Strengthened our national footprint by growing membership by 4%, welcoming new members across airports, businesses and agencies, expanding our collective influence and reinforcing a unified voice for fairness, opportunity and leadership across the aviation industry.
Launched the AMAC Houston Chapter—cementing it as AMAC’s 8th Chapter.
Onboarded Tia Perry as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Membership at AMAC, where she leads the Membership and Sponsorship teams.
Launched the Member Resource Library—a dedicated space equipping AMAC members with exclusive guidance on the USDOT DBE/ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule, airport procurement forecasts and other relevant industry resources.
Advocacy
Hosted a robust slate (11) of webinars, forums and virtual convenings that equipped nearly 2,500 members and industry stakeholders with critical insights on DBE/ACDBE certification, regulatory updates, economic opportunity, policy advocacy and business growth while fostering engagement, education and alignment across the aviation industry.
Partnered with our coalition partners (DBE-Intervenors), represented by Democracy Forward, to defend the USDOT DBE Program through the Mid-America Milling Company v. USDOT case.
Hosted the AMAC Capitol Hill Day and the Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum from March 26–28, 2025, in Washington, DC, bringing together members, sponsors and partners for three impactful days of advocacy, insight and connection. The Forum opened with Capitol Hill Day (AMAC Member Exclusive), during which members met with more than 50 members of Congress in support of the DBE/ACDBE programs. Day Two featured congressional insights from Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Representatives Rick Larsen and Greg Stanton, a keynote address by Michael Steele, expert panels on airport economic opportunities and DBE/ACDBE updates, and procurement forecasts from major airports, concluding with a networking reception. The Forum closed with forward-looking discussions on coalition-driven policy, additional procurement forecasts and a robust Business Matchmaking session connecting major airport and corporate Buyers with Suppliers, reinforcing AMAC’s commitment to advocacy, opportunity and meaningful industry engagement.
Filed an opposition, along with our coalition partners (DBE-Intervenors), represented by Democracy Forward, to the proposed consent order filed by the Department of Justice and the Plaintiffs on the Mid-America Milling Company v. USDOT case.
Launched the Advocacy Action Center—an AMAC member hub for driving policy, elevating voices and shaping the future of aviation.
Submitted a letter for the record – Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure Holds Hearing on Expanding Opportunities for Small Business Contractors.
Engaged substantively with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on the DBE/ACDBE Program Interim Final Rule. Through formal comments, member guidance (webinars/FAQs) and public statements, AMAC advocated for thoughtful implementation that balances compliance with opportunity and provides clarity for certified firms navigating regulatory change.
Submitted comments on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Airport Concessions Program Implementation Modifications — DOT–OST–2025–0897.
Celebrated a significant policy win with the preservation of the FAR Part 19 “Rule of Two,” a critical federal contracting safeguard that ensures small and disadvantaged businesses remain competitive and visible in procurement opportunities. This outcome reinforced AMAC’s long-standing commitment to protecting access and leveling the playing field for our members.
Events & Programs
Engaged nearly 2,500 participants in in-person events, including the AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum, 40th AMAC Annual Airport Business Conference, 2nd Annual AMAC She SOARS—Women in Aviation Summit and Stakeholders Reception—41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference, and 4,200 participants through virtual events, including signature events such as 360, Legends & Leapers, ALC Fireside Chat and the Emerging Leaders Cocktails & Conversations.
Launched the Inaugural Runway to Success, a progressive multi-city “Shark-Tank” style pitch competition offering suppliers an opportunity to expand their business into the airport food and retail industry.
Facilitated placements for six high-potential interns with four dedicated organizations through the Internship Program. Two interns attended the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference, supporting event logistics and gaining hands-on exposure to industry leaders, as well as valuable professional networking opportunities.
Strategically matched 32 growing and highly experienced industry professionals to develop strong professional connections during our 6-month Mentorship Program cohort, including an engaging and intimate meet and greet for cohort participants who joined us at the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference.
Hosted the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference from June 28–July 2, 2025, in New Orleans with energy and purpose, celebrating 40 years of advancing fairness and opportunity across the aviation industry. Hosted by the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the conference combined history, innovation and lively cultural energy into an engaging, multi-day event. Themed “Honoring Our Past, Forging Our Future,” this milestone gathering brought together nearly 1,600 aviation professionals, businesses, policymakers and emerging leaders to celebrate achievements and plan a bold future.
Hosted the Inaugural Runway to Success Final Supplier Pitch Competition before a standing-room-only audience, four minority- and women-owned small businesses (Bitoy’s Sweet Treats Inc., Good Boy Goodies, Quisqueya Spirits and Rejuvenation) secured deals with airport primes (Areas USA, Hudson by Avolta, Paradies Lagardère and SSP America).
Strengthened the Emerging Leaders pipeline by hosting five events and programs aligned with pillars of the 2024–2027 AMAC Strategic Plan, advancing Operational Sustainability through scalable programming, Leadership Representation by expanding access and engagement, Advocacy through targeted industry exposure, Thought Leadership via curated learning opportunities and Wealth Creation by connecting emerging professionals to pathways for long-term economic growth.
Hosted the 2nd Annual She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit, held September 18–19, 2025, in Atlanta, bringing together nearly 400 participants for two empowering days of inspiration, professional development and connection. The summit featured energizing breakfasts, a powerful keynote by Lisa Sun on self-confidence and discovering one’s superpower, interactive sessions focused on career strategy and executive leadership, and candid conversations with industry leaders on sponsorship, negotiation, financial empowerment and the intersection of policy and purpose. Thoughtful touches such as movement breaks, complimentary self-care services and professional headshots created space for reflection, while the program emphasized authentic leadership, resilience and the importance of building meaningful networks that support and uplift future generations of women in aviation.
AMAC Foundation
Awarded $104,000 in scholarships to 33 students pursuing careers in aviation.
Showcased our commitment to education, exposure and community impact through a series of dynamic events in New Orleans.
Through Project LIFT (Leaders Inspiring Future Talent) initiative, more than 100 high school students from Baton Rouge and New Orleans were immersed in the abandoned southern terminal of Louis Armstrong International Airport during the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference, where classrooms came to life with lessons on aviation careers beyond the cockpit—including aircraft maintenance, airport development, architecture and business operations.
The momentum continued at the AMAC Foundation Bill Walker Memorial Golf Experience and All-White Attire Day Party at Five O Fore Golf, where over 200 guests enjoyed cutting-edge golf simulators, live entertainment, food and fellowship while raising critical scholarship funds. Together, these events highlighted the AMAC Foundation’s innovative approach to inspiring future talent and supporting educational opportunities through purposeful engagement.
The marathon wrapped up with the AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation & Scholarship Awards Breakfast, where The Original Pinettes Brass Band welcomed more than 400 attendees with signature New Orleans energy. The program spotlighted the career achievements and personal journeys of standout women in aviation while also recognizing rising scholars supported by the AMAC Foundation, creating an inspiring celebration of leadership, opportunity and the future of aviation infused with the culture and spirit of New Orleans.
Judges
Each Runway to Success Competition will feature a judging panel composed of industry executives and business owners with expertise across the airport, aviation and transportation sectors, including operations, procurement and supplier management.
The final pitch competition, held at the AMAC Airport Business Conference, will feature a VIP panel of leaders from the largest airport food and retail operators in North America who possess the authority to extend a business offer.
Suppliers
Supplier applicants must meet the following criteria:
Suppliers of Goods and Services Positioned to Support Growth, Innovation or Customer Experience in the Aviation Industry
Suppliers Offering Strategic, Innovative or Scalable Solutions
Must Be Registered as a Legal Business Entity and in Good Standing
At Least 51% Minority- or Woman-Owned
Able to Clearly Articulate the Value of Their Product or Service in a Short Pitch Format
Must Be Available to Attend the Live Pitch Event
Must Not Currently Have or Be In the Process of Establishing an Agreement With Any Operators or Airport Concessionaires
AMAC is accepting applications from partners to host one of the eight (8) first-round Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions.
Hosting a first-round competition is critical to the overall Runway to Success Supplier Competition. Each host site serves as a gateway for local and regional entrepreneurs, small businesses and ACDBEs to access AMAC’s national platform and connect to contracting and partnership opportunities.
