Airport Experience® News - Conference Issue 2025

SPEAKERS & MODERATORS

JIM SZCZESNIAC Jim Szczesniac is the director of aviation for the Houston Airport System (HAS) He is responsible for the overall management of the Houston Airport System’s three

aviation facilities: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) Previously, Szczesniak served as the airport director for the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and spent a decade at Chicago Department of Aviation, including a stint as deputy commissioner of aviation

DEBORAH WARD Deborah Ward is the managing director, business development for Delaware North spearheading growth for three subsidiaries; Travel Hospitality Services (THS),

Parks and Resorts and the company’s Australian lines of business Ward began her career with Delaware North in 2001 where she served as vice president of marketing for the parks and resorts division for 10 years Prior to rejoining Delaware North in 2022, she established Peak Vantedge, a boutique consulting business focused on business development and strategic growth

ANDREW WEDDIG Andrew Weddig is the executive director of the Airport Restaurant and Retail Association (ARRA), the trade association of U S airport restaurant and retail

FEBRUARY 22-25, 2026 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE GAYLORD OPRYLAND CONVENTION CENTER

concessionaires ARRA’s mission is to collaborate with the airport community to promote sound business policies that help concessions businesses achieve financial success as they elevate the travel experience Prior to ARRA, Weddig held executive roles at Paradies Lagardère, Hojeij Branded Foods, and led the retail practice of Unison Consulting

SAVE THE DATE

ANA ŽIVANOVIC Ana Živanovic oversees San Francisco International Airport (SFO)’s strategic initiatives rooted in technology for the Chief Digital Transformation Office She has a passion

for technology strategy and business process improvement Živanovic understands the impact of digitization on airports through her decade of working closely with stakeholders at SFO as well as on the industry level through her involvement with the Airport Council International

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AX NEWS MARCH 2025