The 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference took off in New Orleans with energy and purpose, celebrating 40 years of promoting equity in 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 over 1,500 aviation professionals, businesses, policymakers and emerging leaders to celebrate achievements and plan a bold future.
The festivities kicked off on Saturday, June 28, with the AMAC Foundation’s Project LIFT (Leaders Inspiring Future Talent), an interactive educational program for high school students, held at MSY airport’s former terminal building. Over 100 students discovered careers in aviation, engineering, airport business development, and aerospace, highlighting the organization’s dedication to empowering the next generation. Meanwhile, professionals attended DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training, focusing on regulatory education and best practices to support growth, and the newly offered Airport Concessions Business Capacity Accelerator Training, which equipped aspiring airport concessionaires with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in airport concessions.
On Sunday, June 29, the AMAC Foundation Bill Walker Memorial Golf Experience sponsored by Title Sponsor AECOM brought the heat — and the all-white style — to Five O Fore Golf for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, philanthropy, and New Orleans flair. Guests teed off in state-of-the-art golf entertainment bays featuring Trackman Golf Simulator technology, enjoyed premium hors d’oeuvres and libations, and mingled to the sounds of live entertainment. The All-White Attire Day Party set the perfect tone for “partying with a purpose,” with raffle prizes adding to the excitement and big screens delivering the ultimate sports-viewing experience—all while raising donations for scholarships. Simultaneously at the conference hotel, new members and newcomers were welcomed with dedicated networking and orientation activities.
The excitement continued through Legends & Leapers sponsored by SITA featuring Percy “Master P” Miller, Hip-Hop Mogul, Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist, and Gregoire Tillery, Founder & CEO of We Dat’s. Wisdom, stories and the power of mentorship took center stage. The day came to a festive close with the Louis Armstrong Airport Fest, which delivered a cultural celebration of music, food, and festivities—true to the host city’s spirit.
Monday, June 30, began with strategic visioning. The AMAC PAC (Political Action Committee) Power Breakfast gathered advocates and industry leaders for a crucial morning of engagement and empowerment. The event—designed to fuel influence and strengthen our collective voice—focused on advancing economic access in airport contracting and workforce development. Congressman Troy A. Carter (D-LA-2) headlined the morning as the featured guest speaker. He brought both regional insight and federal experience to the discussion through his deep work on infrastructure and homeland security, and his leadership in championing equitable economic development and workforce inclusion.
Next, Airport Directors from ATL, BWI, CDA, DEN and MSY airports shared incredible dialogue about the future of aviation, innovation, and representation in airport leadership at the Airport Directors 20/20 Vision Forum moderated by Jabari Young of ForbesBLK. This was followed by the lively ribbon-cutting for the Experience Hall and Networking Lunch. The Experience Hall buzzed with booths, workshops and Business Matchmaking where attendees made connections and explored new opportunities. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in education through the workshop tracks: Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sponsored by Jacobs, Airports, Compliance, or Concessions. Workshops like 'From Data to Dollars' demonstrated how airports and businesses are leveraging innovation to increase revenue.
New this year, we offered three courses for the Airport Commissioners Roundtables, which provided comprehensive training for airport leaders on governance, inclusive procurement, and legal compliance. Together, these sessions equipped attendees with the knowledge to lead ethically, engage meaningfully with businesses, and navigate legal standards effectively. Back in the Experience Hall stage, we hosted Local Business Spotlights featuring Desiree Rogers of Black Opal Beauty and Edgar “Dook” Chase of the famous Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, speaking to the audience about their respective businesses. By evening, the AMAC Chapters Reception showcased AMAC’s regional pride, followed by the SSP America "One Night, One Vibe" Party at Generations Hall, a New Orleans-style celebration complete with shuttles and late-night dancing.
The next day, Tuesday, July 1, started on a high note with the AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation & Scholarship Awards Breakfast sponsored by Title Sponsors Enterprise Mobility and SSP America, honoring women trailblazers while supporting aspiring aviation professionals. During the program, AMAC Corporate Partner, WHSmith North America, presented a multi-year Retail Innovation Scholarship and Paid Internship worth $52,500 to fuel the next generation of aviation leaders and drive meaningful change in the aviation concessions industry. The day continued with parallel policy and career sessions, including a Legislative Meeting: A Conversation with the Experts and presentations on upcoming procurement and business opportunities with BNA, DAL, PHL and SFO airports. Avolta hosted a book signing with Chef and Restaurateur Emeril Lagasse. The Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition lifted off before a standing-room-only audience, spotlighting innovative, scalable products from minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to enter the airport concessions and retail marketplace. At the same time, the Emerging Leaders' “Life Without the Acronym” session promoted honest dialogue for the next generation of changemakers. In the afternoon, attendees heard remarks from Judge Michael Bagneris, Chair of the New Orleans Aviation Board, and Marc Morial, President & CEO of the National Urban League, plus a Fireside Chat with John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Operation HOPE, Inc.
That evening, attendees connected at the President's Reception sponsored by HNTB before the refined Catalyst Awards Gala honored the legacy and legends of AMAC’s founding and influential members and the esteemed Catalyst Awards honorees. The momentum continued with an energetic Preview Reception for the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference hosted by Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the lively AMAC After Dark Party, sponsored by Crews Hospitality and ReachTV, featuring music by Multi-Platinum Producer, DJ & Rapper Mannie Fresh.
The final day powered forward on Wednesday, July 2, with the AMAC ALC Fireside Chat Breakfast, where women received recommendations for elevating their careers to senior-level opportunities. Attendees also participated in the final string of workshops, including the MSY Next: Future Opportunities at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport session and closed the day with an MSY Airport Tour.
As the conference concluded, the message was clear: AMAC’s legacy is strong. Throughout the week, attendees interacted through the AMAC2025 Conference App, staying connected with sessions, speaker bios, venue maps, and networking features. The Experience Hall continued to be a vibrant hub with activations, sponsors, exhibitors, and local business displays. As attendees returned home, they brought back not only new business connections and renewed focus to work, but also inspiration, tools, and a sense of collective progress.
SESSION VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
- AMAC Legends & Leapers
- Opening Session & Airport Directors 20/20 Vision Forum
- AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation & Scholarship Awards Breakfast
- Legislative Meeting: A Conversation with the Experts
- AMAC Business Meeting & Election Ratification
- Fireside Chat with John Hope Bryant
- Catalyst Awards
RESOURCES
- Presentations & Workshops (Available for Conference Registrants-Contact the AMAC National Office)
- All Photos Organized by Day (Media Kit)
- All Photos (Facebook Album)
- Program Guide
SURVEYS
- Attendee Survey
- Workshops Survey (See Conference App)
- DBE/ACDBE Training Survey
- BCA Training Survey
- Business Matchmaking Survey
- Exhibitor Survey
- Sponsor Survey
- Catalyst Awards Survey
- Chapters Reception Survey
RECAP VIDEOS
DAYS 1–3 RECAP VIDEO
DAY 4 RECAP VIDEO
DAY 5 RECAP VIDEO
THANK YOU SPONSORS
