What is it?
A multi-city tournament-style pitch competition offering suppliers an opportunity to expand their business into the airport food and retail industry.
How will it work?
There are three (3) rounds: Runway 16, Ready Takeoff 8 and Final Approach 4.
For each round, participants will go before judges and provide details about their product. Judges can ask questions and provide advice. The judges will score each participant based on a variety of criteria. The highest scores from each group will advance.
The final round will be held in person at the AMAC Airport Business Conference before a panel of judges who can ultimately offer a deal or deals from which the participant can accept or decline.
Deadlines
- Host Application Opens: Monday, January 12
- Host Application Closes: Monday, February 2
- Supplier Participant Application Opens: Monday, February 16
- Supplier Participant Application Closes: Monday, March 9
- Round 1 Competitions: Monday, March 23–Friday, April 17
- Round 2 Competitions: Friday, May 1–Monday, May 18
- Round 3 Final Competition: Saturday, June 13
- Live at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference | National Harbor, MD
Who should apply?
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.
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
Application Deadline Coming Soon!
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.
Upcoming Events
Round 1 Competitions: Monday, March 23–Friday, April 17
Round 2 Competitions: Friday, May 1–Monday, May 18
Round 3 Final Competition: Saturday, June 13
Live at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference | National Harbor, MD
Sponsorships
AMAC offers a range of creative sponsorship opportunities designed to provide your business with exposure to an influential audience, while also supporting a critically important initiative.
Sponsorship Inquiry
Watch the Inaugural Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition
Meet the 2025 Winners (Final Four)
Meet the 2025 Suppliers (Finalists)
Bitoy’s Sweet Treats Inc.
Bitoy’s Sweet Treats offers a premium line of handcrafted desserts—including gourmet popcorn, artisan brownies, and confections—made in small batches with clean ingredients and bold, nostalgic flavors. Rooted in Chicago and purpose-driven, our treats deliver indulgence with impact—perfect for gifting, travel retail, and everyday enjoyment.
Layla Bitoy
Crafted Nibbles
Louisiana’s Very First Build-Your-Own Cheese Box Bar
Crafted Nibbles is proud to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to the Capital City! Walk inand craft a charcuterie box exactly the way you like it—on demand!
We want you to think of Crafted Nibbles when you need a casual, light lunch, a thoughtful(and delicious) gift, or a last-minute party snack. No matter the occasion, we’ll be ready to
serve you every single time.
Good Boy Goodies
Good Boy Goodies is an all-natural dog treat company committed to enhancing the health and happiness of dogs everywhere. Inspired by my own dog, Chubb, we use only premium, human-grade ingredients—no corn, wheat, soy, or preservatives. Our mission is to offer pet parents convenient, trustworthy treats they can feel good about.
Posie Pots
Posie Pots is a technology company that offers innovative, sustainable planters via our light-weight, patented, water-once-a-month self-watering system. Posie Pots use 95% less water, one-third less water, which allows any plant to grow 10 times more. Great for those who travel often for work or leisure and need a reliable solution to keep their plants healthy in their absence. The once-a-month watering requirement of Posie Pots is a perfect fit for a busy traveler’s lifestyle while focusing on eco-conscious, health-focused, and design-savvy individuals who value sustainability and beautiful aesthetics in their living spaces.
Kay Wells
Quisqueya Spirits
My name is Perry Owens, an assistant principal turned beverage entrepreneur. I created Vacaciones Vodka Seltzers after a vacation made me realize that strong, flavorful drinks catering to travelers, especially Black travelers, were missing from the market. I didn’t see myself represented in the alcohol options at resorts or airports, so I built a brand that does. Vacaciones isn’t just a drink—it’s a movement designed to elevate the travel experience. What sets us apart is our bold 8% ABV, premium taste, and intentional focus on a culturally overlooked audience that spends billions on travel each year.
Perry Owens
Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation offers plant-based energy drinks and functional beverages, including sparkling okra water, crafted with natural ingredients to promote wellness and provide clean, long-lasting energy.
TeaVoila
TeaVoila has developed a ready to drink cup for today’s travelers! Our patented cup has a built-in tea compartment at the bottom, making it convenient, mess-free and priced competitively for both single and bulk orders. Filled with high quality tea and fully biodegradable, consumers can enjoy a cup of tea without worry of ingesting microplastic to their body.
Souzan Gerami
You Fork’n Right
Our jambalaya recipe, rooted in tradition since the early ’80s when I learned it from my father, reflects his culinary excellence shaped by his military experience. What began as a cherished family catering business has now evolved into a thriving venture that focuses on product placement. While jambalaya remains our specialty, we proudly offer a diverse menu that showcases an array of delightful flavors. We continue to honor our time-honored dish while expanding our reach in the culinary world. Join us as we share these exquisite tastes with a broader audience.