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

Coming Soon
Host Application Closes

Coming Soon
Supplier Participant Application Opens

Coming Soon
Supplier Participant Application Closes

Coming Soon
Round 1—
Runway 16

Coming Soon
Round 2—
Take-Off 8

Coming Soon
Round 3—
Final Approach 4

Coming Soon

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

Congratulations to the 2026 Finalists
(Round 3 — Final Approach 4)

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AMAC_DAY_TWO-82
AMAC_DAY_TWO-19
AMAC_DAY_TWO-129
AMAC_DAY_TWO-133
AMAC_DAY_TWO-110
AMAC_DAY_TWO-139
AMAC_DAY_TWO-231
AMAC_DAY_TWO-212
AMAC_DAY_TWO-296
AMAC_DAY_TWO-134
AMAC_DAY_TWO-168
AMAC_DAY_TWO-142

Watch the 2026 Competitions (Round 1 — Runway 16)

Chicago | April 16, 2026

St. Louis | April 17, 2026

Atlanta | April 24, 2026

2026 HOST CITIES

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
CLOSED-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

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