ACRP Seeks Potential Research Topics
The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Oversight Committee is currently soliciting problem statements identifying research needs for ACRP's Fiscal Year 2009. These submittals will form the basis for selection of ACRP's annual research projects. Each year, the ACRP undertakes research and other technical activities in a variety of airport-related areas, including operations, design, construction, engineering, maintenance, human resources, administration, policy, planning, environment, safety, and security. Problem statements in all of these areas are requested.

For directions on how to develop and submit a problem statement for consideration, visit http://www.trb.org/NotesDocs/ACRP_Solicit_Problems.pdf. The deadline is April 30, 2008.

The ACRP is an applied contract research program with the objective of developing near-term solutions to issues facing airport-operating agencies. The ACRP is sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration and managed by the National Academies, acting through the Transportation Research Board, in coordination with Airport Council International-North America, American Association of Airport Executives, National Association of State Aviation Officials, and Air Transport Association of America. The program is governed by the ACRP Oversight Committee, which is comprised of airport-industry representatives appointed by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. A listing of current ACRP research projects is available at www.trb.org/CRP/ACRP/ACRPProjects.asp.

Virtual Venue Now Available to Advocacy Groups and Corporate Organizations
A virtual venue that provides a promotional platform to diverse suppliers, has added a special, free promotional channel for advocacy groups and corporate supplier diversity programs. Powered by technology from iTradeFair.com, the virtual venue features web conferences, knowledge products such as interactive games, a permanent exhibition, and a place to go back to after every face-to-face event in the area of supplier diversity.

The new and improved online fair, available at http://www.SupplierDiversityFair.com, will feature eight permanent exhibition halls covering various industries. The exhibition halls will remain open year-round for buyers and exhibiting suppliers to stay connected. This approach allows diverse suppliers to maintain an element of continuity via the Internet, both before and after any real-world events in which they participate.

• Food, beverage, and hospitality - Live Mar 19 and 20
• IT and professional services - Live April 16 and 20
• Retail and apparel - Live May 21 and 22
• Petrochemical an industrial manufacturing and automotive - Live June 18 and 19
• Financial services - Live September 17 and 18
• Engineering and construction - Live October 15 and 16
• Healthcare and consumer products - Live Jan 16 and 17
• Energy and utilities, including telecommunications and cable - Live Feb 13 and 14
  

To pre-register, visit http://www.SupplierDiversityFair.com. For more information, e-mail the venue coordinator at SDF-coordinator@itradefair.com or call 405/372-6200 ext. 4.