Senator Cory Booker and USDOT OSDBU’s Allen Gutierrez Confirmed for the AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum! | | | |  | | |
We are proud to announce that Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) will provide an Opening Keynote Address for the AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum on March 19, 2026. A leading voice on economic opportunity, Senator Booker will set the tone for an impactful day of dialogue and action. We are also honored to confirm Allen Gutierrez, Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), for the session, Federal Access in Action: A Conversation with USDOT OSDBU.
Join us for this timely discussion on airport economic opportunities, DBE/ACDBE program updates, access to capital and practical strategies for small businesses to pivot and compete in today’s changing market.
📍 Schedule: amacforum.com/agenda
- Day 1 | March 18, 2026: Capitol Hill Day (Members Only)
- Day 2 | March 19, 2026: Forum Program
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Day 3 | March 20, 2026: Airport Opportunities Procurement Forecast & Business Matchmaking
🔗 Register: amacforum.com/register
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AMAC Discounted Room Block Closes (Extended): March 6, 2026
- Online Registration Ends: March 11, 2026
- Onsite Registration Begins: March 18, 2026
| | News & Highlights: 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference | | |
Get ready for the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference, where innovation meets opportunity—register now to secure your spot, explore sponsorships and exhibitor packages showcase your brand!
📍 June 10–14, 2026 | National Harbor, MD
🏨 Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
✈️ Host: BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport
📍 Schedule: amac-org.com/annualconference/schedule
🔗 Register: amac-org.com/annualconference/register
🤝 Sponsor: amac-org.com/annualconference/sponsorship
⭐ Exhibit: amac-org.com/annualconference/exhibit
Upcoming Key Registration & Sponsorship Deadlines
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Registration Cancellation/Transfer Ends: May 1, 2026
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Sponsorship Purchase Ends: May 1, 2026
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Sponsor Final Marketing Materials Due: May 1, 2026
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AMAC Discounted Room Block Closes: May 19, 2026
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Online Registration Ends: May 26, 2026
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Sponsor Payments Due: June 3, 2026
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Onsite Registration Begins: June 11, 2026
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Become a Business Mentor
We're seeking seasoned aviation business owners to mentor emerging aviation entrepreneurs. Share your insights on business growth, airport opportunities, partnerships and navigating the industry.
Complete this interest form by March 8, 2026, to participate.
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Submit Catalyst Awards Nominations
AMAC members are invited to nominate fellow AMAC members who drive innovation, impact and excellence in our community. #AMAC2026
Submit nominations by April 12, 2026.
| | | 🔔 Host Cities Confirmed & Supplier Participant Application Available | 2026 AMAC Runway to Success | | |
We are excited to announce that supplier participant applications are open, and host cities have been confirmed for the 2026 Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition!
🗒️ Application: surveymonkey.com/r/RtS2026
🔔 Application Deadlines (Varies by Host City):
- March 13, 2026: Detroit, MI
- March 23, 2026: Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO & Atlanta, GA
📍Host Cities/Round 1 Competitions (Runway 16)
- March 26, 2026: Detroit, MI
- April 16, 2026: Chicago, IL
- April 17, 2026: St. Louis, MO
- April 24, 2026: Atlanta, GA
| | Now Open: 2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections | | Applications Due: April 8, 2026 | AMAC Summer Internship Program | | |
Support the 2026 AMAC Summer Internship Program and help develop the next generation of aviation leaders. Sponsor contributions directly support attendance at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference—ensuring interns can fully participate in one of the signature highlights of this 10‑week professional experience. In recognition of their investment, sponsors receive visibility across AMAC communications as partners committed to expanding career pathways in the aviation industry.
💡 To learn more or secure your sponsorship, contact the AMAC National Office at sponsorships@amac-org.com or visit the AMAC Builds page for details.
| | Brief Survey: Environment for Small Business & Outlook for 2026 | | |
AMAC has partnered with Reimagine Main Street and other trusted business networks to field this brief survey and help small businesses navigate the current environment. Your responses are completely confidential.
This survey should take about 10 minutes of your time. We will use what we learn to work with companies, policymakers and others to expand small business opportunities.
Email info@amac-org.com with any questions. Thank you in advance for sharing your perspectives.
| | ICYMI: Watch the Recent AMAC Podcast Series on YouTube | | |
Ep. 52 - AMAC Legends & Leapers: February 2026
This month featured Atif Elkadi, CEO of Ontario International Airport, and Harry Barrett Jr., Executive Director of Palm Springs International Airport.
WATCH THE EPISODE
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Ep.19 – AMAC 360: Legacy Carrier: Harland Leading Concessions International Into the Next Chapter
Nikki Harland became the CEO of Concessions International in October 2025, and we recently sat down to hear how she plans to guide the company forward!
WATCH THE EPISODE
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Ep. 51 - AMAC Legends & Leapers: January 2026
This month featured Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., Executive Director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration, and Deven Judd, Vice President/Chief Commercial Officer of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
WATCH THE EPISODE
| | | AMAC Members: Post RFPs/Jobs to the AMAC Opportunity Center | | |
Featured Jobs & Bids
View these Opportunities and More in the AMAC Opportunity Center!
| | Spotlight: AMAC National Events | | |
AMAC Capitol Hill Day (Member Exclusive)
March 18, 2026 | Washington, DC
AMAC PAC Reception — The Work Continues
March 18, 2026 | Washington, DC
AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum
March 18–20, 2026 | Washington, DC
Ep.20 – AMAC 360: Spirit of STL: Hamm-Niebruegge Reflects & Looks to Next Chapter
March 20, 2026 | Virtual
AMAC Runway to Success | Round 1 Competition: Detroit, MI
March 26, 2026 | Detroit, MI
AMAC Member Orientation Webinar
March 27, 2026 | Virtual
AMAC Runway to Success | Round 1 Competition: Chicago, IL
April 16, 2026 | Chicago, IL
AMAC Runway to Success | Round 1 Competition: St. Louis, MO
April 17, 2026 | St. Louis, MO
AMAC Runway to Success | Round 1 Competition: Atlanta, GA
April 24, 2026 | Atlanta, GA
41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference
June 10–14, 2026 | National Harbor, MD
| | Momentum is Building at AMAC Houston! | | |
AMAC Houston Chapter's inaugural Networking Mixer convened 50+ aviation leaders, business owners and industry partners committed to expanding opportunities and strengthening relationships across the region.
The conversations were intentional.
The networking was strategic.
The collaboration was immediate.
AMAC Southwest Regional Director Goodwille Pierre, City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity Director Cylenthia Hoyrd and former Houston City Council Member Jerry Davis participated and reinforced the importance of aligning leadership across sectors to drive meaningful impact.
A sincere thank you to the AMAC Houston Board for their leadership and commitment to excellence. Special appreciation to Board Members Shanita Pettway, Thalia Andre-Noel and Jerry Bustamante for your hands-on leadership in making this event a success. AMAC Houston also deeply thanks its corporate sponsors — HNTB, Olivier Inc. and TD & Associates — and venue sponsor KULTURE for helping bring this vision to life. Finally, a major thanks to AMAC Houston members. Their engagement, presence and commitment will continue to strengthen the chapter.
This is more than networking. This is alignment. This is opportunity in motion.
If you haven’t joined AMAC Houston — what are you waiting for?
| | AMAC Denver Chapter Sells Out 3rd Annual Aviation Summit | | |
The AMAC Denver Chapter’s 3rd Annual Aviation Summit, “The Growth Playbook: Win Local. Scale Smart. Expand Beyond,” sold out twice and welcomed 300 aviation professionals from across the region.
From powerful opening remarks and an inspiring keynote by DEN CEO Phil Washington to engaging industry panels and sector-focused breakout sessions, the Summit delivered actionable insights on scaling locally, expanding strategically and navigating opportunities at Denver International Airport. The day concluded with dynamic networking that strengthened partnerships and sparked continued collaboration.
With record attendance and strong engagement, the Summit reaffirmed AMAC Denver Chapter’s commitment to equipping businesses with the tools, access and insights needed to grow in today’s aviation industry. Read more here.
| | Paradies Lagardère Adds Local Flavors to Jacksonville International Airport with Fresh Dining Concepts | | Paradies Lagardère has revealed plans to open two dining venues at Jacksonville International Airport. Set for a 2027 launch in Concourse B, the full-service restaurant and bar Salt & Tide, along with local roaster Pura Bean Coffee Co., will enhance the airport’s sense of place. | | |
Saeed to Leave PHL, Join SAN as New CEO
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has selected Atif Saeed as its next President & CEO, effective March 2026, to oversee San Diego International Airport (SAN). Saeed succeeds Kimberly Becker, who is retiring after a 40-year aviation career.
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March 05, 2026 | Ontario, CA
Women Who Built ATL: Opening Doors and Elevating Opportunity
March 10, 2026 | Virtual
City of Phoenix Aviation Department Aviation Business Summit
March 10, 2026 | Phoenix, AZ
AECOM Webinar — Designing a Future Ready Passenger Experience
March 10, 2026 | Virtual
San Francisco International Airport 3rd Annual Resource Fair
March 24, 2026 | San Francisco, CA
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Concession Industry Day
April 22, 2026 | Austin, TX
| | Sponsorships Available: AMAC Foundation Project LIFT | | |
AMAC Foundation Project Leaders Inspiring Future Talent (LIFT) is a forum-style mentoring experience for students interested in aviation and aviation-related business fields. Project LIFT connects students to potential careers and educational pathways while creating meaningful networking opportunities with industry professionals who support their academic and career development.
Sponsorships are available, with benefits delivered during the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference, June 10–14, 2026, in National Harbor, MD, providing sponsors with high-visibility engagement while supporting the next generation of aviation leaders.
AMAC Foundation Project LIFT
📍 March 17, 2026 | Middle River, MD
🛫 Martin State Airport
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Tickets & Sponsorships Available:
AMAC Foundation Bill Walker Memorial Golf Experience
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The AMAC Foundation Bill Walker Memorial Golf Experience honors one of AMAC’s tireless servants, Bill Walker. Mr. Walker’s affiliation with the AMAC Airport Business Conference began in Los Angeles, CA, in 1988, while he was Vice President at Pacific State Airlines. He planned the tournament until illness prevented him.
Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase as we’re playing for donations and partying with a purpose by hosting an All-White Attire Day Party. Enjoy golf bays, Trackman Golf Simulator technology, live entertainment, premium hors d’oeuvres and libations, raffle tickets and the biggest way to watch sports—all under one roof.
AMAC Foundation Bill Walker Memorial Golf Experience
📍 June 11, 2026 | National Harbor, MD
⛳ Topgolf National Harbor
🌐 amac-org.com/annualconference
| | Tickets & Sponsorships Available: AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation & Scholarship Awards Breakfast | | |
The AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation & Scholarship Awards Breakfast fosters, promotes and applauds the career achievements of women in aviation and aerospace-related businesses. Participants hear personal and professional experiences from dynamic women who have made significant contributions to the aviation industry.
Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase, offering an opportunity to support the next generation of aviation leaders while celebrating the accomplishments of women in the industry.
AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation & Scholarship Awards Breakfast
📍 June 13, 2026 | National Harbor, MD
🏨 Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
🌐 amac-org.com/annualconference
| | Turn Your Airport Challenges Into Research Opportunities | | |
Deadline to Submit Ideas: April 7, 2026
In need of an evidence-based solution for your airport challenge? The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) is now accepting Problem Statements to spark its next wave of industry research.
This is an opportunity for all airport practitioners to shape the research needed to address the industry's most pressing challenges. ACRP will select the most relevant topics for its next round of funding opportunities. The results of each selected research project will be delivered as practical resources—including reports, guidance, tools, and best practices—designed to help airports apply evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges.
Who can submit? Airport professionals, consultants, researchers, and anyone working at or with airports or seeking to improve the passenger experience are invited to share their ideas.
Ready to spark meaningful industry research? Visit the ACRP Problem Statement page to submit your idea and explore examples, tips, and tutorials to guide your submission. Submissions are due April 7, 2026.
📧 Questions? Contact acrp@nas.edu.
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USDOT National Small Business Matchmaking Series
A premier initiative designed to bridge the gap between local small businesses and the federal marketplace.
Date: March 11, 2026
Location: Phoenix, AZ
REGISTER HERE
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ConnectComm Magazine: Your Connection to Opportunity
As part of our partnership, enjoy a complimentary subscription to ConnectComm Magazine—your trusted source for career, business, and education opportunities—plus events and industry insights. Click here to subscribe.
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