From June 28 to July 2, 2025, New Orleans will become the national nexus of aviation industry innovation and inclusivity as it hosts the 40th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference. Held at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), this year’s milestone event will welcome executives, business leaders, and policymakers from more than 50 U.S. airports, including key players from Austin, Baltimore, Charleston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Dayton, Minneapolis, Ontario, and Nashville.
Organized by the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC), the conference is hailed as the aviation industry’s premier event dedicated to advancing diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment for minority- and women-owned businesses in airport environments.
Celebrating 40 Years of Inclusive Growth and Innovation
The 2025 edition of AMAC marks four decades of elevating underrepresented voices in the aviation sector. Themed around inclusion, innovation, and infrastructure, the conference offers a unique platform where more than 1,500 industry professionals will connect to exchange insights, shape policy, and form strategic partnerships.
At the heart of the event is a strong focus on fostering supplier diversity, enabling small and diverse businesses to integrate more effectively into the U.S. aviation supply chain. From concessionaires to consultants and construction firms, the event highlights the role of diverse suppliers in driving sustainable growth in airports.
Over 100 Exhibitors and Business Networking Galore
A major draw for attendees is the expansive Exhibit Hall, featuring 100+ dynamic companies offering innovations in airport development, design, operations, and retail concessions. Exhibitors will include leaders in construction, technology, sustainability, and passenger experience, offering attendees a real-time view into the future of airport business.
More than just a showcase, the event fosters real collaboration through Business Matchmaking Sessions, providing face-to-face networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, airport procurement officials, and industry decision-makers.
Educational Tracks to Empower and Inform
The AMAC 2025 conference is packed with educational programming, designed to deliver actionable insights to aviation professionals at every level. Key focus areas include:
- Airport Development & AEC Innovations: Exploring sustainable design, construction management, and infrastructure transformation.
- Regulatory Updates & Compliance: Understanding how evolving FAA and DOT regulations impact airport businesses.
- Concessions Excellence: A deep dive into revenue-generation strategies from food, beverage, and retail concessions.
- Diversity & Inclusion Best Practices: Policies and metrics to drive equitable participation across airport operations.
One major highlight is the Airport Concessions Business Capacity Accelerator Training, which equips emerging and existing concessionaires with the tools to succeed in competitive airport environments.
High-Level Forums and Signature Events
Some of the most anticipated sessions include:
- Airport Directors 20/20 Vision Forum: C-suite executives from top U.S. airports discuss strategic growth, post-pandemic recovery, and the role of technology in shaping the traveler experience.
- CEO Summit & Luncheon: An exclusive session where aviation and government leaders share policy insights and vision for the sector’s future.
- Women in Aviation Breakfast & AMAC Foundation Scholarship Awards: Celebrating women trailblazers and investing in the next generation of aviation professionals through scholarship funding.
- Legislative Affairs Roundtable: Featuring regulators and government stakeholders, this session will decode upcoming legislation, funding opportunities, and compliance expectations.
“Runway to Success” and Future-Focused Learning
AMAC’s Runway to Success initiative will return in 2025 to connect young professionals and new entrants in aviation with experienced mentors. This targeted program aims to build leadership capacity, offer career insights, and strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent entering the aviation workforce.
Meanwhile, interactive events such as the Silent Auction, MSY Opportunities 101 Fireside Chat, and exclusive airport infrastructure tours of MSY will offer attendees unique ways to engage with the host city and witness innovation in action.
Why New Orleans Is the Perfect Host
New Orleans, a city known for its rich culture and resilience, is the ideal backdrop for a conference focused on transformation and diversity. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is itself a model of modern airport redevelopment, having undergone a major $1.3 billion terminal upgrade in recent years that emphasizes energy efficiency, design innovation, and community-focused concession offerings.
Attendees will not only gain valuable business insight but also experience the soul of New Orleans through curated local events, music, and dining that celebrate the city’s vibrant character.
Conclusion: An Unmissable Event for Aviation Stakeholders
The AMAC 2025 Airport Business Diversity Conference is more than just an event—it is a movement to redefine inclusivity in the aviation industry. With over 50 airports represented and an agenda filled with groundbreaking insights, strategic networking, and practical training, AMAC 2025 is set to shape the future of airport business in the United States and beyond.
Whether you’re an airport executive, a certified minority- or woman-owned business, or a policy influencer, this is your chance to be part of a community driving systemic change in aviation.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
