FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AMAC’s Capitol Hill Day and Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum 2026 Kicks Off in Washington, DC — Nation’s Aviation Leaders Converge to Advance Innovation and Small Business Growth
WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2026) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) will host the 2026 AMAC Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum on March 18–20, 2026, at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, DC. The annual forum convenes industry leaders, policymakers, government officials and small businesses to strengthen economic access, expand opportunities and shape critical policy discussions for the aviation and aerospace ecosystem, including guidance on the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) programs.
The three-day forum serves as a dynamic platform for advancing economic opportunities and strengthening small business participation in airport projects nationwide. Attendees will engage in panel discussions and sessions on federal policy updates, infrastructure investment, workforce development and innovative strategies to increase participation by minority- and women-owned small businesses in aviation.
The forum opens on Wednesday, March 18, with an exclusive Capitol Hill Day for AMAC members, offering direct dialogue with Congressional leaders to advocate for policies that strengthen DBE/ACDBE participation and promote fair access to contracting opportunities and investment in airport infrastructure.
On Thursday, March 19, the forum will open with a keynote address by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). Following the keynote, Mayor Van Johnson (Savannah, GA) and Mayor Steven Reed (Montgomery, AL) will speak on how they are leveraging airport projects to increase small business participation and growth. Later in the program, Allen Gutierrez, the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will provide an overview of OSDBU’s latest programs and resources designed to expand federal contracting opportunities for small businesses. He will also highlight OSDBU’s partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its role in enhancing access and engagement for firms participating in aviation-related projects and contracts.
The forum concludes on Friday, March 20, with an Airport Opportunities Procurement Forecast session featuring airport representatives presenting a 12–18-month procurement forecast outlining architecture, engineering, construction, and concession opportunities for suppliers. Followed by Business Matchmaking sessions, connecting airports and prime contractors with small businesses to foster meaningful partnerships and future collaborations. Airport representatives from the Chicago Department of Aviation, Los Angeles World Airports, the Maryland Aviation Administration, Ontario International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport and the Wayne County Airport Authority will participate in these sessions.
“We look forward to three days of impactful conversations and strategic connections that will strengthen fairness and economic opportunity in aviation,” said Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO of AMAC. “This forum is a powerful platform to elevate airport businesses and shape policy that drives real results for communities across the nation.”
For the full schedule and registration details, visit amacforum.com.
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About AMAC
Since 1984, the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) has been the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as a resource for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC’s membership includes 1,900 airports, primes and small businesses, including DBEs/ACDBEs deeply engaged in airport operations and economic growth nationwide. For more information, visit amac-org.com.
Media Contact: info@amac-org.com