Uncategorized

SPAIN. The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce that Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR) has once again signed as a Platinum Partner for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards to be held in Barcelona, Spain on 25-26 June.

The company, a long-time supporter of the event, was also a Platinum Partner of the post-COVID events in 2023 and 2024.

To be hosted by Spanish airports operator Aena, the only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will gather highly influential figures from the burgeoning airport F&B sector, as well as hospitality service providers from around the world.

Owned by The Moodie Davitt Report, the event offers guests the opportunity to network, share insights and discuss the latest trends and innovations in the airport FAB and hospitality sectors.

ELR, a subsidiary of the renowned Emirates Group, manages over 300 food & beverage outlets across key global markets, including the Middle East, USA, Australasia, Southeast Asia and East Africa, with more than 100 locations in over 21 airports.

The company drives growth through strategic partnerships with global brands such as Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger, Giraffe and The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, alongside homegrown concepts such as ZOMA, Hudson’s Coffee and Harbor Grill.

MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail Group CEO Tyrone Reid said: “This annual event allows businesses across the travel retail sector to come together, celebrate successes, share insights and discuss the latest trends to ensure that, as operators, we continue to provide excellent customer experiences in food & beverage.

“We look forward to this event every year, not only to recognise the stellar performance of our people but also for the opportunity to foster partnerships, collaborate with our peers and set new benchmarks for what excellence looks like in our industry.”

Click on the cover to view highlights from the last Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards, which took place in Ontario, California on 25-26 June

Details of a stellar speaker line-up have already been announced, with more to follow.

As reported, registration for the Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards is now open via the official portal.

An Early Bird delegate pass is available for US$1,500 until 30 April, after which the standard registration fee is US$1,700. 

As part of our commitment to industry engagement, airport delegates are eligible for an attractive -50% discount on both the Early Bird and regular registration fees.

Non-airport delegates can benefit from a -20% group discount when three or more delegates from the same company register together. Email Events@MoodieDavittReport.com for a discount code. 

For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Associate Director, Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com. 

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com for your complimentary subscription.

INTERNATIONAL. The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce the finalists for the fourth annual FAB Superstars Awards with the winners to be revealed during the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards 2024 Gala Dinner on 26 June.

FAB Superstars is a programme that honours exceptional frontline and back-of-house individuals and teams for their outstanding customer and/or company service, proactive attitude and for going above and beyond the call of duty.

FAB 2024 is being hosted by Ontario International Airport on 25-26 June in Ontario, Southern California. Owned and managed by The Moodie Davitt Report, FAB is the world’s only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event.

The 2024 edition brings together a stellar line-up of speakers and delegates from those burgeoning sectors.

“FAB Superstars offers a critical and heartwarming recognition of the often unsung heroes and heroines of the airport food & beverage and hospitality sector,” commented The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie.

“Along with Travel Retail Superstars*, our people-focused awards are all about heart and soul as well as worth ethic, attitude and excellence.

“We salute our finalists and also their employers who have poured so much time and diligence into capturing the special qualities of their team members. The FAB Superstars class of 2024 is a very special one indeed, packed with individuals and teams who show the way in making our industry more human, more professional and ultimately more successful.”

“We can promise you some very moving recognitions at FAB 2024.”

*Nominations will be called for later this month with the Awards presented virtually in December.

Entries for the FAB Superstars Awards have been carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges comprising well-respected industry experts. Pictured left to right are 4QD Strategy Consulting President Peter Gargiulo; Industry veteran and consultant Nick Inkster; ServiceQ CEO and Founder Jaquie Scammell; and The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie

68 teams or individuals were singled out from a record number of entries.

The finalists are:

STAR INDIVIDUAL AMERICAS

Alvin Coronel – Oakland International Airport, SSP America – Warehouse Associate

Dannielle Ball – Toronto Pearson International Airport, HMSHost by Avolta – Certified Human Resources Manager

Manny Gagaoudakis – Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, SSP America – Commissary and Production Manager

Dwight Gaston – Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, SSP America – Commissary Hourly Supervisor

Katherine Guarado – San Francisco International Airport, SSP America, 1300 on Fillmore – Cook

Aaron Horrell – San Diego International Airport, SSP America – General Manager

Pedro Ruiz – Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, SSP America – Shift Supervisor

Daniela Solís – Guadalajara Airport Mexico, Areas – General Manager F&B

Terryl Taylor – George Bush Intercontinental Airport, SSP America – Utility

STAR INDIVIDUAL ASIA PACIFIC

Siewlay Chew – Kuala Lumpur International Airport, SSP Asia Pacific – Head of Business Development

Tommy Cheng – Hong Kong International Airport, Lagardère Travel Retail, Wolfgang Puck – Chef

Katarina Davis – Auckland Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail, Vantage Bar – Front of House Staff Member

Duong Quoc Khanh – Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Avolta – Store Manager

Helen Kung – Hong Kong International Airport, Lagardère Travel Retail, Maison Kyser – Senior Shop Assistant

Brodie Leslie – Launceston Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail – Bartender and Coffee Barista

Marco Odiardo – Multiple Airports, Lagardère Travel Retail – Operations Manager

Pham Nhu Quan – Da Nang International Airport, Avolta – Operation Manager

Pham Hai Yen – Noi Bai International Airport, Avolta – QA Supervisor

Le Thi Bich Tram – Cam Ranh International Airport, Avolta – Store Manager

Yuki Zhu – Hong Kong International Airport, Lagardère Travel Retail, King Bakery – Assistant Store Manager

STAR INDIVIDUAL EUROPE

Cigdem Baymaz – Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Avolta – Store Manager

Ronan Casey – Arlanda Airport, Avolta – Warehouse Manager

Roz Friel – Glasgow, SSP UK & Ireland – Team Member

Tatiana Manganaro – Milan Malpensa Airport, Avolta – Associate

Fábio Nunes – Faro International Airport, Areas Iberia – Pizza Hut Manager

Evelina Ödmark – Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Avolta – Operations Coordinator

Yagmur Senoi – Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Avolta – Assistant Store Manager

STAR INDIVIDUAL MIDDLE EAST

Ashfaq Ansari – Multiple Airports, Lagardère Travel Retail – IT Manager

Jossa Mae D. Aquilar – Hamad International Airport, QASSP – Service Crew / Cashier

Bikas Bashyal – Hamad International Airport, QASSP – Cook

Jerimie Bolivar – Dubai International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI – Team Member

Ashraf Abdelrazek Abdelmonem Elgayar – Zayed International Airport, SSP Emirates – Assistant Operations Manager

Jayson Garpao – Zayed International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI – Maestro Shift Leader

Thilini Gunawardana – Dubai International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI – Manager

Chef Tins Joy – Dubai International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI – Chef De Partie

Hemchand Kamat – Bahrain International Airport, SSP Bahrain – Multi Unit Manager

Dony Mathew – Zayed International Airport, SSP Emirates – Head Chef

Akul Mondal – Zayed International Airport, SSP Emirates – Chef De Partie

Jenelyn Gallardo Patubo – Zayed International Airport, SSP Emirates – Restaurant Manager

Francis Pondevida – Sharjah International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI – Maestro Shift Leader

Ma. Nayda Paular Maquinay – Dubai International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI – Maestro Shift Leader

STAR TEAM AMERICAS

Food & Beverage team – Calgary International Airport, HMSHost by Avolta

Food & Beverage team – Denver International Airport, HMSHost by Avolta

Food & Beverage team – LaGuardia Airport, HMSHost by Avolta

Joe & The Juice team – Vancouver International Airport, Hudson by Avolta

LaGuardia Airport Employee team – LaGuardia Airport, SSP America

Tampa International Airport team – Tampa International Airport, SSP America

STAR TEAM ASIA PACIFIC

Back of House Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur International Airport, SSP Asia Pacific

Campos Coffee team – Sydney Airport, Lagardère Travel Retail

Front of House Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur International Airport, SSP Asia Pacific

Heineken Bar & Kitchen team – Phu Quoc International Airport, Avolta

King Bakery – Hong Kong International Airport, Lagardère Travel Retail

The Burger King Airside Domestic team – Da Nang International Airport, Avolta

Two Tigers F&B  – Noi Bai International Airport, Avolta

STAR TEAM EUROPE

Areas Worldwide Challenge – Areas

Bottega Team – London Stansted Airport, SSP UK & Ireland

Eataly team – Bergamo Orio al Serio, Avolta

Hudson Street Grill – Edinburgh Airport, TRG Concessions

KFC team – Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Avolta

Malpensa team – Milan Malpensa Airport, Avolta

Rhodes Starbucks and Burger King Teams – Rhodes International Airport Diagoras, SSP Hellas

Spuntino – Heathrow Airport, TRG Concessions

The Concept Development Team – SSP UK & Ireland

STAR TEAM MIDDLE EAST

Asian Street Kitchen – Dubai International Airport, – Dubai International Airport

Brioche Dorée Team – Hamad International Airport, QASSP

Costa Coffee DXB Airport Terminal 1 Arrivals – Dubai International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI

Costa Coffee Sharjah Airport Airside Gate 6 – Sharjah International Airport, Emirates Leisure Retail & MMI

Ritazza Café Team – Bahrain International Airport, SSP Bahrain

The complete list of finalists for the FAB Awards was announced last month.

Click here to visit our dedicated event website.

Click on the cover to access the FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com for your complimentary subscription.

INTERNATIONAL. The Moodie Davitt Report today proudly unveils more of the shortlist for this year’s Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards to be revealed at a glittering Gala Dinner on 26 June in Ontario, Southern California.

The dinner forms the culmination of The FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards 2024, hosted by Ontario International Airport.

Owned and managed by The Moodie Davitt Report, the world’s only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will gather highly esteemed executives from the thriving airport F&B and hospitality sectors.

The respective shortlists across the 17 award categories are being revealed on a phased basis, with the first two short-listed entries announced previously.

Today we reveal the finalists for:

Airport Bar or Pub of the Year

Airport Customer/Hospitality Initiative of the Year

Airport Restaurant Design of the Year

Airport Lounge of the Year

As reported, this year’s FAB Awards received a record number of submissions, with almost 300 top-class entries from all over the world.

Click here and here for the finalists announced earlier in the following awards:

Airport Chef of the Year

Airport Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year

Airport Food & Beverage Marketing Campaign of the Year

Airport Lounge Food & Beverage Offering of the Year

Airport Food & Beverage Offer Best Representing Sense of Place

Airport Sustainability & Environmental Initiative of the Year

Airport Health-Centered Offer of the Year

Airport ‘Food to Go’ Offer of the Year

Airport New Food & Beverage Opening of the Year

The entries for both the FAB Awards and FAB Superstars Awards have been carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges comprising well-respected industry experts, pictured below.

(Left to right) Industry veteran and consultant Nick Inkster; Sevly Inc President & CEO Sevda Fevzi; and Concession Planning International Managing Partner Susan Gray

(Left to right) ECE Marketplaces Project Director – Leasing Services Jonathan Doughty; 4QD Strategy Consulting LLC President Peter Gargiulo; and Hunter Palmer – Global Retail Solutions Co-Founder Nick Goddard-Palmer

(Left to right) ServiceQ CEO and Founder Jaquie Scammell; Ground Control CEO Kevin Zajax; and The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie

FAB + HOSPITALITY AWARDS 2024 FINALISTS

Airport Bar or Pub of the Year

Aster & Thyme – SSP UK & Ireland, Newcastle Airport

Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery – SSP America, Ottawa International Airport

Boston Harbor Distillery – SSP America, Boston Logan International Airport

Bottega Prosecco Bar & Craft Beer – Avolta, Zayed International Airport

BrewDog – SSP UK & Ireland, Gatwick Airport

Brewery X, Ontario International Airport

Fat Bottom Brewery – Paradies Lagardère, Nashville International Airport

Fever-Tree, Edinburgh Airport

High Tide Bar – Avolta, Bali Airport

INTERVALS Sky Bar & Restaurant – Plaza Premium Group, Hong Kong International Airport

Nowitzki’s – D&B Mitchell, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

O’Regan’s Irish Bar and Restaurant – Dubai International Hotel, Dubai International Airport

Otherside Brew Lounge – Delaware North, Perth Airport

The Guitar Bar – Margaritaville Caribbean Group, Sangster International Airport

The Local Taphouse – Delaware North, Melbourne Airport

Tickerdaze – BTA, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Todd English Pub & Market – Lagardère Travel Retail, Zayed International Airport

Airport Customer/Hospitality Initiative of the Year

Brew & Bite Battle – HMSHost by Avolta, Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Brewery X, Ontario International Airport

DreamFolks, Multiple Airports

Hello Customer – Avolta, Brussels National Airport

iCoupon, Multiple Airports

Lounge Self Check-In Kiosk – Travel Food Services Private Limited, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Paper Café & Lego – Lagardère Travel Retail, Dubai International Airport

Smart Travelers – Areas, Multiple Airports

Veranda Café – Lagardère Travel Retail, Dubai International Airport

YVR’s Season’s Eatings Campaign – Vancouver Airport Authority, Vancouver International Airport

Airport Restaurant Design of the Year

Bob Marley’s One Love Restaurant – Margaritaville Caribbean Group & The Design Solution, Sangster International Airport

Bombay Brasserie – Travel Food Services, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru

Cater Care Retail, Sydney International Airport

Chicago White Sox Bar & Grill – SSP America, Chicago Midway International Airport

Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Kitchen + Bar – SSP America, Newark Liberty International Airport

Jones the Grocer – SSP Asia Pacific, Changi International Airport

Paper Café – Lagardère Travel Retail, Dubai International Airport

Samba Square – GMR Hospitality Limited and Travel Food Services, Manohar International Airport

StrEAT – Areas, Multiple Airports

The Daily DXB – Lagardère Travel Retail, Dubai International Airport

Yo! Sushi – QASSP, Hamad International Airport

Airport Lounge of the Year

080 Domestic Lounge – Bengaluru Airport Services Limited, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru

Aspire Lounge Air Canada Café, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club – JPMorgan Chase & Co, LaGuardia Airport

Global Lounge – SSP Malaysia & ARAYA (Travel Food Services)

Louis Vuitton Lounge – Qatar Duty Free, Hamad International Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge – Plaza Premium Group, Orlando International Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge – Plaza Premium Group Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport

Primeclass Pacifico – TAV Operation Services, Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport

SKY The Lounge – Before Boarding, Las Américas International Airport

Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

Click here to register for FAB 2024 and for more details.

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

USA. Avolta Senior Vice President for F&B Commercial Bastiaan van Asten and Chief Executive Officer Northern, Central and Eastern Europe Walter Seib, and Conceptional Managing Partner Fred van Aken have become among the latest key industry figures to join a powerful and diverse speaker line-up at the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards in Ontario, California on 25-26 June.

The conference, hosted by Ontario International Airport, will bring together senior executives from airports, food & beverage concessionaires, hospitality service providers, as well as other business partners from around the world. FAB is owned and organised by The Moodie Davitt Report.

Adding dazzle to the already stellar line-up of speakers at the upcoming FAB + Hospitality Conference are (top row, from left): Avolta Senior Vice President for F&B Commercial Bastiaan van Asten; Conceptional Managing Partner Fred van Aken; Avolta Chief Executive Officer Northern, Central and Eastern Europe Walter Seib; (bottom row from left) Avolta Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Office Laura FitzRandolph; and JFKIAT Vice President Customer Experience & Commercial Belinda Jain

The latest confirmed speakers also include Avolta Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Laura FitzRandolph and JFKIAT Vice President Customer Experience & Commercial Belinda Jain.

Bastiaan van Asten and Fred van Aken will be joining Royal Schiphol Group Business Manager Food & Beverage Bram Kreté to present a case study on F&B sustainability at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

They will share insights on the process, starting from the initial vision and strategy to the implementation of a comprehensive, principle-led joint approach involving all stakeholders within the food & beverage domain (airport authorities, operators and suppliers).

As previously announced, the stellar speaker line-up includes OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke, and Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi.

They will be joined by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee.

Also speaking at the upcoming event are Ontario International Airport Chief Revenue Management Officer Elisa Grey; Delaware North Senior Director, Brands and Concepts Liz Grzechowiak; Conceptional Founder and Chief Executive Officer Reoewein Niesten; tRetail Labs Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder Sossina Shenkute; Dreamfolks Services Limited Chief Business Officer Sandeep Sonawane and Pragma Chief Executive Officer Alex Avery.

The Moodie Davitt Report is also co-organising a session with the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), which represents the interests of commercial concessionaires in North America. ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig and Paradies Lagardère Executive Vice President David Bisset are among those taking part in the panel (others to be named shortly), which will discuss the ‘new normal’ in airport concessions in the region and challenges to the business model.

The Ontario Convention Center offers an outstanding venue for the world’s only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event

In addition, former ARI CEO, daa Chief Commercial Officer and current Castlepole Director Jack MacGowan will co-moderate the programme alongside The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt.

Other big-name industry leaders speaking at the event are America Vice President of People Sherree Coker; Concessions International Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross; Plaza Premium Group Director of Global Brand and Transformation Mei Mei Song; SSP America Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis; and San Diego International Airport Revenue Generation & Partnership Development Director Deanna Zachrisson.

Also appearing as guest speakers will be Areas USA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Bernal; The Design Solution Brand Development Director John Clarke; Margaritaville Caribbean Group Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ian Dear; Airport Dimensions Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Chris Gwilliam; and Bangalore International Airport Vice President Commercial Development Pravat Kumar Paikray.

More names in the list include Enjoy Repeat, Inc/Concord Collective/Fly With Breeze Chief Executive Officer Greg Plummer; Greater Toronto Airports Authority Dining Development Manager Suzanne Merrell; Qatar Duty Free Vice President Food & Beverage Grant Fleming; DreamFolks Services Limited Chairperson & Managing Director Liberatha Kallat; and Royal Schiphol Group Business Manager Food & Beverage Bram Kreté.

Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

The event will also celebrate the achievements and efforts of the sector with the much-anticipated FAB Awards and people-focused FAB Superstars. The awards ceremony will be the glittering culmination of the event to be held during the Gala Dinner on 26 June at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center.

The first short-listed entries for the FAB Awards and FAB Superstars were announced earlier this month.

The event will see the Opening Cocktail take place on 25 June at TopGolf Ontario, with the Gala Dinner & FAB Awards at the nearby Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, as reported.

Click here to visit our dedicated event website.

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

QATAR/USA. The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce that Qatar Duty Free has lent its support as Lunch Sponsor for The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards in Ontario, California on 25-26 June.

The conference, hosted by Ontario International Airport, will bring together leading figures from the burgeoning airport F&B sector, as well as hospitality service providers worldwide.

The only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event is owned and organised by The Moodie Davitt Report.

Qatar Duty Free’s continued diversification and strengthening of F&B offers was well recognised with an unprecedented 17 award wins at last year’s Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards, including the highly coveted Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year.

Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Thabet Musleh said: “Qatar Duty Free is proud to be at the forefront of the F&B industry, constantly motivated to redefine the airport dining experience. Our commitment to delivering a sense of place through our culinary experiences sets us apart.

“We look forward to showcasing our offerings and connecting with industry leaders at this prestigious conference that brings together experts from all aspects of airport F&B, lounges and hospitality services, providing a platform to communicate new and innovative ideas that can help shape the future of the industry.”

The Qatar Duty Free team, led by Senior Vice President Thabet Musleh (centre), celebrated their success at FAB Awards 2023

Star-studded speaker line-up

The conference programme will focus on the latest F&B and hospitality consumer trends, regional and global business outlooks, emerging traveller behaviour, sustainability, and the wider role of hospitality in the customer journey.

The speaker line-up includes the most influential figures in the F&B and travel retail sectors such as OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke, and Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi.

They will be joined by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee.

Other confirmed speakers include Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi and Chief Revenue Management Officer Elisa Grey; Delaware North Senior Director, Brands and Concepts Liz Grzechowiak; Conceptional Founder and Chief Executive Officer Reoewein Niesten; tRetail Labs Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder Sossina Shenkute; Dreamfolks Services Limited Chief Business Officer Sandeep Sonawane and Pragma Chief Executive Officer Alex Avery.

The Moodie Davitt Report is also co-organising a session with the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), which represents the interests of commercial concessionaires in North America. ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig and Paradies Lagardère Executive Vice President David Bisset are among those taking part in the panel (others to be named shortly), which will discuss the ‘new normal’ in airport concessions in the region and challenges to the business model.

In addition, former ARI CEO, daa Chief Commercial Officer and current Castlepole Director Jack MacGowan will co-moderate the programme alongside The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt.

Ontario Convention Center will serve as a venue for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards 2024

Other top industry figures speaking at the event are America Vice President of People Sherree Coker; Concessions International Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross; Plaza Premium Group Director of Global Brand and Transformation Mei Mei Song; SSP America Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis; and San Diego International Airport Revenue Generation & Partnership Development Director Deanna Zachrisson.

The line-up also includes Zayed International Airport Managing Director & CEO Elena Sorlini; Areas USA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Bernal; The Design Solution Brand Development Director John Clarke; Margaritaville Caribbean Group Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ian Dear; Airport Dimensions Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Chris Gwilliam; and Bangalore International Airport Vice President Commercial Development Pravat Kumar Paikray.

Enjoy Repeat, Inc/Concord Collective/Fly With Breeze Chief Executive Officer Greg Plummer; Greater Toronto Airports Authority Dining Development Manager Suzanne Merrell; Qatar Duty Free Vice President Food & Beverage Grant Fleming; DreamFolks Services Limited Chairperson & Managing Director Liberatha Kallat; and Royal Schiphol Group Business Manager Food & Beverage Bram Kreté will also share their views and insights on the latest trends and innovations in the airport FAB and hospitality sectors.

Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

The event will also celebrate the achievements and efforts of the sector with the much-anticipated FAB Awards and people-focused FAB Superstars. The awards ceremony will be the glittering culmination of the event to be held during the Gala Dinner on 26 June at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center.

The first short-listed entries for the FAB Awards and FAB Superstars were announced earlier this month.

The event will see the Opening Cocktail take place on 25 June at TopGolf Ontario, with the Gala Dinner & FAB Awards at the nearby Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, as reported.

Click here to visit our dedicated event website.

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

INDIA/INTERNATIONAL. Indian airport services aggregator DreamFolks has become the latest company to lend its support to the Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference and Awards 2024 as a Silver Partner.

The conference, hosted by Ontario International Airport, will bring together senior executives from airports, food & beverage concessionaires, hospitality service providers, as well as other business partners from around the world.

Founded by Chairperson and Managing Director Liberatha Kallat, Gurugram-headquartered DreamFolks provides consumers with access to airport-related services including lounges via a technology-driven platform.

Kallat is among the strong line-up of FAB event speakers; she is part of a panel discussing ‘Enhancing the Role of Hospitality in the Customer Journey’ on day two of the conference. The session, to be moderated by Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt, also features Ontario International Airport Chief Executive Officer Atif Elkadi and Plaza Premium Group Director of Global Brands and Transformation Mei Mei Song.

Pioneering Kallat has been instrumental in driving DreamFolks from its inception to its current position as a leading player in the Indian airport services aggregation industry.

Her expertise stems from her experience with Plaza Premium Group, where she gained deep insights into the intricacies of airport services. Her extensive background in the hospitality industry includes roles with blue chip companies such as Indian Hotels Company Limited, Taj Hotels & Resorts Limited, PepsiCo and Pernod Ricard India.

Kallat foresaw the potential for expansion in the airport services market, identifying a shift towards a more tailored airport experience among travellers. This early vision, combined with an agile business model, has underpinned DreamFolks’ rise to prominence in the airport industry.

The company now serves major card networks and leading card issuers in India and has diversified to work with a wide range of clients, including airlines, online travel agencies and enterprises.

Under Kallat’s leadership, DreamFolks has built a robust network of clients and operators. A significant part of her focus has been on enhancing the company’s technology capabilities by creating a scalable, in-house platform that enables clients to offer customised services to their customers.

Kallat said: “We look forward to attending the Airport FAB & Hospitality Conference 2024. It is a fantastic opportunity to engage with industry peers from the growing F&B and hospitality sectors. We’re thrilled to highlight our distinct offerings and illustrate how they can significantly enhance the airport experience and travel journey for customers worldwide.”

Stellar speaker line-up

The latest confirmed speakers for the event include Zayed International Airport Managing Director & CEO Elena Sorlini; Areas USA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Bernal; The Design Solution Brand Development Director John Clarke; Margaritaville Caribbean Group Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ian Dear; Airport Dimensions Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Chris Gwilliam; and Bangalore International Airport Vice President Commercial Development Pravat Kumar Paikray.

Others include Enjoy Repeat, Inc/Concord Collective/Fly With Breeze Chief Executive Officer Greg Plummer; Greater Toronto Airports Authority Dining Development Manager Suzanne Merrell; Qatar Duty Free Vice President Food & Beverage Grant Fleming; and Royal Schiphol Group Business Manager Food & Beverage Bram Kreté.

John Clarke and Ian Dear will present an innovative four-way partnership model, the Bob Marley One Love restaurant at Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay. From concept to delivery, the dining venue was created by F&B operator Margaritaville Caribbean Group, Bob Marley Group (part of the Marley family business), Sangster International Airport and The Design Solution.

Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

The latest names bolster an already powerful list of speakers that includes OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee.

Other confirmed speakers include Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi and Chief Revenue Management Officer Elisa Grey; Delaware North Senior Director, Brands and Concepts Liz Grzechowiak; Conceptional Founder and Chief Executive Officer Reoewein Niesten; tRetail Labs Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder Sossina Shenkute; and Pragma Chief Executive Officer Alex Avery.

The Moodie Davitt Report is also co-organising a session with the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), which represents the interests of commercial concessionaires in North America. ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig and Paradies Lagardère Executive Vice President David Bisset are among those taking part in the panel (others to be named shortly), which will discuss the ‘new normal’ in airport concessions in the region and challenges to the business model.

In addition, former ARI CEO, daa Chief Commercial Officer and current Castlepole Director Jack MacGowan will co-moderate the programme alongside The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt.

Other big-name industry leaders speaking at the event are America Vice President of People Sherree Coker; Concessions International Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross; SSP America Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis; and San Diego International Airport Revenue Generation & Partnership Development Director Deanna Zachrisson.

Keynote discussions will focus on latest F&B and hospitality consumer trends, regional and global business outlooks, emerging traveller behaviour, sustainability, and the wider role of hospitality in the customer journey.

The event will see the Opening Cocktail take place on 25 June at TopGolf Ontario, with the Gala Dinner & FAB Awards at the nearby Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, as reported.

Visit our dedicated event website here. ✈

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

USA. The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce leading US airport hospitality industry player OTG Concessions Management as Lunch Sponsor for The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards in Ontario, California on 25-26 June.

Organised and owned by The Moodie Davitt Report, the only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will bring together leading figures from the thriving airport F&B sector, as well as hospitality service providers worldwide.

New York-headquartered OTG operates more than 350 F&B and retail concessions at North American airports.

As reported, OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors Tom Fricke is among the headline speakers for this year’s event.

Fricke said: “With more than 350 locations across 11 airports in North America, OTG combines world-class hospitality, award-winning cuisine, innovative design and state-of-the-art technology to deliver a superior guest experience.

“The FAB Hospitality Conference & Awards delivers a superior experience and we look forward to participating in this dynamic industry event.”

OTG F&B concessions at Toronto Pearson International (above) and George Bush Intercontinental (below) airports are pictured

The latest confirmed speakers for the event include Zayed International Airport Managing Director & CEO Elena Sorlini; Areas USA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Bernal; The Design Solution Brand Development Director John Clarke; Margaritaville Caribbean Group Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ian Dear; Airport Dimensions Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Chris Gwilliam; and Bangalore International Airport Vice President Commercial Development Pravat Kumar Paikray.

Others include Enjoy Repeat, Inc/Concord Collective/Fly With Breeze Chief Executive Officer Greg Plummer; Greater Toronto Airports Authority Dining Development Manager Suzanne Merrell; Qatar Duty Free Vice President Food & Beverage Grant Fleming; DreamFolks Services Limited Chairperson & Managing Director Liberatha Kallat; and Royal Schiphol Group Business Manager Food & Beverage Bram Kreté.

John Clarke and Ian Dear will present an innovative four-way partnership model, the Bob Marley One Love restaurant at Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay. From concept to delivery, the dining venue was created by F&B operator Margaritaville Caribbean Group, Bob Marley Group (part of the Marley family business), Sangster International Airport and The Design Solution.

Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

The latest names bolster an already powerful list of speakers, including, as mentioned, OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke, and Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi.

They will be joined by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee.

Other confirmed speakers include Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi and Chief Revenue Management Officer Elisa Grey; Delaware North Senior Director, Brands and Concepts Liz Grzechowiak; Conceptional Founder and Chief Executive Officer Reoewein Niesten; tRetail Labs Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder Sossina Shenkute; Dreamfolks Services Limited Chief Business Officer Sandeep Sonawane and Pragma Chief Executive Officer Alex Avery.

The Moodie Davitt Report is also co-organising a session with the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), which represents the interests of commercial concessionaires in North America. ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig and Paradies Lagardère Executive Vice President David Bisset are among those taking part in the panel (others to be named shortly), which will discuss the ‘new normal’ in airport concessions in the region and challenges to the business model.

In addition, former ARI CEO, daa Chief Commercial Officer and current Castlepole Director Jack MacGowan will co-moderate the programme alongside The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt.

Other big-name industry leaders speaking at the event are America Vice President of People Sherree Coker; Concessions International Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross; Plaza Premium Group Director of Global Brand and Transformation Mei Mei Song; SSP America Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis; and San Diego International Airport Revenue Generation & Partnership Development Director Deanna Zachrisson.

Keynote discussions will focus on latest F&B and hospitality consumer trends, regional and global business outlooks, emerging traveller behaviour, sustainability, and the wider role of hospitality in the customer journey.

The event will see the Opening Cocktail take place on 25 June at TopGolf Ontario, with the Gala Dinner & FAB Awards at the nearby Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, as reported.

Visit our dedicated event website here. ✈

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

USA. Ten more executives have joined a star-studded and diverse speaker line-up for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards to be held in Ontario, California on 25-26 June.

Organised and owned by The Moodie Davitt Report, the only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will bring together leading figures from the thriving airport F&B sector, as well as hospitality service providers worldwide.

The latest confirmed speakers include Areas USA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Bernal; The Design Solution Brand Development Director John Clarke; Margaritaville Caribbean Group Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ian Dear; Airport Dimensions Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Chris Gwilliam; and Bangalore International Airport Vice President Commercial Development Pravat Kumar Paikray.

Others include Enjoy Repeat, Inc/Concord Collective/Fly With Breeze Chief Executive Officer Greg Plummer; Greater Toronto Airports Authority Dining Development Manager Suzanne Merrell; Qatar Duty Free Vice President Food & Beverage Grant Fleming; DreamFolks Services Limited Chairperson & Managing Director Liberatha Kallat; and Royal Schiphol Group Business Manager Food & Beverage Bram Kreté.

Confirmed for key speaking roles at the event are (first row, from left): Areas USA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Bernal; The Design Solution Brand Development Director John Clarke; Margaritaville Caribbean Group Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ian Dear; Airport Dimensions Senior Vice President of Global Business Development Chris Gwilliam; Bangalore International Airport Vice President Commercial Development Pravat Kumar Paikray; (second row, from left) Enjoy Repeat, Inc/Concord Collective/Fly With Breeze Chief Executive Officer Greg Plummer; Greater Toronto Airports Authority Dining Development Manager Suzanne Merrell; Qatar Duty Free Vice President Food & Beverage Grant Fleming; DreamFolks Services Limited Chairperson & Managing Director Liberatha Kallat; and Royal Schiphol Group Business Manager Food & Beverage Bram Kreté

John Clarke and Ian Dear will present an innovative four-way partnership model, the Bob Marley One Love restaurant at Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay. From concept to delivery, the dining venue was created by F&B operator Margaritaville Caribbean Group, Bob Marley Group (part of the Marley family business), Sangster International Airport and The Design Solution.

The latest names bolster an already powerful list of speakers, including OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke, and Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi.

They will be joined by Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee.

As previously announced, other confirmed speakers include Ontario International Airport Chief Revenue Management Officer Elisa Grey; Delaware North Senior Director, Brands and Concepts Liz Grzechowiak; Conceptional Founder and Chief Executive Officer Reoewein Niesten; tRetail Labs Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder Sossina Shenkute; Dreamfolks Services Limited Chief Business Officer Sandeep Sonawane and Pragma Chief Executive Officer Alex Avery.

The Moodie Davitt Report is also co-organising a session with the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), which represents the interests of commercial concessionaires in North America. ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig and Paradies Lagardère Executive Vice President David Bisset are among those taking part in the panel (others to be named shortly), which will discuss the ‘new normal’ in airport concessions in the region and challenges to the business model.

Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

In addition, former ARI CEO, daa Chief Commercial Officer and current Castlepole Director Jack MacGowan will co-moderate the programme alongside The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt.

Other big-name industry leaders speaking at the event are America Vice President of People Sherree Coker; Concessions International Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross; Plaza Premium Group Director of Global Brand and Transformation Mei Mei Song; SSP America Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis; and San Diego International Airport Revenue Generation & Partnership Development Director Deanna Zachrisson.

Keynote discussions will focus on latest F&B and hospitality consumer trends, regional and global business outlooks, emerging traveller behaviour, sustainability, and the wider role of hospitality in the customer journey.

The event will see the Opening Cocktail take place on 25 June at TopGolf Ontario, with the Gala Dinner & FAB Awards at the nearby Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center, as reported. ✈

The world’s only event dedicated solely to the airport food & beverage and hospitality sectors makes a welcome return to the US in June. Please contact The Moodie Davitt Report Associate Director, Events Vincci Chung at Vincci@MoodieDavittReport.com for details. You can visit the event website here.

The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards has attracted a record number of submissions, with more than 270 nominations received.

The record number of entries highlights the importance of the burgeoning F&B and hospitality sectors and the strong industry support for the event, which is shaping up to be another blockbuster edition.

The FAB Awards and FAB Superstars Awards will be the glittering culmination of the Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards to take place in Ontario, California on 25-26 June, and to be hosted by Ontario International Airport. The Gala Dinner and awards ceremony will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center on 26 June.

Organised and owned by The Moodie Davitt Report, the only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will encompass all aspects of airport food & beverage, lounges, and other related hospitality services.

Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok

Entries for both the FAB Awards and FAB Superstars Awards will be evaluated by an illustrious panel of judges made up of well-respected industry experts, led by The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie.

As previously announced, judges include industry veteran and consultant Nick Inkster; Sevly Inc President & CEO Sevda Fevzi; Concession Planning International Managing Partner Susan Gray; ECE Marketplaces Project Director – Leasing Services Jonathan Doughty; 4QD Strategy Consulting LLC President Peter Gargiulo; Hunter Palmer – Global Retail Solutions Co-Founder Nick Goddard-Palmer; ServiceQ CEO and Founder Jaquie Scammell; and Ground Control CEO Kevin Zajax.

Shortlisted finalists will be notified in early May.

OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke (left) and Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi will be among the big-name speakers at the Airport FAB + Hospitality event

The conference programme will feature a top-class speaker line-up, representing airport F&B and hospitality service providers.

As previously announced, newly named OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke and Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi are set to deliver keynote speeches.

Other influential travel retail executives to speak at the event will include Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee.

Other highly regarded figures from travel retail included in the speaker line-up are (top, from left): Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; (bottom, from left) Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee

SSP America Vice President of People Sherree Coker; Concessions International Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross; Plaza Premium Group Director of Global Brand and Transformation Mei Mei Song; SSP America Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis; and San Diego International Airport Revenue Generation & Partnership Development Director Deanna Zachrisson are also set to speak at the conference.

Adding lustre to the already stellar line-up of speakers confirmed for FAB 2024 are (top row, from left) SSP America Vice President of People Sherree Coker; Concessions International Chief Executive Officer Donata Russell Ross; Plaza Premium Group Director of Global Brand and Transformation Mei Mei Song; (bottom row, from left) SSP America Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis; and San Diego International Airport Revenue Generation & Partnership Development Director Deanna Zachrisson 

The Moodie Davitt Report is co-organising a session with the Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA), which represents the interests of commercial concessionaires in North America. ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig and Paradies Lagardère Executive Vice President David Bisset are among those on the panel (others to be named shortly), which will discuss the ‘new normal’ in airport concessions in the region and challenges to the business model.

Former ARI CEO, daa Chief Commercial Officer and current Castlepole Director Jack MacGowan will co-moderate the programme alongside The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie and President Dermot Davitt.

Industry executives to speak at the FAB Conference are (top, from left): Pragma Chief Executive Officer Alex Avery; Paradies Lagardère Executive Vice President David Bisset; Airport Restaurant & Retail Association Executive Director Andrew Weddig; Castlepole Director Jack MacGowan; (bottom, from left) Conceptional Founder and Chief Executive Officer Reoewein Niesten; tRetail Labs Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder Sossina Shenkute; Dreamfolks Services Limited Chief Business Officer Sandeep Sonawane; Ontario International Airport Chief Revenue Management Officer Elisa Grey; and Delaware North Senior Director, Brands and Concepts Liz Grzechowiak 

The event will see the Opening Cocktail take place on 25 June at TopGolf Ontario.  ‍

Delegates for the Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference are also highly encouraged to register before the early bird registration period ends on 30 April. (Click here to register.)

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.

The world’s only event dedicated solely to the airport food & beverage and hospitality sectors makes a welcome return to the US in June. Please contact The Moodie Davitt Report Associate Director, Events Vincci Chung at Vincci@MoodieDavittReport.com for details.