SCHEDULE

Updated: July 2, 2026 | Subject to Change

All Events are at the Marriott Marquis Chicago Unless Otherwise Noted

Pre-Summit | Sunday, September 20, 2026

12:30 pm–5:30 pm

Grand Horizon Foyer

Registration Desk Hours

Day 1 | Monday, September 21, 2026

7:30 am–12:00 pm

Grand Horizon Foyer

Registration Desk Hours

7:30 am–8:30 am

Grand Horizon Foyer

Rise n’ Shine Breakfast

8:30 am–8:45 am

Grand Horizon D–G

Welcome Remarks from AMAC & CDA Leadership

8:45 am–9:30 am

Grand Horizon D–G

Opening Keynote

9:30 am–10:00 am

Grand Horizon D–G

Featured Conversation

12:30 pm–1:45 pm

Grand Horizon D–G

Wellness Break

2:00 pm–2:10 pm

Networking Break

10:30 am–11:30 am

Grand Horizon D–G

Senior Leadership Panel Discussion

11:30 am–12:00 pm

Grand Horizon D–G

Featured Conversation

12:00 pm–1:30 pm

Grand Horizon B–C

Networking Lunch

1:30 pm–2:30 pm

Grand Horizon C

Great Lakes E–F

Breakouts (Professional Development/Skill Building)

2:30 pm–2:50 pm

Networking Break

2:50 pm–3:00 pm

Grand Horizon D–G

Wellness Break

3:00 pm–3:45 pm

Grand Horizon D–G

Featured Conversation: From Policy to Progress

3:45 pm–4:45 pm

Grand Horizon D–G

AMAC ALC Fireside Chat

4:45 pm

Grand Horizon D–G

Closing Remarks

5:00 pm–6:00 pm

Grand Horizon B–C

Speed Mentoring (Add-on/No Additional Fee)

Sign up for a dynamic, fast-paced mentoring experience designed to spark meaningful connections and ignite career insights. In this 90-minute session, participants will rotate through 10-minute conversations with an accomplished group of leaders and changemakers, each bringing a wealth of expertise and perspective. It’s a unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the industry’s most respected professionals—ask questions, gain valuable guidance and walk away with practical guidance that you can act on. Whether you’re seeking advice, clarity or a confidence boost, this session is your runway to growth.

 

6:00 pm–7:30 pm

Grand Horizon Foyer

Circle of Influence Reception

Day 2 | Tuesday, September 22, 2026

7:30 am–12:00 pm

Grand Horizon Foyer

Registration Desk Hours

7:30 am–8:30 am

Grand Horizon D–G Foyer

Rise n’ Shine Breakfast

8:30 am–9:30 am

Grand Horizon D–G

Still, I Rise Panel Discussion

9:35 am–10:35 am

Grand Horizon Foyer

Mandatory Soul Care

10:35 am–10:45 am

 Grand Horizon D–G

Wellness Break

10:35 am–10:45 am

Networking Break

12:40 pm–1:30 pm

Transportation Departs to ORD/MDW She SOARS Inside Aviation Experiences

2:00 pm–4:00 pm

ORD Airport

She SOARS Inside Aviation Experience: O’Hare Airport Capital Projects Behind-the-Scenes

Step behind the scenes of O’Hare’s transformation and explore how major airport projects come to life. Experience guided access to active capital developments, hear real career journeys from women in infrastructure, participate in interactive “Ask Me Anything” moments, and connect with leaders shaping the future of aviation.

Note: Tour participants should book flights departing from ORD after 6:00 pm CT. Transportation to ORD and bag storage will be provided.

2:00 pm–4:00 pm

ORD Airport

She SOARS Inside Aviation Experience: O’Hare Airport Concessions

Explore the business side of aviation at O’Hare through a concessions experience highlighting women business owners. Connect with operators, learn how airport retail and dining work, and gain real-world insight into entrepreneurship—and how women are building, leading, and scaling brands in the aviation industry. 

Note: Tour participants should book flights departing from ORD after 6:00 pm CT. Transportation to ORD and bag storage will be provided.

2:00 pm–4:00 pm

MDW Airport

She SOARS Inside Aviation Experience: Midway Airport Concessions

Explore the business side of aviation at Midway through a concessions experience highlighting women business owners. Connect with operators, learn how airport retail and dining work, and gain real-world insight into entrepreneurship—and how women are building, leading, and scaling brands in the aviation industry. 

Note: Tour participants should book flights departing from MDW after 6:00 pm CT. Transportation to MDW and bag storage will be provided.

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 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.