- How to Participate
- Host Cities & Events
- Sponsorships
- Meet the Winners
What is Runway to Success?
Runway to Success is a “Shark Tank-style” multi-round, progressive supplier pitch competition that spotlights innovative, scalable products from small, minority- and women-owned businesses seeking to enter the airport concessions and retail marketplace. The competition connects participants with major airport industry decision-makers, providing the tools, resources and exposure needed to scale and succeed.
Eligibility/Restrictions
- Business must at least be 51% minority- or woman-owned
- Cannot currently have an existing or pending contract with an airport or an airport concessionaire
- You may participate in only one first-round competition. You cannot change your selection once your application has been submitted.
Fees
- $75 application fee for non-AMAC members, applied to membership should the participant advance to Round 2
Competition Overview
There are three (3) rounds: Runway 16, Ready Takeoff 8 and Final Approach 4.
For each round, participants will present their products to a panel of judges, who may ask questions and offer advice. Judges will evaluate participants using the established scoring rubric while also considering each company’s specific standards and business needs. The highest-scoring participants from each group will advance.
The final round takes place at the AMAC Airport Business Conference before a panel of industry executives, giving finalists a chance to showcase their businesses, receive valuable feedback and explore potential commercial relationships and contracting opportunities.
Key Competition Timeline & Deadlines
Host Application Opens
October 22, 2026
Host Application Closes
November 19, 2026
Supplier Participant Application Opens
December 9, 2026
Supplier Participant Application Closes
January 13, 2027
Round 1—
Runway 16
February 25–March 25, 2027
Locations: To Be Announced
Round 2—
Take-Off 8
April 19–23, 2027
Location: Virtual
Round 3—
Final Approach 4
June 28 (Exhibit) & June 29 (Pitch), 2027
Location: 42nd Annual AMAC Airport Business Conference | Atlanta, GA
HOSTS
SUPPLIERS
JUDGES
Upcoming Events
Congratulations to the 2026 Finalists
(Round 3 — Final Approach 4)
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.
News & Updates
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
chair
Steve Johnson
President & CEO North America,
Avolta
vice chair
George Mboya
CEO,
SSP America
vice chair
Gregg Paradies
CEO,
Paradies Lagardère
vice chair
Brian Sirls
Senior Director Category
- Core, North America,
Avolta
chair
Shannon Sparks
Director Merchandise Manager
- North America,
Paradies Lagardère