Meeting/Event Information

Limited Space - Register today 

December Educational Program

                          AND

Our 25th Anniversary/Holiday Celebration

Two must attend events in one afternoon and an opportunity to win American Airline and Alaska Airline tickets!  

Our December Program will feature our Platinum Sponsor, American Airlines! 

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm - Educational Program
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Celebration on the Rooftop

Changes in the Industry and New Outlooks: 

**What’s new at Sky Harbor airport with American Airlines newest Managing Director of PHX
Presented by: Sophia Ortiz

**Fresh Industry Outlook with American Airline's VP Western Division 
Presented by:  Shane Hodges

**American Airlines and Alaska Airlines partner to take you around the globe
Presented by: Clarissa Nakita, Alaska Airlines

Speaker photos and bios below

**Registered attendees for the afternoon program at 3:30 pm will be eligible for the airline ticket drawings for: 

2 Roundtrip Coach Europe Tickets - American Airlines

2 Roundtrip Coach North America Tickets - Alaska Airlines

Must be present at 3:30 pm for a chance to win!

TOY DONATION:  This holiday season the Arizona Chapter will be donating to Toys for Tots. Should you wish to donate, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need to our event  

AZBTA's 25th Anniversary and Annual Holiday Celebration
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Following the afternoon program, we will head to the rooftop to celebrate!

Enjoy drinks, appetizers, silent auction items and opportunity drawing!
* A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arizona Chapter and Canine Companions:  www.canine.org

Bring a guest and celebrate with your industry peers!

Speakers:

Sophia Philis-Ortiz
Managing Director, Phoenix

Sophia Philis-Ortiz serves as the Managing Director for American Airlines at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In her role, Sophia oversees American’s daily operations and more than 4,000 local team members responsible for customer care, customer operations, maintenance, passenger service and more.

Sophia’s more than two-decade career in aviation spans a range of customer service and operations positions with American Airlines at all three New York-area airports, Philadelphia and Dulles International and has separately held management roles with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Most recently before moving to Phoenix, Sophia served as American’s Managing Director of Customer Operations for American Airlines at Philadelphia International Airport, leading team members responsible for ramp operations, aircraft servicing and baggage handling.

Sophia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Felician University. Sophia spends time away from the airport with her family and volunteers for causes such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Shane Hodges
Vice President, Western Division & International Sales

Shane Hodges joined American Airlines in 2017 as the senior commercial leader for the Asia Pacific region, representing the company to corporate customers and agency partners as well as directing all general commercial activity in close cooperation with key industry stakeholders. In January 2020 his role expanded to encompass leadership of all international regions including Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, and was expanded further in June 2020 to include the western region of the United States.

With more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry, before joining American Shane occupied the role of Vice President, Global Group and Emerging Sales Platforms at Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this role Shane held several other senior leadership roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, leading teams that developed global strategies in the corporate, leisure, online and distribution connectivity segments. Prior to these global leadership positions, Shane spent 17 years of his career leading sales and marketing teams at various Starwood properties throughout the world.

As an Australian, having lived and worked in numerous locations in Asia Pacific,Europe and the United States, Shane brings a truly global perspective to American Airlines. His leadership strengths include developing strong strategic relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, being well versed in the latest technology platforms, successfully executing broad change management and being a strong advocate of global team development.

Shane earned his Bachelor Degree in Business Management majoring in Marketing from Queensland University of Technology in Australia. He is based in Los Angeles, California.

Clarissa Nakita

Clarissa joined Alaska’s Los Angeles Sales Team 13 years ago.  She resides in Long Beach, CA and currently manages corporate and agency sales in Southern CA, AZ, NM, and LAS.  Having been raised in Hawaii, upon graduating from the Univ of Oregon, Clarissa set her sights on working for an airline to have access to venture beyond “paradise”.  Happily, she began her career with Western Airlines in Honolulu, then moved to Los Angeles with Delta.  From reservations to airport customer service, cargo and passenger sales, Clarissa has enjoyed every facet of the airline industry.  Clarissa credits Alaska’s people, workplace culture, and the travel industry partners she meets for enriching her business and personal life.

THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM and MEETING SPONSOR

2022 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! 

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