AIAA sponsors public policy events throughout the year, administered by local sections, technical committees and the national headquarters. These events are often the catalysts for major aerospace policy initiatives. And they always offer superb opportunities for networking with your policy peers.

Is one of our local or national policy events a “must attend” for you or your staff? Check our calendar and see.

• On 10 September 2008, the U.S. Presidential Candidates “Town Hall” panel took place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in San Diego as part of the AIAA SPACE 2008 Conference & Exposition.
   
  This session, organized by the SPACE 2008 Public Policy and Economics Track and moderated by AIAA Executive Director Maj Gen Bob Dickman, USAF (Ret.), provided each major-party candidate the opportunity to present his views on the importance of technology, innovation, and education as they relate to the commercial, civil, and national security space sectors. James A.M. Muncy of Polispace.com represented John McCain 2008, while Patti Grace Smith of Patti Grace Smith Consulting represented Barack Obama 2008. The discussion, though amicable, was spirited as well as quite detailed. 300 conference participants attended.
   
  SPACE 2008 was organized by AIAA; co-chaired by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center; sponsored by Orbital Sciences Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon, United Space Alliance, Stellar Solutions, Inc., and ATK; and supported by The Aerospace Corporation, the AIAA Technical Activities Committee Space & Missiles Group, California Space Authority, Jacobs Engineering, Space News, and Aerospace America.
  
  Representing John McCain 2008:
  
  James A.M. Muncy of Polispace.com: james.muncy at polispace.com
  
  McCain 2008 Campaign
  
  McCain Space Policy
  
  Representing Barack Obama 2008:
  
  Patti Grace Smith of Patti Grace Smith Consulting: patti.smith at verizon.net
  
  Obama Space Policy
  
  Presidential Questions and Answers - Barack Obama
  
  
• On 29 July 2008, The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) hosted a policy forum on Capitol Hill, “Congressional Action Needed to Remedy Economic Impact of Airline Delays”. Former FAA Assistant Administrator Dr. George Donohue and RAND Fellow Dr. Russ Shaver discussed proposed solutions for breakdowns in the nation’s air transportation system. More Info >



• On 8 January 2008, The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) hosted a policy panel discussion, “Immigrant Petitions for Scientist and R&D Engineers” at its Aerospace Sciences Meeting in Reno, Nevada. Nationally renowned immigration attorneys Mr. Mark Harrington of the The Harrington Law Firm, and Mr. Augustine Huang of The Law Office of Augustine Huang held a discussion on immigrant petition options for R&D scientists and engineers. The main focus was permanent Green Card options specifically for R&D professionals, and how to successfully navigate the process.  Read a summary of the panel discussion here.