Progress Through Partnership: Reframe, Refocus, Rebuild served as more than a theme—it became the driving force behind the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference, hosted by Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Bringing together over 1,300 aviation professionals, airport executives, businesses, government leaders and emerging changemakers, the conference delivered five days of advocacy, education, networking and business development opportunities designed to strengthen the aviation industry and create pathways for future growth.
Wednesday, June 10 | Building the Foundation
The conference began with pre-conference training opportunities, including the DBE/ACDBE & UCP Administrators Training and the Airport Concessions Business Capacity Accelerator Training. These sessions equipped participants with practical tools, regulatory updates and business strategies designed to strengthen airport programs and support the continued success of concessionaires and disadvantaged business enterprises.
Thursday, June 11 | Connecting, Learning and Leading
Attendees kicked off the official conference experience through networking, professional development and leadership engagement. The day featured the AMAC Foundation Golf Experience sponsored by AECOM and BWI Marshall Airport Tour, while New Members & First-Time Attendees Orientation and Speed Business Mentoring created meaningful opportunities for connection and career growth. Roundtables encouraged dialogue among attendees to foster collaboration, share best practices and address critical issues impacting the aviation industry through a focus on Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), Commercial Management, Human Resources and Ground Transportation, and the highly anticipated Legends & Leapers sponsored by SITA, which featured renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump and former NBA Champion, entrepreneur and philanthropist Norman Nixon, who shared candid reflections on overcoming adversity, building lasting legacies and creating opportunities for future generations. Their insights on leadership, resilience, business ownership and community impact resonated with attendees across every stage of their professional journey. The day concluded with the Emerging Leaders Mixer, bringing together the next generation of aviation professionals.
Friday, June 12 | Opening New Opportunities
Friday marked the official opening of the conference with the AMAC PAC (Political Action Committee) Power Breakfast featuring a keynote from Bakari Sellers, Author, Civil Rights Attorney & Entrepreneur, and remarks from Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) followed by the Opening Session and Airport Directors 20/20 Vision Forum moderated by Jabari Young of ForbesBLK. Airport executives from ATL, BWI, RIC and SFO airports shared perspectives on infrastructure, innovation, workforce development and the future of aviation. The conference’s Airports, AEC, Compliance and the Concessions (sponsored by Concessions International) workshop tracks provided attendees with actionable insights, industry best practices and forward-thinking strategies designed to help businesses and airport stakeholders navigate emerging opportunities and challenges.
AMAC hosted an exclusive Airport CEOs and Commissioners Luncheon & Summit, which brought together influential leaders from across the aviation industry for a timely discussion on the future of transportation, infrastructure investment and economic opportunity. Attendees heard remarks from Allen Gutierrez, Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) at the U.S. Department of Transportation, who highlighted the Department’s commitment to expanding access to contracting opportunities, supporting small businesses and strengthening participation across federally funded transportation projects and received a legal briefing from Subash Iyer of Kaplan Kirsch. This session also featured remarks from Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who provided insights on federal transportation priorities and aviation policy, plus an Exploring Alternative Finance panel moderated by Todd Wintner of McKinsey & Company featuring Patrick Heck of Vantage Group, Nick Jean-Baptiste of Jacmel Partners, Dwight Pullen of AECOM and Jorge Roberts of Ironbridge Airports. Together, their perspectives reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, airports and industry stakeholders to create sustainable opportunities and advance the future of aviation.
The Experience Hall Ribbon Cutting officially opened one of the conference’s most dynamic spaces, while Business Matchmaking sponsored by Ben Crump Enterprises and International Shoppes connected suppliers, concessionaires, airports and industry partners through structured one-on-one meetings designed to create real business opportunities. In the Experience Hall at the AMAC Hub sponsored by Inspire Brands, the stage served as a dynamic gathering place for storytelling, inspiration and meaningful connections throughout the conference. Attendees gained valuable insights during the Local Business Spotlight featuring Tisha Burnett of Icon Foods, who shared her entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned and strategies for building a successful business. The stage also hosted AMAC Member Stories, where Iva Chen of Jetsetera Ventures and George Wm. Tinsley, Sr. of Tinsley Family Concessions reflected on their professional experiences, business growth and the impact of AMAC on their careers and companies. Adding a flavorful twist to the programming, Taste of Connection: Small Bites. Big Partnerships sponsored by HMSHost by Avolta brought attendees together for an engaging discussion on collaboration, innovation and relationship-building within the concessions industry, demonstrating how strong partnerships continue to create opportunities across the aviation ecosystem.
The AMAC Emerging Leaders Cocktails & Conversations series continued its 2026 theme of “Smarter, Better, Faster, Stronger.” This quarter’s session built upon the focus of becoming BETTER by encouraging participants to move from self-awareness to intentional self-improvement. Through open dialogue and active engagement, attendees reflected on areas for growth, explored what “better” meant to them and identified sustainable actions to support long-term success.
As the evening progressed, attendees participated in the Chairman’s Reception exclusively sponsored by HNTB before the Welcome Reception, which featured the spirit of two iconic cities and the experience of the music, food and culture that define the BWI Marshall Airport serves, from Baltimore Club Music to the signature Go-Go sound of the DMV!
Saturday, June 13 | Advocacy, Recognition & Inspiration
Saturday began with the AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation & Scholarship Awards Breakfast sponsored by HNTB, Enterprise Mobility and SSP America—a powerful tribute to the women whose leadership, innovation and dedication continue to shape the aviation industry. Centered on the theme “Her Sky, Her Story,” the signature event featured inspiring remarks from Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and a dynamic panel discussion featuring Sade Olanipekun-Lewis of Vantage Airport Group; Keiva Rodriques of the Maryland Aviation Administration; and Yolanda Woodruff of Jacobsen|Daniels, who shared personal stories, career lessons and insights on navigating leadership in a rapidly evolving industry. The program also featured an engaging Intergenerational Conversation between Shawnte Buck and Lise D’Andrea of CXE, Inc., offering a candid discussion on leadership, mentorship, professional growth and the value of creating pathways for the next generation of aviation professionals. Together, the speakers underscored the breakfast’s mission to celebrate achievement, foster connection, and inspire women to continue reaching new heights in aviation, while reinforcing the AMAC Foundation’s commitment to education, mentorship and workforce development through the celebration of its scholarship recipients.
Attendees then headed to the AMAC Hub stage in the Experience Hall to gain valuable insights from airport representatives at DFW, HOU/IAH, ONT, PHX, RIC, SFO, SLC and TPA during the Airport Opportunities Procurement Forecast. Following this session, AMAC members convened for the Legislative Meeting, where AMAC’s lobbyist Nigel Stephens of Phoenix Strategies and Sara von der Lippe of the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. provided a timely and practical discussion on the evolving DBE landscape, addressing current legal frameworks, compliance considerations and strategies for navigating uncertainty while preserving opportunity. Immediately following, the Annual Meeting & Board Elections Ratification included presentations from the Finance, Event Planning, Membership, Chapters Development and Nominations & Elections Committees, plus the Chairman and President’s reports. This meeting concluded with the ratification of the 2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections, which welcomed new and returning members.
One of the conference’s most anticipated sessions, Progress in Motion: A Fireside Chat with Governor Wes Moore, drew a standing-room-only audience eager to hear insights from one of the nation’s leading voices in public service and economic development. Moderated by ForbesBLK’s Jabari Young, Maryland Governor Wes Moore shared insights on the importance of visionary leadership, expanding economic opportunity and fostering public-private partnerships that drive meaningful impact. Through candid reflections and forward-looking perspectives, the session underscored the critical role of collaboration in driving sustainable progress across industries and communities nationwide.
The momentum continued at the AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition sponsored by WHSmith North America, the multi-city, multi-round competition designed to create opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to supply goods and services to airports in the food and beverage, retail and AEC sectors. As a cornerstone of the AMAC Supplier Innovation Platform, the 2026 competition culminated at this conference, where the Final Four Approach suppliers pitched their innovative products and business concepts before a panel of industry VIP judges for the opportunity to secure valuable business connections and potential deals. Hosted by acclaimed comedian, actress and television host Sheryl Underwood, the energetic “Shark Tank”-style competition captivated attendees while showcasing the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial excellence driving the future of airport commerce. The event concluded with the 2026 winners — Love Cork Screw, Popcorn Remix, SickFit and Veggie Vice — landing partnerships with airport primes who plan to display their products in various national airports.
AMAC Emerging Leaders rounded out the afternoon programming with Leadership in Motion: Passing the Torch with Purpose, sponsored by Paradies Lagardère and Dynamic Digital Air LLC, which covered the real‑world practice of succession planning.
After a full day of programming, the sparks continued at the highly anticipated Catalyst Awards & Reception, which celebrated individuals and organizations whose leadership, vision and commitment spark meaningful change across the aviation industry. The robust day concluded with the Preview Reception for the 42nd Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference, where attendees received an exciting first look at next year’s conference, which will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, home to the world’s busiest and most influential aviation hubs. The celebration continued with the highly anticipated AMAC After Dark party sponsored by Crews and ReachTV, where attendees networked, celebrated and danced the night away to a live DJ set from legendary hip‑hop icon and New York Hot 97 DJ Funk Flex (formerly known as Funkmaster Flex). The high-energy atmosphere provided the perfect finale to a day filled with education, business development and meaningful industry connections.
Sunday, June 14 | Looking Ahead
The conference concluded with partner breakfasts, AMAC Chapter Officers Orientation, the AMAC Airport Leadership Collective (ALC) Fireside Chat Breakfast sponsored by Turner Construction Company, a session on How to Win Airport Contracts: Inside Billion-Dollar Programs at BWI & Beyond and the last round of workshop tracks. These final sessions provided attendees with valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, explore future business opportunities and leave inspired to continue advancing progress through partnership across the aviation industry.
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