Airport Experience® News - Post-Conference Issue 2023

“Details matter,” said Humphries of the brand’s rising success. “We care about the customer and we care about detail, and customers care about detail.” Judges noted that Humphries’ business model would appeal to shor t-on time business travelers, and asked the entrepreneur whether he would consider pre- or post-security stations. Humphries responded that a post-security presence works best to ensure that customers have enough time, and noted that the brand plans to build out further digital payment and reservation systems to increase the speed of transaction. Asked about perhaps the most pressing issue of operating a barbershop inside an airport - working with sharp tools post-security - Humphries came prepared, noting that he was “ready for TSA, baby!”, and that all tools are welded into wire-connected lockboxes for extra safety. Rounding out the afternoon’s pitches was a proposal from Josh Springer, CEO of Bottoms Up Draft Beer Systems . Bottoms Up uses patented magnet powered pint glass technology to fill beers from the base of the vessel automatically, resulting in a hands-free, perfect pour for busy, high-volume bartenders. The brand has risen from a garage-shed daydream in 2008 to a nationally distributed system, with its sights set on expanding into the airport concessions space. “We’ve just scratched the surface of this opportunity,” said Springer, adding that implementing Bottoms Up systems would not only save airport bars thousands of gallons of wasted beer but also free staff for additional customer interactions and revenue. Judges were eager to know if all types of beer work with the system (they do), if glasses ever leak (Springer said leaks are rare, but acknowledged that they do occasionally occur), and whether beer companies and system technicians were generally in favor of the technology. “We have gotten pushback from beer companies, because they are afraid they won’t sell as much beer,” said Springer, “but beer sales through Bottoms Up generally go up 30%.”

Left: Caitlyn Scaggs, executive manager of New Hope Girls, shared her non profit’s goals for expanding in airports throughout North America.

operations, equipment, and ordering costs down and the team able to deliver “wow” experiences to travelers nationwide. Next up was a pitch from Caitlyn Scaggs, executive manager of New Hope Girls . The Dominican Republic-based nonprofit employs local women seeking work to craft artisan handbags, the proceeds of which also go to the company’s supportive programming for women and girls trying to escape domestic violence, sex trafficking, and other untenable circumstances. Scaggs highlighted the brand’s accessible range of price points ($12-$95), sustainable materials, and its proven success at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), where the brand was sold at an “ethical wares” kiosk. “At every touch point it’s clear that this is a purchase that impacts people in very real ways,” said Scaggs, who noted that the Dulles kiosk placed an immediate reorder after selling through their stock. Judges recommended that the team continue to highlight New Hope Girls’ specific programming — which ranges from housing to trauma-informed therapy — and that they connect with anti- human trafficking task forces at local airports to discuss potential partnerships. “I think it’s about getting this brand in front of them,” said Grzechowiak, “and asking: ‘Do you have somebody that is focused on sharing this message?’” Pivoting to the passenger wellness space, Vida Humphries, founder of A

Above: Rod Tafoya, president of event sponsor Mission Yogurt, led the discussion on the merits of each idea presented.

Shaving Grace Hairport, shared his vision for a portfolio of nationwide barber shops where customers can “look good on the f ly” though expert, express airport haircuts. Humphries founded the brand in 2015 and impressed the judges with the company’s financial statistics — the company expects to gross more than $2.4 million in 2023 — and their proven product by having his team conduct a live haircut onstage during the pitch.

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