Airport Experience® News - Post-Conference Issue 2023

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6 The Roundtable In a private meeting at the AX Conference, AXN Publisher Melissa K. Montes and Editor in-Chief Carol Ward met with five senior executives from North America’s leading concessionaires. Check out what they have to say about the future of the industry. 12 The Year’s Best The AX Awards returned to full force in 2023. A panel of industry judges voted on the best of-the-best in airport properties management and airport concessions. Winners took home their trophies from the annual Awards Gala that closed the AX Conference. 22 Directors On Stage Four airport directors shared their challenges and vision for the future in the annual Directors session. 24 Women In The Spotlight For the third year in a row, the AX Conference kicked off with a Women in Leadership breakfast and panel discussion. This sold out event once again served as a catalyst for ongoing change in the airports and concessions industries. 28 Zimmern On Food Waste Celebrity chef and entrepreneur Andrew Zimmern joined the AX Conference this year, delivering a keynote speech and moderating a panel on combatting food waste. 32 Concessions Evolution A series of panels was devoted to the ongoing evolution of airport concessions and the challenges and opportunities in a post pandemic environment.

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38 Industry Trends New opportunities, new players and new predictions were all given voice at the AX Conference in a series of panels designed to show attendees a glimpse of what’s to come in the industry. 42 DE&I Spotlight Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts continue to expand at many airports and concessions companies. Four speakers shared their strategies to ensure a level playing field for all. 44 Airport Opportunities The airport concessions industry is all about opportunities, and in this session, nine airport representatives shared their concessions program plans, giving operators a glimpse of what they might be bidding on in the future.

46 Schmooze Fest The annual schmooze session – a speed dating-like event pairing airports with concessionaires for quick one-on-one meetings – was a conference highlight with a record 40 airports represented. 48 Opening Night Opening Night in the Experience Hall was a blast! Event sponsor Jackmont Hospitality brought surprise guest Ludacris to pump up the crowd, and Paradies Lagardère continued the fun with a first-ever in-hall after party.

4 Letter From The Publisher 5 Letter From The Editor 52 Advertising Index

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