The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) present the 36th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference: Honoring the Legacy, Perfecting the Present & Building for the Future from June 14–16, 2021—a virtual conference. https://amac-org.com/annualconference/register/
Schedule as of May 3, 2021—Subject to Change
Saturday, June 12, 2021
| 11:00 am–12:30 pm EDT | AMAC Foundation Project LIFT
Students are invited to learn about careers and pathways in the aviation industry! AMAC hosts Project Leaders Inspiring Future Talent (LIFT) at the annual Airport Business Diversity Conference. This forum-style mentoring session is held for students interested in fields related to aviation and aviation-related business. Project LIFT exposes students to potential careers, educational paths to success and provides networking opportunities with professional mentors to further students’ academic development. |
Monday, June 14, 2021
| ONGOING | Silent Auction |
| 10:00 am–11:00 am EDT | AMAC Connections Break
Although the COVID-19 pandemic shifted us to a virtual format this year, networking and connectivity remains an important pillar for AMAC, and has been reimagined for the virtual space. AMAC is providing several virtual opportunities for our attendees to connect and build relationships. Attendees will meet in the networking area on the virtual platform and have the opportunity to connect with fellow AMAC attendees. The maximum connection time is 10 minutes, but you can break that connection at any time and move on to meet and connect with another attendee. You will never meet the same person twice—it will be just like walking through the hallways and meeting at the elevator! There is also a Connect button that will allow you to quickly and easily exchange contact information, similar to exchanging business cards at a physical event. |
| 10:00 am–11:00 am EDT | AMAC Exhibit Gateway
The AMAC Gateway offers attendees the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of airport concessions, construction companies, products, services and tools and technologies available in today’s airports. |
| 10:30 am–11:30 am EDT | AMAC Foundation Board Meeting |
| 11:00 am–1:15 pm EDT | DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training—Certification Intensive
The AMAC DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training is a comprehensive, content-rich, one or two day course designed to provide in-depth training to DBE/ACDBE and DBELO professionals, from beginner through intermediate experience levels. Our goal is to connect current and future DBE professionals with subject-matter experts in the DBE and ACDBE contract compliance industry. |
| 11:30 am–1:00 pm EDT | AMAC Trade Board Meeting |
| 1:15 pm–1:45 pm EDT | Opening Session & Virtual Conference Welcome
AMAC Executives will give welcome remarks and an overview of the virtual conference agenda. Remarks: Anthony Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, AMAC; Balram Bheodari, Interim General Manager ,Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Shannetta Griffin, Chair, AMAC Conference Planning Committee/ Founder, Griffin Engineering Design; Ricky Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors / CEO, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; and Myrna White, Vice Chair, AMAC Conference Planning Committee / Director, Office of Public Affairs, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| 1:50 pm–3:00 pm EDT | Airport Directors’ 20/20 Vision Forum: Addressing the Economic and Health Impact of COVID-19 on the Aviation Industry
The Airport Directors’ 20/20 Vision Forum has become a conference highlight. This forum is designed to provide conference attendees an opportunity to hear about the future of airports and the aviation industry from the Airport Directors who lead some of our nation’s key airports. Presented in a “talk show” format—this year’s forum provides a relaxed environment for the diverse group of Directors to explore and discuss the positive and negative impacts that COVID-19 has had on aviation operations, health, air service, economic development, job creation, tourism and trade. Moderator: Marshall J. Taggart, Jr., Chair, AMAC Airport Leadership Collective / Executive Airport Director, Montgomery Regional Airport Panelists: Balram Bheodari, Interim General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Mario Diaz, Airport Director, Houston Airport System; Cynthia Guidry, Director, Long Beach Airport; Ron Mathieu, President & CEO, Birmingham Airport Authority; Perry Miller, President & Chief Executive Officer, Richmond International Airport; and Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation |
| 3:00 pm–4:00 pm EDT | DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training—Certification Intensive
The AMAC DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training is a comprehensive, content-rich, one or two day course designed to provide in-depth training to DBE/ACDBE and DBELO professionals, from beginner through intermediate experience levels. Our goal is to connect current and future DBE professionals with subject-matter experts in the DBE and ACDBE contract compliance industry. |
| 3:15 pm–4:15 pm EDT | Track 1: Concessions
The Anatomy of a Deal–Analyzing the Viability Not every concession deal is right for you. Targeted to both operators and joint venture partners, this session will dissect a potential deal from all sides: financial, relationship, business cycle, airport metrics and more. This session will set you up for smart growth, financial health and longevity for your company. Moderator: LeMonica Hakeem, CEO, Conekt Hospitality Panelists: Michael Baldwin, AVP Concessions, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; Nick Crews, Managing Partner & CEO, CREWS; and Tosin Kasali, Chair, AMAC Membership Committee / Senior Director Business Development, HMSHost |
| 3:15 pm–4:15 pm EDT | Track 2: AEC
Airport Development Update: Trends and Opportunities Development plans at airports have been significantly impacted by the downturn in aviation. What is in store in the future? What specific projects and services will be in demand at airports? How will these projects be financed and delivered? Come to this informative session to get an understanding of future airport development trends and opportunities for DBE/WBE firms. Moderator: TJ Schulz, President, Airports Consultants Council Panelists: Norma Click, Senior Project Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; J.J. Morton, Principal/Senior Vice President, Kimley-Horn; and Dwight H. Pullen, Jr., Chair, AMAC Aviation Professional Development Committee / National Core Market Leader, DPR Construction |
| 3:15 pm–4:15 pm EDT | Track 3: Technology
The Touchless Passenger Experience Passengers expect to experience a certain level of technology. How to engage and interact with a passenger with no physical contact? Moderator: Clarence LeJeune, CEO, LeJeune and Associates, LLC Panelists: Zenola Campbell, Vice President of Concessions, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; |
| 3:15 pm–4:15 pm EDT | Track 4: FAA
Obligations for Ensuring Nondiscrimination in Airport Programs This session will offer an overview and discussion of compliance requirements concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and related civil rights policy, as they apply to airport programs. Taken together, the requirements prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed and national origin. FAA subject matter experts will discuss special topics including limited English proficiency (LEP) programs; environmental justice (EJ) requirements; accessible ground transportation services, vehicles, and infrastructure; provision of mothers’ rooms; service animal requirements; and common issues with accessible paths of travel. Presenter: Jonathan Klein, National Team Lead, Airport Disability and Airport Nondiscrimination Program Compliance Teams, Federal Aviation Administration |
| 4:30 pm– 5:30 pm EDT | New Member/First-Time Attendee Orientation |
| 6:00 pm–9:00 pm EDT | AMAC Foundation Bill Walker Memorial Topgolf Event
This annual event benefits the AMAC Foundation Scholarship program. The golf event honors one of AMAC’s own tireless servants, Bill Walker. Mr. Walker’s affiliation with the AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference began with the Los Angeles, California Conference in 1988. At the time, he was a Vice President at the Pacific Sate Airlines. Walker began planning the golf tournament shortly after and continued to organize until illness prevented him from doing so. Named after Walker to honor his dedication and commitment to AMAC, the event has since become a perennial favorite and a way for attendees provide scholarship to future potential aviation professionals. |
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
| ONGOING | Silent Auction |
| 10:00 am–11:00 am EDT | AMAC Connections Break
Although the COVID-19 pandemic shifted us to a virtual format this year, networking and connectivity remains an important pillar for AMAC, and has been reimagined for the virtual space. AMAC is providing several virtual opportunities for our attendees to connect and build relationships. Attendees will meet in the networking area on the virtual platform and have the opportunity to connect with fellow AMAC attendees. The maximum connection time is 10 minutes, but you can break that connection at any time and move on to meet and connect with another attendee. You will never meet the same person twice—it will be just like walking through the hallways and meeting at the elevator! There is also a Connect button that will allow you to quickly and easily exchange contact information, similar to exchanging business cards at a physical event. |
| 10:00 am–11:00 am EDT | AMAC Exhibit Gateway
The AMAC Gateway offers attendees the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of airport concessions, construction companies, products, services and tools and technologies available in today’s airports. |
| 11:00 am–12:00 pm EDT | Track 1: Concessions
The Anatomy of a Deal–Terms of Negotiation In a post-COVID-19 landscape, what terms should concessionaires seek to incorporate into leases and contracts in the future? How do firms negotiate terms that focus on sustainability during recovery? Moderator: Cobi Duncan, Airport Concession Contract Compliance Manager, Office of Business Diversity & Inclusion, Philadelphia International Airport Panelists: Mary Morgan, President, Morgan Group Ventures, Inc.; James Obletz, President, Delaware North Travel Hospitality; Bill Swift, Treasurer, AMAC Board of Directors / Owner, Business Traveler Services, Inc. and Swift Services, Inc. |
| 11:00 am–12:00 pm EDT | Track 2: AEC
Weathering the Storm During Turbulent Times: Strategies for Resilience and Recovery With a year of turbulence and uncertainty behind us, the aviation industry is ramping up for full recovery. During this session, large and small AEC firms focus on best practices for diversification, innovation, maintaining relationship and sustainment/growth planning. Our panel of experts will share insight on weathering the storm, while preparing for the wave of opportunities. Moderator: Lance Lyttle, Managing Director-Aviation, Port of Seattle Panelists: Julius Davis, President & CEO, VoltAir Consulting; Carolyn Ellison, Regional Director, Community and Citizenship, Turner Construction Co.; Lou Russo, SVP National Market Sector Leader-Aviation, HNTB; and Beverly Thomas, President, Regional Contracting Services |
| 11:00 am–12:00 pm EDT | Track 3: Technology
Curb to Gate: Improving and Enhancing the Passenger Experience A passenger’s experience with your airport begins before they reach the terminal. From apps that alert you to open parking spaces, rideshare and pre-flight food ordering, this panel will discuss the various ways technology is enhancing the passenger experience. Moderator: Winston Burns, Managing Partner, Westwin Business and Newburns Management Group Panelists: Ben DeCosta; General Manager (Former), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Jeff Livney, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Servy |
| 11:00 am–12:00 pm EDT | Track 4: FAA
Joint Ventures: Analyzing ACDE Control This session will offer a review of the Joint Venture Guidance on analyzing the distinct, clearly defined portion of work that the ACDBE performs on the concessions contract. FAA will discuss the regulatory requirements, U.S. Department of Transportation guidance, as well as suggested best practices for analyzing ACDBE participation in the joint venture agreement. Presenter: Dolores Spriggs, Acting National Team Lead, DBE/ACDBE Program Compliance Team, Office of Civil Rights, Federal Aviation Administration |
| 11:00 am–1:00 pm EDT | DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training—Program Administration
The AMAC DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training is a comprehensive, content-rich, one or two day course designed to provide in-depth training to DBE/ACDBE and DBELO professionals, from beginner through intermediate experience levels. Our goal is to connect current and future DBE professionals with subject-matter experts in the DBE and ACDBE contract compliance industry. |
| 12:00 pm–12:45 pm EDT | AMAC Connections Break
Although the COVID-19 pandemic shifted us to a virtual format this year, networking and connectivity remains an important pillar for AMAC, and has been reimagined for the virtual space. AMAC is providing several virtual opportunities for our attendees to connect and build relationships. Attendees will meet in the networking area on the virtual platform and have the opportunity to connect with fellow AMAC attendees. The maximum connection time is 10 minutes, but you can break that connection at any time and move on to meet and connect with another attendee. You will never meet the same person twice—it will be just like walking through the hallways and meeting at the elevator! There is also a Connect button that will allow you to quickly and easily exchange contact information, similar to exchanging business cards at a physical event. |
| 12:00 pm–12:45 pm EDT | AMAC Exhibit Gateway
The AMAC Gateway offers attendees the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of airport concessions, construction companies, products, services and tools and technologies available in today’s airports. |
| 1:00 pm–2:30 pm EDT | AMAC Business Meeting & Election Ratification |
| 2:30 pm–4:30 pm EDT | DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training—Program Administration
The AMAC DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer & Program Administrators Training is a comprehensive, content-rich, one or two day course designed to provide in-depth training to DBE/ACDBE and DBELO professionals, from beginner through intermediate experience levels. Our goal is to connect current and future DBE professionals with subject-matter experts in the DBE and ACDBE contract compliance industry. |
| 2:45 pm–3:45 pm EDT | Track 1: Concessions
The Art of Financing Your Concessions Deal The Art of Financing Your Concessions Deal is an engaging and empowering collaboration of thought leaders providing concessions entrepreneurs insightful tradition and non-traditional financing options to explore. This session is a MUST for concessionaires looking to move your business to the next level. Moderator: Alicia Ivey, At-Large Director, AMAC Board of Directors / CEO & President, Goldbergs Concessions Corporation Panelists: George Andrews, President, Unity National Bank; Daniel Halpern, CEO & Founder, Jackmont Hospitality; and Dwayne Heard, President & Co-Owner, Master ConcessionAir |
| 2:45 pm–3:45 pm EDT | Track 2: AEC
Green Partnership for Resilience Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport takes an integrative approach to plan, build, operate and maintain airport assets that reflect our commitment to sustaining a balanced triple bottom line—people, planet and profit. This session shares our common-sense approach to GreeningATL, resulting in the Food Heroes Program and ATL becoming the first airport in the world to receive LEED for Communities certification at the Platinum level. Join this session to learn about innovation, challenges, lessons-learned and opportunities to partner with and strengthen the ATL airport commitment to Atlanta and the global community. Moderator: Meena Nieto, Airport Director, Planning and Development, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Panelists: Jasmine Crowe, Founder & CEO, Goodr; Jeff Denno, Senior Project Manager-Aviation Sustainability, CBRE; Andrew Jones, Facilities Project Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; and Jaimi Tapp, Director of Strategic Planning, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| 2:45 pm–3:45 pm EDT | Track 3: Technology
Managing and Understanding the Capital Investment as It Relates to Technology Technology upgrades and enhancements require planning and forethought. How do you evaluate what type of investment to make and prepare for the fiscal impact? Moderator: Cameron James, Director, Operations, Latrelle’s Management Corporation Panelists: Paul Brown, CEO, Jackson Municipal Airport Authority; Sharon Heard-Brown, Assistant General Manager, IT Operations, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Tarra Pressey, CEO, Tarra Enterprises, Inc.; and Mack Wilbourn, Owner & President, Mack II, Inc. |
| 2:45 pm–3:45 pm EDT | Track 4: FAA
Questions and Answers: FAA and DOT Civil Rights Leadership Join us in a lively question and answer session with the Federal Aviation Administration Assistant Administrator of Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Transportation Director of Departmental of Civil Rights. Get to know them and hear about recent DBE and ACDBE policy highlights. The session will be hosted by a moderator who will begin by asking the panelist some initial questions. Attendees will be able to submit questions in advance of the session for the moderator to read to the panelist. Moderator: Wande Diatke Leintu, Deputy Vice President, Supplier Diversity, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Presenters: John Benison, Assistant Administrator, Office of Civil Rights, Federal Aviation Administration; and Irene Marion, Director, Departmental Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Transportation |
| 2:45 pm–3:45 pm EDT | AMAC Emerging Leaders: Going Up! Crafting Your Elevator Pitch with Pinky Cole, Owner and Operator of Slutty Vegan
AMAC’s Emerging Leaders has discussed how to Level Up, Double Up and now we’re Going Up! We are thrilled to partner with Pinky Cole, Owner and Operator of Slutty Vegan to learn tips and tricks on how to impress and maximize your elevator pitch in 90 seconds or less! |
| 3:45 pm–4:30 pm EDT | AMAC Exhibit Gateway
The AMAC Gateway offers attendees the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of airport concessions, construction companies, products, services and tools and technologies available in today’s airports. |
| 3:45 pm–4:30 pm EDT | AMAC Connections Break
Although the COVID-19 pandemic shifted us to a virtual format this year, networking and connectivity remains an important pillar for AMAC, and has been reimagined for the virtual space. AMAC is providing several virtual opportunities for our attendees to connect and build relationships. Attendees will meet in the networking area on the virtual platform and have the opportunity to connect with fellow AMAC attendees. The maximum connection time is 10 minutes, but you can break that connection at any time and move on to meet and connect with another attendee. You will never meet the same person twice—it will be just like walking through the hallways and meeting at the elevator! There is also a Connect button that will allow you to quickly and easily exchange contact information, similar to exchanging business cards at a physical event. |
| 4:30 pm–5:15 pm EDT | AMAC Catalyst Awards
Catalyst—A person or thing whose talk, enthusiasm or energy causes a change. The AMAC Catalyst Awards honors AMAC members who have made outstanding contributions to further AMAC’s goals and mission. AMAC members are invited in advance to nominate individuals or organizations—award recipients are honored at the live virtual event. |
| 5:15 pm–6:00 pm EDT | AMAC Foundation Scholarship Awards
At this annual event, the AMAC Foundation honors its student scholarship recipients and donors. This event also celebrates the students’ academic achievements and provides the students an opportunity to accept their scholarships and share their academic and career aspirations. |
| 6:00 pm–7:00 pm EDT | ATL’s This Is Our Legacy Reception—An Experience Presented by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Representing the city where the great visionary, Mayor Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. championed the development and growth of minority businesses, ATL proudly welcomes you to Atlanta! This tantalizing virtual experience celebrates Atlanta’s many contributions to today’s culture by allowing you to experience our influential music scene, cuisine seasoned by true southern hospitality and a look into how our city and airport community became notable by standing on the shoulders of leaders like Jackson. We invite you to get comfortable in your virtual space, grab your dancing shoes and join us as we honor the legacy, focus on perfecting the present and reignite our intentions to build for the future! |
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
| ONGOING | Silent Auction |
| 9:00 am–10:00 am EDT | AMAC Exhibit Gateway
The AMAC Gateway offers attendees the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of airport concessions, construction companies, products, services and tools and technologies available in today’s airports. |
| 9:00 am–10:00 am EDT | AMAC Connections Break
Although the COVID-19 pandemic shifted us to a virtual format this year, networking and connectivity remains an important pillar for AMAC, and has been reimagined for the virtual space. AMAC is providing several virtual opportunities for our attendees to connect and build relationships. Attendees will meet in the networking area on the virtual platform and have the opportunity to connect with fellow AMAC attendees. The maximum connection time is 10 minutes, but you can break that connection at any time and move on to meet and connect with another attendee. You will never meet the same person twice—it will be just like walking through the hallways and meeting at the elevator! There is also a Connect button that will allow you to quickly and easily exchange contact information, similar to exchanging business cards at a physical event. |
| 10:00 am–11:30 am EDT | AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation Event
The AMAC Foundation Celebrating Women in Aviation event is designed to foster, promote and applaud the success of women in aviation and aerospace-related businesses and career achievements. This unique event offers business owners, airports, government and corporations the opportunity to network and hear about the personal and professional experiences of outstanding women in the industry and their stories of success in the industry. |
| 11:30 am–12:30 pm EDT | AMAC Exhibit Gateway
The AMAC Gateway offers attendees the opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of airport concessions, construction companies, products, services and tools and technologies available in today’s airports. |
| 12:30 pm–1:30 pm EDT | Track 1: Concessions
Building Relationships for Success in Concessions Who are the individuals every concessionaire should get to know and develop relationships with as they build their concession business? What do these productive relationships look like? Moderator: Marlene Coleman, Concessions Director, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Panelists: Kimberly Griffin, Supplier Diversity Certification Consultant and CEO, dbe Consulting LLC; Bobby Nix, Owner & CEO, Pleasant News; Gregg Paradies, President & CEO, Paradies Lagardère |
| 12:30 pm–1:30 pm EDT | Track 2: AEC
What’s the Big Deal? Opportunity and Inclusion in Airport Mega Deals 2020 Public Private Partnerships and other big deals are driving big airport capital programs, under pressure to deliver mega-projects ($1B plus). How can you get in on a billion-dollar deal? What are the opportunities, the challenges, the tips and the lessons learned? Hear from airport executives, mega-project developers and minority business leaders thriving in this challenging environment about the good, bad and ugly of getting in on the Mega-Deals. Moderator: Darryl Daniels, Vice Chair, AMAC PAC Board of Directors / President and CEO, Jacobsen|Daniels Panelists: Dr. Giovanna Brasfield, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Southwest Division, Flatiron Construction; Amber Meshack, Director of Business, Jobs, & Social Responsibility, Los Angeles World Airports; Frank Rucker, Chief of Capital Programs, Planning & Innovation, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority; and Aaron Yohnke, Vice President and LA District Manager, PCL Construction |
| 12:30 pm–1:30 pm EDT | Track 3: Technology
The Future of the Passenger Experience How does technology play a role in how we communicate with passengers in the future? What methods do we use to capture passenger data and implement improvements to the passenger experience? Moderator: Cassandra Bozeman, Chair, AMAC Corporate Development Committee / Founder, ONE Enterprise Group Panelists: Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President, Revenue Management and Customer Experience, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; Steve Mayers, Director, Customer Experience and ADA Coordinator, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; and Miguel Southwell, President, Brakkam Aviation Management |
| 12:30 pm–1:30 pm EDT | Track 4: FAA
DBE and ACDBE, Americans with Disability Act and Title VI Programs Panel with the FAA Office of Civil Rights The panel will answer your questions related to the airport DBE/ACDBE, ADA and Tit AuthorDigital Issue... 
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