BUFFALO, N.Y. — Travelers here know first-hand the outstanding job the snow removal crew at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport does when battling the elements.

This week, aviation officials from around the world will learn how they do it, keeping one of the world's snowiest runways clean and operational.

It’s all part of the 52^nd annual International Aviation Snow Symposium.

More than 500 airport officials from around the world are brushing up on technology, safety and snow removal. What they learn here in Buffalo they'll take with them to change, in some cases, how the entire states handle snow.

Benny Benedyk, an Air Force civil engineer vehicle program manager, was called by Florida’s Department of Transportation to help it get a snow removal plan together as well as acquire the right equipment.

From the lessons comes international recognition, too. The BNIA crew won its seventh award for best ice and snow removal practices. 

Wednesday marks the much anticipated Snow Plow Rodeo. One of BNIA's own will be defending his title. It starts at 9:30 a.m. at the parking lot on Holtz Road.