Development Company, other municipalities and the private sector, have illustrated the strength of working together, not only to plan but to implement, develop, manage, and facilitate the Amsterdam Airport City,” he notes.
He also highlighted the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer’s significant role in urban development. “In particular, the role of the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer in evolving the ‘Urban’ components of the Amsterdam Airport City, including residential densification that provides a place for inhabitants to live, work, and play, and the emphasis on creating a ‘Business Ecosystem’ that cultivates talent, is quintessentially impressive,” he adds.
The networking events at the conference were also invaluable, fostering meaningful connections and new opportunities. “The networking events inspired robust business connections and opportunities,” says LeTourneur.
As the conference concluded, LeTourneur expressed his appreciation for the event organizers: “Thank you and congratulations to the conference hosts, the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer and its Amsterdam Airport City team, Royal Schiphol Group, and Province of Noord-Holland for organizing and delivering an incredible event.”
