Airport Experience® News - Post-Conference Issue 2024

AXC SESSION: BUSINESS PITCH SHOWCASE

Business Pitch: It’s one of the most anticipated sessions of the conference — AXC’s very own version of Shark Tank , where intrepid entrepreneurs make their best new business pitches to a panel of seasoned airport professionals. While there are no official investments made, brands ranging from robotic bartenders and cargo haulers to hidden carry-on and jet lag solutions made impressive bids for future business. First up was Jim Corbett, vice president of business development for Washington-based Cherrish juice company. Already known for providing collegiate and professional sports teams with a fast-acting antioxidant beverage designed to facilitate muscle recovery, the cherry juice also has a distinct feature built for travelers — its melatonin, which works to naturally encourage restful sleep and combat jet lag. “This is what people on planes need — flight attendants need this,” said Corbett, as he pitched selling both a bottled juice and TSA-friendly concentrate in airports. Judges including Pamela DeChant, senior vice president of concessions at Denver International Airport (DEN), suggested Cherrish attend further consumables conferences as well as explore airline partnerships. Next up was Maritza M. Berger, strategic account executive at Piaggio Fast Forward , a subdivision of the Italian motor company dedicated to robotic cargo devices. The company’s latest offering, the kilo, is a solution for both front- and back-of-house hauling, powered by AI technology allowing users a cart that will follow them without a need for Bluetooth, GPS or complicated setup. “This reduces injuries from manual pushing and pulling,” said Berger. Judge Katherine

Lam, president and co-owner of Bambuza Hospitality Group was intrigued but flagged a need for the company to calculate the balance of work hours saved to initial investment. Third to bat was Amber Waldeier, founder and CEO of “un-luggage” company Zipplicity. Traveling after years of illness, Waldeier became determined not to miss a moment — or face unwanted baggage fees. “I found the real estate right around my neck,” she said, explaining how she turned a traditional neck pillow into a collapsible carry-on capable of fitting 40 extra items inside. Having been awarded a patent in 2022 and trademark in 2023, Waldeier suggested that Zipplicity’s time is now — as “baggage fees have gone up by 17%.” Judges assessed Zipplicity as a creative workaround that would appeal to passengers, with Nancy Rosales, senior vice president of category management at Hudson asking about packaging plans and Lam curious to hear the brand’s future marketing strategies. Rounding out the showcase was Graham Mendes, national director of sales and marketing for Smart Bar USA, an automated drink machine brand “born with a mission to revolutionize the drink service industry.”

Smart Bar’s low-profile Smartender mixology machines use AI technology to quickly and accurately dispense wine, beer and mixed cocktails in under four seconds per drink, a method that Mendes said yielded an average of 6% improvement in liquor costs. Judges like Lam wanted to know if the machinery required additional electrical or plumbing requirements (it does not) and how much maintenance is required to keep drinks fresh (the same as a typical beer keg). With as many as 50 liquors per machine, Smartender “can make 600 cocktails,” said Mendes. Top: Judges Katherine Lam, president and co-owner of Bambuza Hospitality Group; Pamela DeChant, senior vice president of concessions at Denver International Airport; Nancy Rosales, senior vice president of category management at Hudson; and Carol Gabriel, manager, concessions and services at Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, gave feedback on four business pitches. Above: Graham Mendes, national director of sales and marketing for Smart Bar USA, pitched AI-driven “Smartender” mixology machines that dispense wine, beer and mixed cocktails in under four seconds per drink.

Right: Amber Waldeier, founder and CEO of “un-luggage” company Zipplicity, pitched judges on her collapsible neck pillow that can be used to pack travel items, minimizing the need for excess luggage.

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AX NEWS APRIL/MAY 2024