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We recently hosted the AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum from March 26–28, 2025, in Washington, DC. Thank you to our members, sponsors and partners for making this event successful!
Day One: AMAC members gathered at the forum’s host hotel for an energizing Capitol Hill prep session led by Nigel Stephens, Principal of Phoenix Strategies, alongside AMAC Government Affairs Chairs Farad Ali, Executive Chairman of Asociar, and Gonzalo de la Melena Jr., Founder and CEO of Emerging Airport Ventures. Attendees received timely legislative updates from Brian Bell, Democratic Staff Director for the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee, and legal insights from Sarah von der Lippe, Pro-bono Chief Legal Counsel for the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
In the afternoon, members fanned out across Capitol Hill, meeting in regional groups with over 50 Congressional Representatives to advocate for the continued protection and advancement of the DBE/ACDBE programs. The day’s momentum continued with a symbolic photo opportunity at the iconic U.S. Capitol Building, which captured the unity, determination, and shared purpose of AMAC’s advocacy efforts. The evening wrapped up back at the host hotel with a spirited reception sponsored by the AMAC PAC, bringing members together to reflect, reconnect and recharge.
Day Two: Forum attendees received timely congressional insights from Senator Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Senate (D-MD), Congressman Rick Larsen, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-WA) and Congressman Greg Stanton, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-AZ). The keynote address was delivered by Michael Steele—former Republican National Committee Chairman and Maryland Lieutenant Governor, now a prominent MSNBC political analyst and host of The Michael Steele Podcast—who offered a thought-provoking perspective on the national political landscape. Throughout the day, expert panelists unpacked airport economic opportunities, shared updates on DBE/ACDBE programs, and highlighted AMAC’s federal legislative priorities. The program wrapped up with forward-looking procurement forecast presentations from representatives of BWI/MTN, LAX, ONT and DCA/IAD, before transitioning into a lively networking reception to close out the day.
Day Three: The day kicked off with an energizing discussion led by esteemed panel experts, diving into how coalitions can shape policy, unlock business opportunities and influence the future of transportation. Attendees then gained valuable insights from procurement forecast presentations by key airport representatives, including CDA, DTW, MKAA and SEA. The forum culminated in a high-impact Business Matchmaking session, where Buyers—from major airports, prime contractors, and corporations—connected directly with Suppliers, including small businesses and M/W/S/DBEs, ACDBE, WOSB, EDWOSB enterprises. Notable participating Buyers included BWI, LIT, CDA, DTW, HMSHost, JE Dunn Construction, JGM, LAX, MKAA, DCA/IAD, ONT, SEA, Vanderlande Industries and WHSmith North America.
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