USA. More influential leaders from airport, concessionaire and service companies have joined a powerful and diverse speaker line-up for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards 2024. The event will be held in Ontario, California on 25-26 June.
Organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, the only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will gather top industry figures from the thriving airport F&B sector, as well as hospitality service providers worldwide.
Speaking at the event will be 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.
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 also pleased to announce that TAV Airport Holdings subsidiary BTA Food & Services has lent its support as Sustainable Bag Partner for the event.
The company has become strongly associated with sustainability in recent years. Its sustainability road map is built on three pillars that underscore BTA’s commitment to the environment, SMEs and women-led enterprises, and circular economy.
BTA Food & Services CEO Baha Bülbül said: “We’re excited to join the FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards in a meaningful partnership focused on sustainability. By collaborating on a sustainable bag partnership, we have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in reducing environmental impact while promoting eco-conscious practices.
“Together with the food and service industry, let’s craft a future where every step we take is in harmony with the planet. We are thrilled to take part in this journey towards a greener, more sustainable world.”
BTA’s corporate sustainable initiatives include donations based on sale to two foundations which mainly focus on children and forestation projects.
The company has also partnered with SRA (Sustainable Restaurant Association) and GSTC Restaurant Council along with TGA to certify its restaurants and improve its operations.
As reported, the FAB Conference will host a powerful speaker line-up, including newly named OTG Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim CEO Tom Fricke and Ontario International Airport CEO Atif Elkadi, who are to deliver keynote speeches.
Other leading industry figures to speak at the conference 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.
Click on the cover to access the relaunched FAB eZine, which features highlights of FAB+ 2023 in Bangkok
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 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.
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 in 26 June, as reported.
Early Bird registration is available 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.
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.