Ep.27 – AMAC 360: Small Business Roundtable: 2026 Reflections & 2027 Outlook

Doing business in an airport is easy—said no one ever. From access to capital to rising operating costs, inflation, labor and now legislative changes, small businesses in airports must navigate and overcome many of the same challenges as their larger competitors. But for small businesses, these hurdles can be even more daunting. As the year draws to a close, business owners try to recap 2026 and discuss whether 2027 will bring more of the same.

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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

HOSTS

AMAC is accepting applications from AMAC members to host a first-round Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition. A current AMAC membership is required to be a host.

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.