On April 24, 2026, the final stop of the Round 1 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions was hosted by the AMAC Atlanta Chapter, and it was nothing short of absolutely electrifying! The atmosphere was filled with energy, excitement, innovation and opportunity as more than 20 emerging entrepreneurs and visionary business founders took center stage in the highly anticipated Battle of the Businesses Showcase. The event created a dynamic platform for aspiring airport entrepreneurs to showcase their brands, ideas and business concepts while competing for meaningful opportunities within airports across America.
Held at Atlanta City Hall — a place where policy meets possibility and where the future of Atlanta continues to be shaped — the evening symbolized the power of leadership, vision and economic opportunity coming together under one roof.
The evening was masterfully led by award-winning Jonathan Martin, news anchor for 11Alive, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. The Runway to Success Battle of the Businesses evening fanfare made the event unforgettable, with the spirited appearance of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and an electrifying marching band that energized the audience throughout the night. Guests were welcomed into a vibrant atmosphere as hosts dressed in vintage flight attire brought the aviation-inspired experience to life with elegance, creativity and flair. Adding even more excitement and entertainment to the evening were Wheels Up Walter and Runway Rachel, who served as the official pitch timekeepers for the entrepreneur showcases.
A major highlight of the evening was the distinguished panel of judges, which included Greg Paradies of Paradies Lagardère, Ron Cole of Pronghorn, Mark Mariani of 360 Duty Free, Tyronia Smith of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Lester Adams of HMSHost by Avolta, Jay Bailey of Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Lonnie Johnson, Award Winning Inventor of The Super Soaker, Shayla McNair of ShayLatte and Sabrina Taylor of Delta Air Lines, alongside an impressive lineup of executives and leaders committed to helping entrepreneurs soar to new heights.
The event was proudly sponsored by Pronghorn, one of the nation’s leading African American-founded spirits companies, WHSmith North America, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Avolta. Their support helped fuel an unforgettable evening dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunity.
Alicia Ivey, Founding President of the AMAC Atlanta Chapter, shared the vision behind the initiative, stating, “Runway to Success is where ideas stop waiting for permission and start taking flight—tonight, we don’t just witness opportunity; we launch it.”
At AMAC Atlanta, the mission is clear: We build. We lead. We succeed. We do not wait for opportunities — we create the runway to success for entrepreneurs. Runway to Success was more than an event; it was a movement designed to inspire, connect and elevate the next generation of leaders and innovators.
We are proud to announce the businesses advancing to the next round of the AMAC Runway to Success Pitch Competition:
- Che’ Rene Macarons
- Creole-ish
- Popcorn Remix