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.

Competition Timeline & Deadlines
Host Application Opens

Monday, January 12
Host Application Closes

Monday, February 2
Supplier Participant Application Opens

Monday, January 12
Supplier Participant Application Closes
  • Detroit, MI: 
    Friday, March 13
  • Chicago, IL:
    Wednesday, April 1
  • St. Louis, MO:
    Wednesday, April 1
  • Atlanta, GA:
    Wednesday, April 1
Round 1—
Runway 16
  • Detroit, MI: 
    Thursday, March 26
  • Chicago, IL: 
    Thursday, April 16
  • St. Louis, MO: 
    Friday, April 17
  • Atlanta, GA: 
    Friday, April 24
Round 2—
Take-Off 8
  • Thursday, May 7: Committee Review in Atlanta, GA
  • Friday, May 8: Suppliers Notified of Advancement
  • Thursday, May 14: Top 10 Suppliers Virtual Pitch
Round 3—
Final Approach 4
  • Saturday, June 13
    Live at the 41st Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference | National Harbor, MD

HOSTS

APPLY & LEARN MORE →
AMAC is accepting applications from partners to host one of the eight (8) first-round Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions.
APPLY

SUPPLIERS

APPLY & LEARN MORE →
Supplier applicants must meet specific criteria.
APPLY

JUDGES

LEARN MORE →
Each Runway to Success Competition will feature a judging panel composed of industry executives and business owners.
LEARN MORE

HOST CITIES

Upcoming Events

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News & Updates

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Sponsorships

AMAC offers a range of creative sponsorship opportunities that provide your business with exposure to an influential audience while supporting a critically important initiative. Purchase a sponsorship online or email spoonsorships@amac-org.com to secure a sponsorship.

DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP GUIDE
PURCHASE SPONSORSHIPS

Supplier Innovation Platform Committee

chair

Shelia Hudson

Principal & CEO,
Hudson and Associates

vice chair

Marlene Coleman

Director, Strategic Alliance,
Areas USA

vice chair

Bob Como

Chief Procurement Officer,
SSP America

vice chair

Brian Sirls

Senior Director Category
- Core, North America,
Avolta

chair

Shannon Sparks

Director Merchandise Manager
- North America,
Paradies Lagardère

Meet the 2026 Winners (Round 3 — Final Approach 4)

Watch the Inaugural Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition