Most major airports host annual events to which they invite incumbent operators as well as potential new entrants. These are usually quite lavish affairs featuring top quality cuisine, airport tours, local/regional tourist tours, etc...

Most airlines send their network planning, scheduling or sales executives to these events. Often, if there are specific issues at an airport (eg. new terminal opening) then managers with responsibility for those areas may attend in lieu. They are usually accompanied by the local country managers.

I personally find a well organised event to be invaluable. When our airline opened up a new route last year we attended the event for the first time and were able to make contact over 2 days with other airlines' local managers, sales execs from HQ to open up talk on MITA/SPA concurrences, local officials (immigration, etc...) - which would have taken weeks or months to achieve otherwise.