Airport Experience® News - Leadership Issue 2025

AXN remains deeply committed to being in the room, at the table, and actively shaping what comes next for airport concessions. AXN: Concessions operators are facing a challenging post-pandemic environment. What about AXN? How has the organization navigated recovery, and what key challenges remain? MONTES: Like many organizations, AXN was forced to lean into the idea that chaos can create opportunity. When the industry shifted, we pivoted quickly to a fully digital magazine and later brought it back to print full time in response to clear demand from our audience. We also leaned deeply into partnerships with concessionaires who have supported AXN since its inception, while becoming more nimble as our team reduced in size but increased overall output. Like many of our corporate partners, we are supported by an international parent company that challenges us to stay rigorous around ROI, digital optimization, and what is next. We continue to face revenue pressures just as many of our partners do. What differentiates AXN is that we are not a membership based organization. Subscription revenue and the support of our annual event make up most of our business. That reality makes it imperative that we consistently deliver compelling news coverage and unforgettable event experiences that provide our partners with real ROI and a clear reason to keep coming back. AXN: North American airports are moving full-speed ahead with new, expanded, and upgraded terminals. What are some of the most impactful developments you’ve seen? MONTES: There are so many exciting developments happening across North American airports right now. This year alone, San Diego and Pittsburgh opened brand new terminals, while countless others continue to expand and reconfigure to better serve today’s traveler. The results have been remarkable and, in many cases, awe inspiring. These advancements align beautifully with AXN’s mission to amplify airports that are redefining the traveler experience. I have been fortunate to experience many of these projects up close alongside Carol as we tour incredible airports like Charlotte, Orlando, Minneapolis, Nashville, and Toronto. Seeing these investments firsthand reinforces just how committed airports are to elevating the passenger experience.

For us, it is about being on the ground, collaborating with airport partners, and shining a light on the innovation, investment, and success reshaping our industry. AXN: How do you see both the AXN media platform and the Airport Experience Conference evolving? MONTES: Staying connected to the evolving needs of today’s traveler across all demographics is incredibly important. We rely on advisory committees to help us stay closely aligned with shifting priorities across airports, concessionaires, and our broader partner community. Most recently, we have placed a strong focus on next generation travelers by assembling a committee of young professionals who help shape how we deliver content and engagement. Remaining nimble and delivering content in diverse, modern ways that meet the needs of our constantly evolving audience is essential. You can expect increased digital focus across our platforms while still preserving the traditional offerings our subscribers value. From an event perspective, the Airport Experience Conference will continue to do what it does best: bring people together in a collaborative environment where we can openly discuss challenges and play an active role in shaping solutions. The conference will continue evolving to meet the needs of our core audience while also engaging new voices across the industry.

Above: Montes sets the pace at AXC, emceeing the AX Awards Gala and driving the energy from the main stage.

AXN: Your leadership style blends commercial strength with deep relationship building. How would you describe your approach? MONTES: Everything starts with intention and shared purpose. With a small but mighty team behind the industry’s leading concessions conference and media platform, it is essential that every person understands the mission and how their role directly supports it. When people are connected to the why, they lead with confidence, ownership, and heart. I lead with a transformational mindset rooted in trust, growth, and belief in people. Change is constant in our industry, and we simply cannot do what we have always done and expect different results. My role is to support the team in getting comfortable being uncomfortable, staying curious, and growing through it together. Connection is also core to how I lead. As a P&L owner in a bottom line business, being commercially minded is essential. But it is equally critical that we are never transactional in how we show up for our subscribers, attendees, exhibitors, and

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AX NEWS DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026