3rd annual amac

CHICAGO, IL

September 21-22, 2026

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hotel & travel

The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) present the 3rd Annual She SOARS — Women in Aviation Summit in Chicago, IL. This unique summit is curated for women in aviation, including mid- and upper-management professionals, aviation HR leaders, airport governing authorities, government officials, and industry association leaders. It celebrates and builds upon that tradition by focusing on women’s multifaceted advantages in the workplace, career growth, professional development, and well-being of the mind and soul. The two-day event will include engaging discussions, inspiring speakers, dynamic networking opportunities, and more!
READ THE 2025 RECAP

summit goals

Advance

Advance women within the aviation industry

Foster

Foster confidence and resilience among women leaders

Equip

Equip aviation HR leaders and executive management with strategies and tools to attract, develop and retain women

FACILITATE

Facilitate meaningful connections

HIGHLIGHT

Highlight policies and practices that impact women

Judges

Each Runway to Success Competition will feature a judging panel composed of industry executives and business owners with expertise across the airport, aviation and transportation sectors, including operations, procurement and supplier management.

The final pitch competition, held at the AMAC Airport Business Conference, will feature a VIP panel of leaders from the largest airport food and retail operators in North America who possess the authority to extend a business offer.

Suppliers

Supplier applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Suppliers of Goods and Services Positioned to Support Growth, Innovation or Customer Experience in the Aviation Industry

  • Suppliers Offering Strategic, Innovative or Scalable Solutions

  • Must Be Registered as a Legal Business Entity and in Good Standing

  • At Least 51% Minority- or Woman-Owned

  • Able to Clearly Articulate the Value of Their Product or Service in a Short Pitch Format

  • Must Be Available to Attend the Live Pitch Event

  • Must Not Currently Have or Be In the Process of Establishing an Agreement With Any Operators or Airport Concessionaires

APPLY

HOSTS

AMAC is accepting applications from partners to host one of the eight (8) first-round Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competitions.

Hosting a first-round competition is critical to the overall Runway to Success Supplier Competition. Each host site serves as a gateway for local and regional entrepreneurs, small businesses and ACDBEs to access AMAC’s national platform and connect to contracting and partnership opportunities.

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