Third Annual State of DIA Luncheon set for March 16

In 2010 Denver International Airport (DIA) unveiled plans for the South Terminal Redevelopment Program which will transform the airport into an intermodal transportation hub. When completed in 2015, the program's three major elements-rail access to downtown Denver's Union Station, an on-site Westin Hotel, and an outdoor plaza-will elevate DIA as one of the premier airports in the world.

At the same time, DIA is expanding its horizons at 35,000 feet as a leader in implementing NextGen technology, the future satellite-based air traffic management system which will open America's skies to continued growth and increased safety while reducing aviation's environmental impact. DIA's role in these innovative initiatives will continue to spur both economic development and environmental opportunities in Metro Denver for decades to come.

The State of DIA 2011 luncheon will be held March 16, 2011, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place. The event will include welcome remarks by Denver Mayor Guillermo (Bill) Vidal and an exclusive update on DIA's future from Aviation Manager Kim Day.

The luncheon also features a panel of industry experts who will discuss the future of the aviation industry and Colorado's growing role in this increasingly dynamic environment. The panel includes Don Anderson, Sustainability Expert and Vice President for ICF International, Mark Phipps, Support Manager for Denver TRACON Airspace & Procedures, and Mike Caflisch, director of Flight Services Strategy & Business Development for The Boeing Company. The discussion will be moderated by Gregg Moss of 9NEWS.

The event is open to the business community and public and registration is required. Seating is limited, so interested individuals should reserve early. Please register at: www.regonline.com/StateofDIA2011. Event sponsors include:

• Presenting sponsor: Jeppesen
• Gold sponsors: AECOM, Denver International Airport, Mortenson Construction, and Parsons Corporation
• Silver Sponsors: 9NEWS, Frontier Airlines, Hatch Mott MacDonald, Jviation, Kaplan Kirsch Rockwell, LogPlan, Lufthansa, OfficeScapes, Saunders Construction, Snell & Wilmer, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines
• Supported by: The Metro Denver EDC and the Metro Denver Aviation Coalition

Members of the media are invited to attend and can contact Janet Fritz, director of marketing and technology for the Metro Denver EDC, for more information at 303.620.8039 or janet.fritz@metrodenver.org.