Judging panel revealed as excitement builds for FAB + Hospitality Awards 2024

USA. The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to reveal the panel of judges for the much-anticipated Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards 2024, to be held in Ontario, California on 25-26 June.

Winners of the FAB Awards will be announced during the Gala Dinner on 26 June.

The FAB Superstars Awards recipients will be announced during the Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference earlier on 26 June. These awards shine a light on the frontline and behind the scenes heroes and heroines who make the F&B sector such an important component of the travel journey.

As reported, nominations for both FAB Awards and FAB Superstars are welcome until 5 April.

Comprising a group of highly regarded industry figures, the illustrious panel of judges will join The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie to assess the entries.

Much-respected hospitality veteran Nick Inkster is again lending his support as one of the judges for the FAB Awards 2024. Inkster played a key role in planning the inaugural FAB Awards in 2011 and has been an active supporter ever since. In 2019, he retired and was honoured with a FAB Award for his outstanding career contribution to airport F&B. He spent his entire career in the industry, including 26 years in various senior positions with travel F&B operator SSP.

Joining this year’s jury is Jonathan Doughty, who brings 45 years of experience in the industry, from his earlier years as a chef to his role as a foodservice consultant. He spent 26 years running his consulting firm Coverpoint, which he established in 1993. He is now a consultant to ECE, and provides services to a number of other companies and locations including airports and transit locations.

Returning this year is Sevly Inc President & CEO Sevda Fevzi, who brings extensive international experience to the judging panel. Her aviation career spans 16 years, working with an array of domestic and global airport operators from more than 80 countries which operate more than 400 airports worldwide.

A Managing Partner of airport commercial planning and strategy consultancy Concession Planning International, Susan Gray adds an essential perspective to the judging process. The highly respected Syndey-based travel retail professional has over 25 years of experience in the airport industry. She started her career as an airport journalist and was notable for her global communications and business development roles at SSP. She has worked as a consultant to airports worldwide for the past 15 years.

4QD Strategy Consulting LLC President Peter Gargiulo offers a fresh outlook on the industry’s trends and practices with his expertise in strategy execution, leadership development, organisational effectiveness and customer experience. He’s notable for pioneering the US Airport Professional Program (USAP) and as the author of The Future of the Airport Workforce.

Back on the judging team is Nick Goddard-Palmer, who has been instrumental in creating the impressive F&B programme at Hamad International Airport, which won SKYTRAX 5th World’s Best Airport for Dining in 2017. He boasts more than 25 years of international experience, specialising in retail and hospitality management, project management and business strategy.

Award-winning author of Service Habits 2nd Edition and The Future of Service is 5D, Jaquie Scammell will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. She is a thought-leader in the field of service and the CEO and Founder of ServiceQ – a business which partners with other organisations to reimagine their service culture by developing conscious service leaders, engaged employees and loyal customers.

Ground Control CEO Kevin Zajax returns as a FAB Awards judge this year. He’s best known as a specialist business advisor for airports and stadiums as well as retail and F&B brands. His company works with clients such as Marvel Stadium, the SCG Trust as well as airport and non-airport businesses and brands.

Strong support has been garnered from the industry, including food service group SSP and leading global travel retailer and dining specialist Lagardère Travel Retail, both of which have been named as Platinum Partners. More sponsors will be revealed in the coming days.

As reported, an exceptional conference programme is taking shape with a stellar line-up of speakers already confirmed. More information about the programme and top airports and concessionaire speakers will be announced soon. ✈

Early Bird registration is running until 30 April.

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.