Airport Experience News

Airport Experience News (AXN), the North American airport concessions industry's leading media brand and conference organizer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Hornby as brand director and publisher. Hornby joins AXN from Emerald, where she served as associate show director for KBIS.

Hornby succeeds Melissa K. Montes, who is pursuing a new opportunity outside the airport concessions industry after nearly 14 years leading the AXN brand. To ensure a seamless transition, Montes will continue to support the organization as a strategic advisor.

Read more at Airport Experience News: https://ow.ly/4E9050ZwKPM

AXN's Carol Ward joined Concessions International's Mori Russell this week to experience the Bites & Beats Sound Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Watching passengers stop to enjoy the music and find their groove in the middle of Terminal E was a great reminder of how thoughtful amenities can create memorable airport experiences. The enthusiasm from both travelers and airport employees made it clear that this unique concept is making an impact.

A big thank you to Mori Russell and the entire Concessions International team for the warm hospitality and for bringing such an engaging experience to ATL!

JUST RELEASED - AXN’s Food & Beverage Issue!

The latest issue of Airport Experience News dives into the ideas, innovations, and strategies shaping airport food and beverage today. We connect with culinary leaders from North America's top airport restaurant operators to explore how they're redefining dining for today's travelers. Then, we step behind the bar to hear from beverage experts tackling shifting consumer habits, declining alcohol consumption, and the creative approaches driving continued success. We also spotlight the fast-growing world of automated vending, where branded, freshly prepared meals are reaching travelers around the clock through cutting-edge technology. These stories – along with fresh industry insights, trends, and exclusive features – make up the 2026 AXN Food & Beverage Issue.

For full access, please log in, subscribe, or check your printed edition of the July/August F&B issue arriving soon.

https://ow.ly/CGvN50ZqLQg

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Fourth of July from the AX team!

To the dads who have carried the bags, navigated the terminals, and made the journey memorable every step of the way. ✈️

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Airport Experience News.

Last week in Washington DC, AXN’s Mel Montes, Nicole Watson, and Carol Ward connected with airport leaders, concessionaires, and the small businesses that make up the fabric of our industry. The annual AMAC Conference featured thought-provoking speakers and memorable networking events and celebrations. The team came away inspired!

Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives, stories, and vision for the future. We're excited to carry these conversations forward and continue supporting the businesses and leaders helping shape the airport experience.

We're excited to announce the launch of the AX Next Gen Collective, a new advisory group created by Airport Experience News (AXN) to amplify the voices of emerging leaders in the North American airport concessions industry.
Over the coming year, the 12 professionals selected for the Collective will share their perspectives on the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping our industry. They’ll also help guide the AXN team by providing insights into how the next generation of industry leaders consumes media and engages with content.
The AX Next Gen Collective represents the future of airport concessions, and we look forward to learning from their experiences, ideas, and vision as we continue to evolve and better serve our audience.

Behind every great is a team full of rockstars.

The AX crew just wrapped up an amazing few days in sunny San Diego to plan and strategize for - and spoiler alert: next year’s conference will be one to remember and NOT to miss.

Stay tuned for more!

Behind every great is a team full of rockstars.

The AX crew just wrapped up an amazing few days in sunny San Diegop to plan and strategize for - and spoiler alert: next year’s conference will be one to remember and NOT to miss.

Stay tuned for more!

AXN’s Mel Montes joined Airport Dimensions’ Chris Gwilliam to take a deep dive into the results of AD’s 2026 Airport Experience survey.

From traveler behavior to spending habits and evolving expectations, this interactive session covered numerous trends shaping the next phase of the airport experience.

You can now access the entire recorded session via this link: https://www.airportxnews.com/webinars/