SEPTEMBER 2026

Nearly 500 aviation industry professionals came together in Chicago for the 3rd Annual AMAC She SOARS – Women in Aviation Summit, a two-day experience that brought bold ideas, candid conversations and meaningful opportunities to the forefront. 

Hosted by AMAC and the Chicago Department of Aviation from September 21–22, 2026, #WIAS2026 brought together aviation professionals, talent leaders, entrepreneurs and industry advocates to examine the issues shaping the industry and the careers within it. An energizing lineup of speakers, thought-provoking panels, interactive learning experiences, wellness activations and opportunities to engage with peers and industry experts gave attendees practical perspectives on navigating an evolving aviation landscape, strengthening their careers and making an impact within their organizations. 

The summit also underscored the importance of investing in the next generation of aviation talent. SSP America announced the SSP SOARS Leadership Initiative Scholarship — a $30,000 investment powered by the AMAC Foundation — to support the Tuskegee NEXT Foundation and outreach efforts in partnership with the AMAC Chicago Chapter. The investment will help expand access to education, professional opportunities and pathways for emerging talent pursuing careers in aviation. 

The summit experience extended beyond sessions with the She SOARS Inside Aviation Experience Series at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Attendees explored airport capital projects and concessions operations through behind-the-scenes experiences that brought the industry's work to life. From learning about O'Hare's major capital developments to exploring airport retail and dining operations, these experiences highlighted the people, partnerships and businesses shaping aviation while providing opportunities to meet women business owners and industry professionals. 

Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, attendees, volunteers and the planning committee for making the 3rd Annual She SOARS – Women in Aviation Summit an impactful experience. Through AMAC's continued commitment to advancing opportunities and strengthening the aviation industry, She SOARS remains a meaningful platform that creates pathways for women to rise, lead and SOAR. 

👉 Read the full blog post.

Save the Date: 42nd Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference 

Atlanta is already buzzing with anticipation for #AMAC2027. Mark your calendars for the 42nd Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference! The conference theme, “Legacy in Motion: Connecting People. Expanding Access. Driving Innovation,” will set the tone for an unforgettable experience from June 26–30, 2027, in Atlanta, Georgia.

AMAC is proud to announce that Jan Lennon, Executive Deputy General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Alicia M. Ivey, Founding President of the AMAC Atlanta Chapter and CEO/President of Goldbergs Concessions Corp.; and Walter Vinson, Assistant General Manager for Government Affairs for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, will serve as the conference Co-Chairs to help showcase Atlanta's vibrant aviation and business community.

AMAC Submits Comments on Small Business Size Standards Docket No. SBA-2026-0199

On September 21, 2026, AMAC submitted comments on the Small Business Size Standards Docket No. SBA-2026-0199.

On September 24, 2026, the SBA extended the public comment periods for two proposed rules on small business size standards, published on August 20, 2026, by an additional 60 days. The comment periods are now extended through November 20, 2026. AMAC encourages members to submit comments.

• Proposed Rule on Small Business Size Standards: Proposes new size standards for 338 industry groups and industries. Key elements include consolidating standards primarily at the 4- and 5-digit NAICS levels (reducing the total number of individual standards from nearly 1,000), adjusting thresholds based on a revised methodology, shifting some industries from receipts-based to employee-based measures, and generally increasing size standards so that more firms qualify as small.

• Notice of Availability of Revised Size Standards Methodology: Release of the 2026 Revised Size Standards Methodology white paper for public comment. This document details how SBA establishes, reviews, and modifies size standards, including significant updates from the 2024 methodology, and was applied to develop the proposed standards above.

Recap: AMAC Airport Community of Practice Commissioners Governance & Leadership Summit

AMAC, in partnership with Port of Portland Commissioner Katherine Lam, brought airport commissioners together in Portland, Oregon, for the AMAC Airport Community of Practice Commissioners Governance & Leadership Summit on September 24–25, 2026.

The immersive summit created space for commissioners to exchange ideas, explore innovative approaches to airport governance and leadership and engage directly with the Port of Portland and regional partners. From touring Portland International Airport and exploring community engagement strategies to discussing economic development, local business opportunities, DBE/ACDBE recertification, emerging technologies and AI applications in airport operations, participants gained practical insights they can take back to their airports and communities.

The experience also highlighted the powerful role airports play as economic engines and catalysts for regional prosperity — creating opportunities for businesses, travelers, employees and the communities they serve.

A special thank you to Commissioner Katherine Lam for hosting and showcasing Portland’s innovative approach to aviation, leadership and economic opportunity, and to Clinton National Airport Commissioner Jill Floyd for her valued support and contributions to the summit's planning process.

Help Shape AMAC2027: Volunteer for a Workshop Track Committee!

Be part of the team bringing #AMAC2027 to Atlanta! AMAC is seeking passionate volunteers to join our Workshop Track Committees and help shape the conference experience.

As a committee member, you’ll play a key role in developing impactful programming by reviewing workshop proposals, recommending speakers and identifying compelling content that informs, inspires and moves the aviation industry forward.

Ready to make your mark? Here’s what to expect:

• Time Commitment: 1–2 meetings per month from November through February
• Additional Support: A small amount of independent work to help bring conference programming to life

👉 Step up, share your expertise and help shape the conversations that matter! Complete the AMAC2027 Workshop Track Committee Volunteer Interest Form by October 9, 2026, to be considered.

Seeking Hosts & Sponsors: 2027 AMAC Summer Internship Program

Help launch the next generation of aviation talent! Recruitment is officially open for host organizations and sponsors for the 2027 AMAC Summer Internship Program.

Whether your organization is ready to provide hands-on industry experience or invest in emerging aviation professionals, your participation can make a lasting impact. Take action now to help develop tomorrow’s aviation leaders and create meaningful career pathways.

Priority applications are open through December 4, 2026. Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved early!

👉 Ready to make an impact? Apply for Host & Sponsor Opportunities. 

Ep. 25 – AMAC 360: Mile High Growth, Expectations – Herndon Aims to Elevate DEN Experience

This month featured Christopher Herndon, Chief Commercial Officer of Denver International Airport.

Ep. 59 - AMAC Legends & Leapers

This month featured Ana M. Sotorrio, Owner & President of Aviation Strategies and Trade Solutions, Inc., Samantha Sanchez, Co-owner of Samantha Alexis Consulting, Indhira Figuereo Blaney, USA Aviation Sector Leader for Turner & Townsend and Martha Valenzuela, Vice President of Community Programs and Public Relations at Modern Times, Inc.

Featured RFPs & Jobs

AMAC Chicago Chapter Hosts an Evening at the Obama Presidential Center to Welcome Attendees of the 3rd Annual AMAC She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit

On September 20, 2026, the AMAC Chicago Chapter welcomed aviation professionals, business leaders, community partners and guests from across the country for AMAC Chicago Soars: An Evening at the Obama Presidential Center. The event took place the eve of the 3rd Annual AMAC She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit, giving the AMAC community a chance to gather and connect while experiencing one of Chicago’s newest cultural landmarks. The chapter welcomed 220 guests at its VIP reception in the Sky Room and more than 300 at the main event.

🎥 Watch the Recap here. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) served as Presenting Sponsor of Chicago Soars and Host Airport for the 3rd Annual AMAC She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit.

Guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment featuring DJ Lil Tiff, Chicago recording artist Terisa Griffin and the CoverGirls Violinists. Chicago native and Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award-winning artist Common also made a special appearance. Guests also had access to the museum to enjoy the exhibits at their leisure in a quiet environment. The moment was moving and will be remembered long after the event.

In addition to bringing the aviation community together, Chicago Soars served as a fundraiser for the AMAC Chicago Chapter. Proceeds will support the Chapter’s year-round programming and efforts to provide scholarships to college-bound students in aviation and related fields, advance professional development, business opportunities, industry engagement and educate the next generation of aviation leaders.

AMAC Chicago extends its sincere thanks to CDA, its sponsors, volunteers, performers, donors and guests who helped make Chicago Soars a success.

AMAC Los Angeles Chapter Fall Soirée & Leadership Spotlight

What an evening! Thank you to everyone who joined the AMAC Los Angeles (LA) Chapter Fall Soirée & Leadership Spotlight.

The Fall Soirée brought together AMAC LA members, airport leaders, industry partners, and friends from across Southern California for an evening centered on what makes our aviation community special—connection, access and relationships.

A highlight of the evening was hearing directly from leaders representing Long Beach Airport, Ontario International Airport and Los Angeles World Airports, giving members perspectives from small, medium, and large hub airports and a chance to hear more about the work happening across the region.

The conversation continued through the chapter's Access Granted: Runways & Roadways podcast—sitting down with Mark Frank of Los Angeles World Airports and Jamaal Avilez of Ontario International Airport.

A special thank you to the AMAC Los Angeles Chapter Board, airport leaders, keynote speakers and sponsors whose support makes programs like this possible:

• Jetstream Platinum Partner: ASUR Airports
• Runway Bronze Partner: Ontario International Airport
• First Class Friend Partners: Clear Channel Outdoor, SCA Strategic Partnerships International and Modern Times, Inc.

📸 Take a look at the event photos.

Paradies Lagardère Celebrates Opening of Four New Retail Concepts at San José Mineta International Airport

Paradies Lagardère recently celebrated the opening of four new retail concepts at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): The Goods @ SJC with Hip & Humble, Plaza de San José, Poppy's Essentials and SJC Exchange. Together, the new locations bring an authentic sense of place to the airport, connecting travelers with the makers and entrepreneurial spirit that define San José and Silicon Valley.

Developed in partnership with San José Mineta International Airport, the concepts blend convenience and discovery through a curated mix of travel essentials, local products, fresh gourmet offerings and innovative retail experiences designed to enhance the traveler journey.

Members on the Radar

Taking Flight: Dulles Airport and MWAA’s Regional Transformation

October 1, 2026 | Dulles, VA

Philadelphia International Airport Business Opportunity

October 2, 2026 | Philadelphia, PA

SynergyATL Business Networking Event

October 8, 2026 | Atlanta, GA

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Presents: Industry Day 2.0

October 13, 2026 | Cleveland, OH

AECOM Aviation Exchange Webinar: Enabling Infrastructure for the Next Generation of Aviation: Preparing for Regional Air Mobility

October 13, 2026 | Virtual

MCO Means Business

October 23, 2026 | Orlando, FL

Runway to Opportunity: Doing Business with MSCAA

October 28, 2026 | Memphis, TN

USDOT Issues Final DBE/ACDBE Rule

The U.S. Department of Transportation published its final rule on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) programs in the Federal Register on September 25, 2026 (91 FR 60885-60900, FR Doc. 2026-19688). The elimination of race- and sex-based presumptions remains in place. Firms must establish social and economic disadvantage individually, currently certified firms remain subject to reevaluation and the restrictions on goals and counting during the reevaluation period remain.

Resources:

• USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program Final Rule
• USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program Final Rule FAQs

USDOT Hosts an Inaugural National Bonding Education Program

On October 21–22, 2026, the USDOT is hosting the inaugural National Bonding Education Program at Temple University Student Center in Philadelphia, PA. This 2-day training program helps participants better understand surety bonding requirements, increase bond readiness, and connect directly with resource partners.

👉 Register Here

Topics Covered

• Bonding and Insurance for New and Emerging Transportation-Related Small Businesses
• Fiscal Fitness and Strength
• Construction Accounting & Financial Management
• Business Planning and Management for Construction
• Project Management and Field Operations
• Past Performance
• Teaming/Joint Venturing
• Legal and contractual matters

MWAA Small Business University Course Application

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), in partnership with the University of Maryland Small Business Development Center, is proud to announce the launch of the 2027 Small Business University Program. This strategic initiative will equip Small Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (SLDBEs) with the tools, knowledge, and resources to accelerate growth and strengthen their ability to compete for prime contracting opportunities. The program consists of in-person classroom sessions held every Thursday. Participants must commit to full attendance and sign an agreement to adhere to all program guidelines. 100% attendance is required for both acceptance and graduation.

👉 APPLY HERE

Program Overview:

• Location: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Headquarters
• Time: 9:30 AM–3:00 PM
• Program Dates: Every Thursday | January 21–March 18, 2027
• Duration: 7 weeks
• Cost: Free