Speaker Biograghy: David is a construction industry veteran of over 40 years, as General Contractor, Owners Representative, Developer and Design Manager. During that time he has completed projects in the aviation, hospitality, healthcare, offices, convention centre and theme park market sectors, acting as General Contractor, Design Manger and Owners Representative. His background includes working in the UK, Poland, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, as well as in the USA. He has been with Turner Construction for the last 18 years, based in San Diego, USA. His aviation experience includes establishing the checked baggage facilities in all US airports in 2002, programme management at LAX, and design build terminals at San Diego, Los Angeles Midfield Concourse and LAX Terminal 4 connector. He is currently Turner's Project Director for the new design build FIS facility at San Diego International Airport.


Day 2 - 21 March
Session: Commercial Development, Retail & Concessions

11:55 - 12:55 - Panel Discussion: Creating a level playing field: innovation in small business development
Synopsis: Small businesses are the backbone of a regional economy. But they are often unable to compete for large airport development projects – not because they lack the skills or expertise, but because they often lack capital, certifications and knowledge of how to navigate complex bureaucracies. Solving this problem has required an innovative approach involving specialised training, education and other assistance to level the playing field. The results have yielded dividends for the local economy, small businesses and airports themselves. Learn from this panel of airport and business leaders how airports and small businesses can work together for mutual benefit.

Audience will learn:

• Creating bonding and financing programmes that help small businesses stay afloat even when prime contractors are slow to pay
• Getting certified: how to best help small businesses sort through the financial and bureaucratic mazes of certification
• Can partnering with a local construction company help educate a regional workforce and boost competitiveness? One word: Yes
• Veterans are a special group that deserves special considerations. How do we maximise their potential?
• Helping local shops and restaurants compete with experienced master concessionaires so that your airport truly reflects the local flavour