WASHINGTON, DC (June 17, 2022)—The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will host the 37th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference: Redefining Aviation Opportunities Together from June 20–23, 2022 in Chicago, IL. This highly-acclaimed conference is a premier aviation industry-wide event that draws 1,000 attendees—a hub for education, advocacy and networking opportunities that promote diversity and inclusion in the aviation and aerospace industries. To register, visit www.amac-org.com/annualconference.

The #AMAC2022 theme—Redefining Aviation Opportunities Together—exemplifies how the CDA is reimaging how it does business to keep diversity and inclusion at the forefront of everything. The conference features workshop tracks on concessions, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), professional development and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The tracks support women, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs)/Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) and AEC firms in gaining coveted industry insights and receiving actionable resources for business improvement.

Conference participants include women and minority-owned businesses, Fortune 500 companies that are industry leaders in aviation, hospitality, travel and logistics, energy, retail, transportation, telecommunications, finance and banking, to name a few, as well as federal, state and local government agencies. The conference also allows participants to cultivate new relationships and expand their national presence through engaging and relevant educational and networking events.

“On behalf of Mayor Lori Lightfoot, we are proud and thrilled to co-host the AMAC conference here in Chicago. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) employs programs and policies specifically designed to advance women and minorities in the aviation industry,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “Our partnership with AMAC is critical in creating employment and business opportunities, especially at O’Hare and Midway International Airports.”

One of the most prominent organizations that support the aviation industry is AMAC. Since 1984, AMAC has represented a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (M/W/DBEs) and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. AMAC provides career, education, networking and scholarship opportunities. AMAC continues to be at the forefront of aviation industry legislative issues that impact diverse employers, employees and businesses, particularly DBEs in the airport concessions and AEC sectors.

“AMAC continues to champion equitable opportunities for our members. This focus continues to be critical throughout this generational investment in the modernization of the country’s airport terminals and infrastructure. We are grateful to have the full support of CDA and commend them for their emphasis on inclusion to drive meaningful change, foster economic growth in their community and provide opportunities for all,” said Eboni Wimbush, AMAC President & CEO. 

AMAC hosts various virtual and in-person programs and events annually, including its signature event, the AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference. For more information about AMAC membership and to join, please visit www.amac-org.com.

The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only national, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation and aerospace industries. Since 1984, AMAC has been at the forefront of nearly every national policy initiative impacting the participation of disadvantaged businesses in airport contracting. AMAC works consistently with Congress, the federal government, aviation trade associations and strategic partners as resources for information, education and guidance on business and employment matters. AMAC represents a diverse membership of airports, corporations, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises, and professionals within the aviation and aerospace industries. For more information, visit www.amac-org.com.

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago’s airports serve over 260 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 47 foreign countries combined. Together, Chicago’s airports serve more than 100 million passengers each year and generate approximately $60 billion in annual economic activity for the region. Please visit www.flychicago.com to learn more about the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Chermaina Roundtree, AMAC

Karen Pride, CDA