Airport Experience® News - Conference Issue 2025

When the strategic planning department disbanded at the conclusion of the project, Conner Harris had a choice to make. “There were a couple of different paths we could take, and I chose marketing because it appealed to me. I thought it was a fascinating area,” she says. “I joined the cargo marketing division, not knowing anything about cargo but we really had a great, experienced team of professionals in that group and I really learned a lot.” Working as a research analyst, “I was preparing reports and presentations to entice airlines to make MCO part of their network,” adds Conner Harris. “I was asked to assist with analysis on the passenger marketing side and eventually joined that group exclusively.”

The passenger marketing department was a great fit for Conner Harris, but she wanted more. “I love analysis and research – at the time, spreadsheets were my best friend!” she laughs. “While I’ve always loved those things, I also love interacting with people and developing relationships, which is the piece that I was missing in the analyst role.” A New Opportunity As fate would have it, Conner Harris was approached by then-assistant director of concessions Cheryl Nashir about an open position in the concessions department. “Cheryl is someone I admire greatly,” says Conner Harris. “We were

talking about our roles, and I said, ‘I love what I’m doing, I just miss this piece.’ And she said that she had a position coming up in her department that combined those two – the analysis and the relationship development – and she thought I’d really be a good fit.” Harris, who “jumped” at the chance to work with Nashir, interviewed with her as well as then-director of concessions, Derryl Benton and assistant director Sylvia Ross for a position as a contract administrator.

Below: Conner Harris and her team have brought unique and exciting concessions options to Orlando International Airport