Airport Experience® News - Conference Issue 2026

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16 Labor Pains Ever since the pandemic, the airport concessions industry has been challenged by rapidly rising wage and benefit demands from its front-line workers. With limits on their abilities to raise prices at most airports, concessionaires say the current dynamic just isn’t working. 22 Deanna’s Impact Deanna Zachrisson has spent a large chunk of her career in airport concessions, most recently leading the properties team at San Diego International Airport. Shortly after SAN’s new Terminal 2 was unveiled, Zachrisson was named AXN’s Property Manager of the Year. 26 Where Are We Going? Where and why people travel, and how they book that travel, is constantly evolving. Find out the latest trends and expectations of emerging groups of young travelers. 32 Conference Agenda You’re complete guide to AXC 2026. 46 Who’s In The Hall? Check out the Experience Hall map to find out about offerings from all your favorite exhibitors. 48 Sponsor Support Sponsors are the backbone of AXC – the show couldn’t happen without them. Check out the companies that are supporting North America’s largest concessions conference this year. 63 Exhibitor Lineup More than 100 exhibitors will showcase their companies in the AX Experience Hall. Check out new entries and familiar favorites in the conference’s activity hub. 81 Speaker Insights Dozens of industry experts have agreed to share their insights with the AXC audience. Find out who will be on stage this year.

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6 Letter From The Publisher 8 Latest Buzz

86 One-On-One In November 2025, Areas completed its acquisition of Delaware North’s Travel Hospitality Services division. Carlos Bernal, CEO of the now-much-larger Areas USA, shares the latest progress on integration and his vision for the company going forward.

The PDX Next terminal redevelopment is scheduled to be completed and open in April 2026. Then, travelers will step into a terminal that is not only larger and more efficient but hyper-local and unmistakenly Portland. 12 Director’s Chair

90 Advertising Index 92 Before You Take Off

Haley Gentry has been at the helm at Charlotte Douglas International Airport since 2021, but she has built her

Most pets are pampered these days, but Rome–Fiumicino International Airport “Leonardo da Vinci” is taking it to the extreme, offering a “Dog Relais” for pooches whose humans are traveling. Private lodging, pools, aromatherapy and even dental services are all part of the offer.

career there since the 1990s. As the airport wraps up its massive Destination CLT capital project, Gentry shares what’s next.

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AX NEWS MARCH 2026