The Airports Going Green conference continued in Chicago today. Its highlights included a book signing by acclaimed chef Rick Bayless; panel sessions on the future of sustainability; and keynote remarks by Christa Fornarotto, Associate Administrator for Airports, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Bayless, an internationally acclaimed chef, television personality, restaurateur/airport concessionaire, award-winning cook book author, and innovator in sustainable restaurant practices, signed copies of his latest book, Fiesta at Rick's: Fabulous Food for Great Times with Friends, for conference attendees. Mr. Bayless' involvement with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Airports Going Green conference began with the opening of his restaurant, Tortas Frontera, earlier this year at O'Hare International Airport.

This morning, CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino joined other aviation leaders including James Crites of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport; Marijn Ornstein of Amsterdam Airport Schipol; Robert Freeman of Los Angeles World Airports; and Elliott Black of the FAA for a discussion on the future of sustainability from the perspective of airports. The future of sustainability from the industry's perspectives was also discussed during an afternoon panel.

Christa Fornarotto discussed the federal government's outlook for the future of sustainability at today's luncheon.

Other sessions at day two of the Airports Going Green conference included an Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) workshop, and panels on Airline Sustainability Initiatives and Airport Social Responsibility.

The conference will conclude tomorrow with a tour of the airfield and the aeroponic Urban Garden in Terminal 3 at O'Hare.

The Airports Going Green conference is the aviation industry's leading sustainability forum, bringing sustainability leaders and innovators together from across the U.S. and around the world.

The Airports Going Green Conference is hosted by the CDA and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).