Representatives from the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and brand consultants held a brief public meeting Wednesday to share with the public the reasoning behind its decision to establish a brand with a new logo.
Catch up fast: The ongoing conversation over the airport started in August when potential new logo designs were revealed. Soon, residents were criticizing not just the branding direction but other more structural issues with the airport, like the parking and baggage handling.
What they’re saying: Daniel Meier, a spokesperson for the airport, reiterated the need for branding, saying, “Palm Springs International Airport has never had a brand identity developed for it.”
- Both Meier and Katie Franco, the owner of the company working with the airport on brand development, said a unified brand would attract more growth and make people locally and abroad more aware of the airport’s offerings.
Bigger issues: Meier briefly mentioned that airport officials aren’t just working on branding. They are also making regular improvements to the restrooms, gate, and ticketing areas. They’re also adding new restaurants and shops.
- Meier invited anyone concerned about broader issues and more fundamental improvements to keep an eye out for future meetings about the airport’s 20-year master plan update.
After weeks of comments online discussing the branding, officials scheduled the meeting for 90 minutes, expecting an outpouring of public comment.
- However, only three members of the public commented, mostly asking specific questions that PSP officials said they would answer privately over email.
What’s next: If you missed Wednesday’s meeting, PSP officials are holding an identical meeting next Thursday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m. They will have the same presentation and also allow for public comment.
- They also encouraged locals to fill out a survey online here.
Looking ahead: After next week’s second and final public meeting on the topic, airport officials will meet with stakeholders such as hoteliers and business leaders for feedback and to refine the current drafts. Then the proposal will head to the Airport Commission. Finally, the City Council will vote on it.
- The City Council was scheduled to vote on the branding and logo design on Sept. 1 but removed the item from its consent agenda for further discussion and review from the airport commission,
If everything goes as planned, the new branding will debut on the airport’s signage, uniforms, and website in Spring 2023.
