Los Angeles International Airport Secures Highest Honors in ACI-NA's Marketing and Communications Contest

Washington, D.C. (August 21, 2006) - Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) today announced the winners of its 2006 Excellence in Marketing and Communications Contest, with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) of the Los Angeles World Airports system receiving the top honor, the Peggy G. Hereford Overall Award for Excellence. This particular award is widely recognized throughout the airport industry as the highest honor an airport can earn in the marketing and communications field.

The Hereford award -- whose namesake served at LAX from 1950 to 1977, many of those spent as the Public Affairs Director -- recognizes creativity in illustrating the airport's message, effectiveness in connecting with audiences, and the overall scope of the airport's effort in marketing and public relations. The award's goal is to spotlight the commitment and dedication of the winning airport's accomplishments in marketing and communications.

In addition to winning the Hereford Award, LAX placed in six categories:  First Place: Aviation Education and Tour Programs; Second Place: Newsletters-Internal; Second Place: Television Advertising; Second Place: Radio Advertising; Third Place: Print Advertising-Color; and Third Place: Web sites. Two other airports within the LAWA systems also received recognition in the contest. Van Nuys Airport received First Place in Special Events and Video and Film Production, while Ontario International received Third Place in Creative Innovations – Promotional Items.

"Los Angeles World Airports is honored that LAX has won the Peggy Hereford Award for outstanding overall communication programs, and that Ontario International and Van Nuys also won a total of three individual category awards," said Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard. "We're especially gratified that the award is named after a former LAX employee, whose spirit, hard work and dedication continues in our public and community relations professionals who represent LAWA to the media, the traveling public, and our neighboring communities every day."

Los Angeles International Airport was one of 59 airports and airport authorities that submitted entries in the contest, which encompasses categories that recognize work in marketing and public relations and provides airports the opportunity to be honored for the quality of their work. Award categories cover a wide range of media including brochures, advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns, newsletters, special events, video and film productions, and websites.

Created in 1990, the contest has generated tremendous interest throughout the industry. Award winners will be recognized at ACI-NA's 15th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Reno, Sept. 28, 2006, during the Chairman's Honors Luncheon.

For a complete list of winners, click here.