20 Jul 2026

An Award-Winning Chapter Fueled by Award-Winning Leadership

  What does it take to build an award-winning chapter? If the story of AMAC Atlanta is any indication, it begins with visionary leadership, grows through collaboration, and succeeds because of a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for others. Fresh from a historic showing at the 2026 AMAC Airport Business Conference, where AMAC Atlanta was named Chapter of the Year and President Alicia Ivey earned the prestigious Chairman’s Award,  the chapter gathered at Murphy’s Restaurant in Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland neighborhood to … Read More
13 Jul 2026

AMAC Expands National Reach with Launch of Charlotte and New York/New Jersey Chapters

Washington, DC (July 13, 2026) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC), the nation’s leading trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in the aviation and aerospace industries, is proud to announce the establishment of its newest chapters in Charlotte and New York/New Jersey.  The addition of these chapters marks a significant milestone in AMAC’s continued growth and commitment to fostering meaningful connections, professional development and business opportunities for aviation professionals, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders across the country.  AMAC Chapters (10) now include: Atlanta, … Read More
24 Jun 2026

Progress Through Partnership: Reframe, Refocus, Rebuild: 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference Recap

  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 | … Read More
18 Jun 2026

AMAC Welcomes New and Returning Members to Its Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, DC (June 18, 2026) — The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 AMAC Board of Directors Elections.  Chair: Ricky Smith, General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport  Second Vice-Chair: Perry Miller, President & CEO, Richmond International Airport  Eastern Regional Director: Robin Gibson, Director, External Affairs & Partner Relations, Fraport USA Southeast Regional Director: Thiane Carter, Director, Small Business Programs, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority  Southwest Regional Director: J. Goodwille Pierre, Division Manager, Office of Business Opportunity, Houston Airport System  Western Regional Director: Michael E. Washington, CEO, Cato Hospitality Group  At-Large Director: Tosin Kasali, Chief Development Officer, H.J. Russell … Read More

18 Jun 2026

AMAC Runway to Success Winner Love Cork Screw Reaches New Heights at the Obama Presidential Center

Congratulations to Chrishon Lampley, Founder of Love Cork Screw, on this incredible milestone! As a supplier participant and featured winner of the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition, Chrishon continues to demonstrate the power of innovation, perseverance and strategic growth. We are excited to celebrate Love Cork Screw’s recent success as the white wine small-business vendor at the Obama Presidential Center. This achievement is a testament to Chrishon’s entrepreneurial vision and the impact that access to opportunity, mentorship … Read More
4 Jun 2026

AMAC Announces the 8 Contestants of the AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition to Compete at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference

Washington, DC (June 4, 2026) – The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) proudly unveils the Takeoff 8 contestants, this year’s standouts who have advanced from Rounds 1 and 2 to the Round 3/Final Competition of the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition. These contestants will compete live at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference at National Harbor, MD. The Takeoff 8 contestants will exhibit their products in the Experience Hall and compete among VIP judges comprised of … Read More
28 May 2026

Taking Flight: AMAC Atlanta’s Round 1 Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition Celebrates Vision, Leadership & Opportunity

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 … Read More
19 May 2026

Court Rules for Small Businesses, Dismisses Case Threatening Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

AMAC continues its role as part of a coalition vigorously defending the constitutionality of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE), ensuring its continued role in advancing economic opportunity and fairness in federally funded contracting. “Today’s outcome is a significant victory for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and the thousands of small businesses that help power America’s transportation industry,” said Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) President & CEO Eboni Wimbush. “The DBE Program was created to address … Read More
24 Apr 2026

St. Louis Round 1— The “Show Me State” Soars Again as AMAC’s Runway to Success Lifts Local Entrepreneurs In Competition

For the second consecutive year, St. Louis proved it’s more than just the Gateway City—it’s a gateway to opportunity. As one of just four host cities for the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition (and the only city to host a second straight year), St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and the Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), welcomed more than 40 ambitious small businesses eager to break into the world of airport food, beverage, retail, and services. Following … Read More

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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

APPLY

HOSTS

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.

APPLY