Connections Newsletter: October 2025

OCTOBER 2025

AMAC Advocacy Actions: Upcoming Webinar

November 12, 2025: Will host a member-only "Personal Narratives for DBE/ACDBE Certifications — Airport Primes, Developers & Consultants Webinar" designed for Airport Primes, Developers, Consultants, and firms providing certification or supportive services to airports, and DBE/ACDBE firms.

This webinar will help AMAC members gain a clearer understanding of current DBE/ACDBE certification regulations, particularly regarding non-presumptive eligibility. Participants will also learn practical guidance for preparing or assisting with effective personal narratives that demonstrate social disadvantage in alignment with certification requirements.

AMAC Advocacy Actions: Recent Activities

October 31, 2025: Published a second round of FAQs to address questions received during the members-only "Maintaining and Expanding DBE/ACDBE Certifications Webinar" hosted on October 7, 2025.

These FAQs are available in the AMAC Member Resource Library.

October 30, 2025: Hosted a "Reviewing Personal Narratives for DBE/ACDBE Certifications—Exclusive for Airport Representatives and DBE/ACDBE Certifying Bodies Webinar" to explore how to interpret and assess personal narratives under the updated non-presumptive eligibility framework.

The webinar presentation deck was distributed to approved registrants and AMAC members and is accessible in the AMAC Member Resource Library.

October 7, 2025: Hosted a members-only "Maintaining and Expanding DBE/ACDBE Certifications Webinar" focused on helping business owners understand current regulations for demonstrating social disadvantage through personal narratives.

The webinar presentation deck was distributed to AMAC members and is accessible in the AMAC Member Resource Library.

October 3, 2025: Published FAQs to support member questions about the USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program IFR.

October 3, 2025: Published a statement on the USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program IFR.

Members-only content is exclusive to AMAC members and available in the AMAC Member Resource Library. Please contact info@amac-org.com to gain access to these exclusive member resources.

Please review the USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program IFR and the related guidance and FAQs on the USDOT website.

Now Open: Host & Sponsor Applications for the AMAC Summer 2026 Internship Program — Applications Due December 5, 2025

AMAC is now accepting Host and Sponsorship Applications for the Summer 2026 AMAC Internship Program! This unique initiative connects high-achieving students with airports, aviation companies and organizations committed to developing the next generation of industry leaders.

As a host or sponsor, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Gain early access to top emerging talent in aviation and transportation
Support workforce development and representation across the industry
Elevate your organization’s brand as a champion of opportunity and access

🔔 Host/Sponsor Priority Applications Due: December 5, 2025 (Applications Are Accepted on a Rolling Basis)

Join AMAC in shaping the future of aviation.

👉 Apply today to host or sponsor an intern!

✈️ Renew Today & Get Ready for an Impactful 2026 with AMAC!

As we prepare for an exciting 2026, we invite you to renew your AMAC membership and continue advancing opportunities in aviation together.

Your membership ensures that you remain connected to a powerful network of airport executives, industry leaders and minority- and women-owned businesses committed to creating meaningful impact across the aviation industry.

By renewing, you’ll:

Support AMAC’s advocacy and initiatives that shape the future of aviation
Stay informed through exclusive industry insights and updates
Access valuable business development and networking opportunities
Be part of programs and events that celebrate and strengthen our community

Don’t miss a moment of what’s ahead in 2026 — renew your membership today and help us take flight into another year of progress, opportunity and impact!

👉 amac-org.com/membership

AMAC Members: Post RFPS/Jobs to the AMAC Opportunity Center

Featured Jobs & Bids

View these Opportunities and More in the AMAC Opportunity Center!

Event Spotlight: AMAC Member Orientation

November 10, 2025 | Virtual

All Upcoming AMAC Events

AMAC Member Orientation

November 10, 2025 | Virtual

AMAC Webinar: Personal Narratives for DBE/ACDBE Certifications — Exclusive for Airport Primes, Developers & Consultants

November 12, 2025 | Virtual

AMAC Los Angeles Chapter Aviation Excellence Summit & Awards

November 13, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA

41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference

June 10–14, 2026 | National Harbor, MD

The Aviation Excellence Summit and Awards is AMAC Los Angeles Chapter’s (AMAC LA) signature annual celebration honoring the individuals and businesses driving excellence, innovation, and inclusion across the aviation industry.

This inspiring event highlights leadership in opportunity and economic advancement, while providing meaningful networking, industry insights, and funding support for AMAC LA’s year-round empowerment programs.

Hosted by AMAC Los Angeles, in partnership with our valued annual program partners—Jetstream Program Partner: Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) ,Bronze Runway Partner: Ontario International Airport, and First Class Friends: Clear Channel Outdoor—this complimentary program will feature a Power Panel of Southern California’s foremost aviation and transportation executives.

Together, these leaders will explore how governance, collaboration, and executive vision align to drive multi-billion-dollar programs that are shaping the future of regional infrastructure and advancing inclusive economic growth.

Meet The Man Who Leads The World’s Busiest Airport: Ricky Smith (AMAC Board Chair & ATL Airport GM)

Ricky Smith, Chair of the AMAC Board of Directors and General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, joins ForbesBLK Senior Writer Jabari Young on The Enterprise Zone at the Nasdaq MarketSite. During the discussion, Smith outlines the business behind the airport; its $66.7 billion economic impact, growing up in Baltimore before rising to CEO and future careers in aviation.

Local and Luxury Brands Coming to JFK Terminal 8

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield announced 24 additional duty-free and food hall brands arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8 as part of the terminal’s expansion, which includes a $125 million commercial redevelopment program. All leasable space at Terminal 8 has now been awarded, with new concessions already opening. The expanded terminal will bring iconic local businesses, luxury global brands, and unique new and first-to-airport concepts intended to elevate the passenger experience and highlight the best of New York City and Queens.

Dwight H. Pullen, Jr., appointed to Senior Vice President, Global Market Sector Leader for Surface Transportation & Aviation at AECOM.

Paradies Lagardère appointed Jenny St. Peter as Country Director of Canada.

Los Angeles World Airports appointed Jean-Pierre Tabet as Deputy Executive Director of Commercial Development.

L isa K izina appointed Vice President of Human Resources for Avports.

ATLNEXT Partnering with a Purpose Networking Event

November 6, 2025 | Atlanta, GA

DFW Business Opportunity Forum

November 12, 2025 | Grapevine, TX

JFK ACDBE Certification Webinar

November 13, 2025 | Hybrid

USDOT Releases FAQs on the DBE/ACDBE Program IFR

The General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has reviewed these questions and answers and approved them as consistent with the language and intent of 49 CFR parts 23 and 26.

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