Airport Experience® News - Post-Conference Issue 2026

FORWARD-THINKING APPROACHES AXC Sessions Focused On Strategizing For Future Prosperity

Above: Attendees packed the general session room for 10 educational sessions throughout the 2026 Airport Experience Conference.

CEO and president Doug Kreulen noted that “the talent that you see this week runs on all five stages at the airport.” Nikki Tinsley Harland, the newly minted CEO of Concessions International highlighted the talent across the fast growing prime concessionaire, inviting the conference at large to learn more about the 45-year brand: “If you leave and have not had any conversations with Concessions International, please let us know,” said Harland, “and we will make good on that!” Keynote: Leading Through Change The world is changing faster than most organizations can respond, and for the leaders who run airports, operate concessions and shape the passenger experience, the gap between watching change happen and capitalizing on it may be the defining business

Fresh off the annual Women In Leadership Breakfast at the Airport Experience Conference in Nashville, conference sessions opened with a welcome address from AXN and key partners. “When this industry gathers, things happen, and partnerships accelerate,” said Melissa K. Montes, vice president and publisher of Airport Experience News as she opened this year’s sessions. After a rousing rendition of the National Anthem by Nashville-based vocalist Tamica Nicole, Nashville International Airport (BNA)

BY SARAH BELING AND DAVID GORDON

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AX NEWS APRIL/MAY 2026