Airport Experience® News - Conference Issue 2026

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Session 7: The ACDBE Program In Transition The ACDBE program – long a cornerstone of creating a more level playing field in airport concessions – is now facing significant challenges. New U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rules have fundamentally altered how the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program operates. Certified firms must undergo recertification and now must demonstrate social and economic disadvantage or risk losing their status. Meanwhile, program implementation at airports is largely on hold, creating substantial uncertainty about how stakeholders should proceed. These revised rules are driving new actions and forcing fresh strategic planning. Hear from key industry leaders on how they are navigating this unsettled landscape – and what the future of the ACDBE program may look like.

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tennessee Ballroom

Moderator:

Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, Airport Minority Advisory Council

Panelists:

Zenola Campbell, Vice President Concessions, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport George Mboya, CEO, SSP America Shane Robinson, Owner & Founder, S&C Robinson Enterprise

Session Sponsored by: Love From USA Group General Session Room Sponsored by: Concessions International, LLC

Networking In The Experience Hall AXC Meeting Zone Sponsored by: Airport Dimensions The Speakeasy Experience with Nashville International Airport ® : Where Runways and Rhythm Meet, Sponsored by: Nashville International Airport AXC Exclusive Media Content Sponsored by: ReachTV Experience Hall Sponsored by: OTG

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Ryman Hall A1

Session 8: Cleared for Takeoff: Scaling Your Small Business Across Airports Most airport concessionaires begin with a single location in a single airport—gaining firsthand experience with the unique challenges of in-terminal F&B and retail. But for many, that first taste of success sparks the drive to scale. In this insightful session, hear from a panel of entrepreneurs who started small and quickly built thriving airport businesses. They’ll share the growth strategies that worked, the lessons learned along the way, and the common pitfalls to avoid on the path to expansion.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tennessee Ballroom

Moderator:

Ann Ferraguto, Principal, AirProjects, Inc.

Panelists:

Ryan Black, Co-Founder and CEO, SAMBAZON Açaí Bowls Pilar Guzman, Owner and CEO, Half Moon Empanadas Sheridan Mordue, Owner, Hip & Humble

General Session Room Sponsored by: Concessions International, LLC

Experience Hall Happy Hour Happy Hour Sponsored by: Paradies Lagardère AXC Meeting Zone Sponsored by: Airport Dimensions The Speakeasy Experience with Nashville International Airport ® : Where Runways and Rhythm Meet, Sponsored by: Nashville International Airport AXC Exclusive Media Content Sponsored by: ReachTV Experience Hall Sponsored by: OTG

4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Ryman Hall A1

6:00 p.m. Experience Hall Closes

8:00 p.m Speaker’s Dinner (invitation only)