Here is what they have to say

I thought the conference was excellent. It attracted speakers and panelists whom I wanted to hear from on issues like low-fare competition and non-airline revenue generation. I especially liked the Director's Workshop. I got to meet and compare notes with several airport directors whom I had previously only read about. As I said when you interviewed me for the initial "Director of the Year" award, despite the competition among us, there is also a special bond due to the stresses and pressures we are all subjected to. Finally, the venue for the awards dinner was spectacular. I hope you can do something similar next year.
- Charles J. Isdell, director of aviation, Philadelphia International

I was very impressed with how well organized and professional the ARN conference was, especially since this was the 1st one of hopefully many more. The topics ARN scheduled were not only important in today’s changing environment but the presenters made them illuminating for even new managers, such as part of my team that attended.
Please continue to keep them as interactive as they were this year as I believe this open exchange of ideas will allow all of us to improve our operations.
Would hope to see your exhibition area grow with much greater participation next year.
My compliments to you & your team for a job well done, look forward to it being even better next year!
- Dave Pfeiffer, Associate Deputy Airport Director Revenue Development, San Francisco International

The ARN conference meant business. It was well organized and well attended. It will be the only airport show we will attend in the future.
- Pierre Saez, national sales director, DataWave

We enjoyed the conference and found it very productive and informative. The conference sessions were informative addressing key issues facing the airport concession industry while presenting balanced perspectives from both the airport and concessionaires.
- Sal Amico, manager, airport concessions, Airport Business Office, Massachusetts Port Authority

“The ARN conference is an important gathering for industry wide professionals to exchange ideas and learn best practices. Each airport today faces the same fundamental challenge of combining world-class security with world-class customer service. In today’s competitive environment when airline finances remain fragile, airports are challenged to keep costs down, service quality up, and maintain the confidence of the traveling public by protecting its safety and security. That can only be done by building a broad coalition of airport stakeholders who work together to create a single service delivery system focused on the needs of passengers from curb to takeoff –all timely and critical goals that were addressed at the ARN/AAG conference.”
- Thomas J. Kinton, Jr., Director of Aviation, Boston-Logan International Airport

I was quite impressed with the ARN Conference, considering it was their first effort. The turnout was excellent and the quality of attendees, from a concessionaire's perspective, was excellent. This was one of the better networking conferences I have attended over the past twenty years in the airport concessions business.
- George Santypal, business development, First Class Seats

I really enjoyed the first annual ARN conference recently held in beautiful Orlando. I viewed this conference as beneficial in two ways. First, the topics covered really makes you aware of the fact that we are all faced with very similar problems and issues. Being able to listen, question and talk with these elite speakers was a super value in and of itself. Secondly, the networking with other airport management representatives has proven to be extremely helpful in gaining another "set of eyes" to view issues facing us all. Thank you and put me down as an attendee for next year’s ARN conference.
- David Kellerman, retail manager, commercial & business development, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Int’l Airport

What first conference? You would not have known this was a first conference because of the professionalism, attention to detail, conference location and seamless manner in which it was conducted. The conference provided insightful information and brought together the real movers and shakers in the industry. I definitely plan to include this conference on next year's travel and training itinerary.
- Ken Austin, airport director, Tallahassee

Clearly, ARN's conference has raised the bar. The meetings and social events were well planned, executed, and well attended, which speak volumes. If there were any glitches, they were invisible. Let's do this together again.
- Christine Z. Crowley, managing partner/CEO, Trofie & ViaTrofie Video Networks

Since ARN is the Bible of our Industry, I expected a great conference topped off by a brilliant ARN Awards Dinner and most certainly I was not disappointed. It was by all accounts a smashing success. Congratulations on a job well done!!
- William C. Anton, Chairman & Founder, Anton Airfood Inc.

The ARN Conference in Orlando was extremely worthwhile. I have been to previous ACI conferences but the first ARN show was first-class all the way and on a magnitude well beyond anything done in the past. The topics were well thought out, very specific to concessionaires and covered issues that have meaning to my business on a daily basis. I especially liked the discussions on street pricing and airport operator models, as they are sure to be hot-button issues going forward. ARN’s staff outdid themselves and should be proud of the hard work that was put into making it such a success. As a small airport concession operator, I was able to have access to the people and resources necessary to grow our business and truly look forward to the innovative issues to be announced for next year’s show.
- Benjamin Rababy, CFO, S.T.T.C. Inc.

“It was their first? It felt like it was their tenth - very professionally organized. If there were any hitches I didn’t see them.
Just the right mix of seminars and free time to network.
Embry-Riddle/ACI watch out!”
- Robert Schmid, Architect, RCS AIRdesign

I thought it was one of the most useful conferences I attended all year. Between the conference sessions, the networking value, and everything in-between, it was EXCELLENT! I look forward to the conference next year. Many thanks to you and your hard-working staff.
- Giorgio Kolaj, EVP, Corporate Business Development, Famiglia-DeBartolo, LLC

Congratulations on the first annual ARN Conference. I enjoyed myself at the wonderful functions, learned a great deal during the seminars and was able to network with colleagues in the industry who drive the airport concession industry. The conference was one that didn’t react to the industry but was one that is willing to work with airports and concessionaires alike to be proactive to ensure everyone’s success. I look forward to next year’s event!
- Eric M. Selby, Regional Vice President, JCDecaux North America

I was impressed with the overall organization, the facility and especially the caliber and quality of the presentations and exhibits throughout the conference. Additionally, it is always so extremely beneficial to make new and refresh existing networking contacts in the industry…which I did throughout the conference. I look forward to attending next year!
- Walt Froman, Senior Manager Concessions Marketing & Operations, Portland International Airport

The Paradies Shops was honored to participate in and attend the first annual ARN conference. The conference was well attended and by all the right people, earning a perfect score for the countless networking opportunities. We consider the event to be a home run and look forward to another stellar event next year!”
- Bobbi Passavanti, Director of Communications, The Paradies Shops

It was a good conference, especially for the first time a conference was being held by the promoter. Interesting speakers, good interaction, and a good chance to network amongst airport peers. The facility was first rate, except for not having coffee available the first morning. This conference offered something for everyone involved in commercial programs at an airport.
- Alan Gluck, Deputy Director Office of Commercial Management, Maryland Aviation Administration

Thank you for a wonderful first conference. I was impressed by the level of interest among participants and sponsors. I was also impressed by the level of professionalism and organization of your staff.
Your choice of venues was appropriate and refreshing. The golf tournament provided an additional platform for networking and enjoyment. The evening awards dinner in the hangar, surrounded by antique aircraft, was especially memorable.
In terms of awards, you should consider the category of “Best DBE Concessions Operator.”
- Jason Gonzales, President and CEO, Concession Air

It was a pleasure to participate in ARN’s first Airport Revenue News Conference. We appreciate the effort that went into planning this event as well as the many significant contributions ARN has made to our industry. The content of this year’s conference exceeded our expectations, and we will definitely be back again next year.
- Carole Howe, President;
- Jim Stelten, COO, CBR, Inc.

The ARN conference worked for our new business concept. We met important contacts in the industry in order to introduce to them the new NASCAR Official Stores. We sent our key managers to several very informative lectures targeted at concessionaires. It was extraordinarily worthwhile!!!
- Anne Deli, President, American Road Retail/NASCAR Official Stores

“As a new member to the aviation industry, I found the ARN Conference extremely beneficial and worthwhile. This conference provided the forum to interact and network with people from various degrees of experience and backgrounds. The topics that were discussed had the utmost relevance to our industry today. This was a wonderful experience. I recommend it to all.”
- Emily Pohl, Concessions Operations Manager Portland International Airport

The conference was a perfect platform to share ideas, vision, tools and connections to help expand potential business with all of the Mrs. Fields Famous Brands. Great to bring so many industry experts together to share ideas and insights.
I walked away with a better understanding and knowledge of the industry. ARN’s convention setting was very relaxed, so networking with attendees was extremely easy. I personally have been contacted by various attendees expressing interest in several of the brands within Mrs. Fields Famous Brands since attending the conference. Looking forward to next year’s convention.
- Mark Panetta, National Accounts/New Business Development, Mrs. Fields/TCBY

The opportunity to network with colleagues and clients was invaluable. As a newcomer to the industry, the seminar topics and timing of this conference worked very well for me.
- Brian Lacey, vice president, business development, CA One Services, Inc.

The first ARN conference could be judged a success due to a number of factors. The opportunity to discuss a number of key issues among senior airport and concession executives in an open forum environment was unique and challenged all of us to look at what is best for our industry. I think it was heartening to meet new faces who are either new to the business and or considering airports as a venue for their business. The opportunity to network, is of course, always important. The challenges are to keep the conference fresh and relevant while attracting the right audience.
- Roddy McOwan, Executive Vice President, Creative Host Services

“I was impressed with the speakers and the overall quality of the conference and felt privileged to be included.”
- Kent George, executive director, Pittsburgh International

I found the ARN Conference to be very informative and beneficial. The various topics and workshops were dynamic and enlightening relative to new and innovative aviation business strategies. I look forward to attending the conference next year. Keep up the good work.
- William R. Perry, III, Partner/Owner, World Wide Concessions, Miami International Airport

I thought it was very well put together and the quality of the attendees was excellent.
- Adam Torine, Vice President Business Development, Villa Enterprises

It was ARN’s first conference, but it was also Massage Bar’s first time as an exhibitor at any airport conference. I enjoyed participating in this manner and felt our booth was well received. I know the attendees’ enjoyed our massage services, and we just had a great time being part of the whole experience.
- Cary Cruea, President, Massage Bar, Inc.

This was a first rate conference with terrific panelists and speakers.
- Joseph W. Kearney, senior vice president, Duty Free Americas, Inc.

As professors of the Concessions 101 course, The Center for Airport Management, witnessed first hand just how well organized the conference was. Attendees of our course showed great interest in, and enthusiasm for, the ARN conference. A great start to what we hope will be a long-standing tradition in the industry.
- Sheldon Klapper, President, Center for Airport Management

The conference provided an outstanding opportunity to sample our products with key decision makers in the airport industry and get their immediate feedback. Overall, we were very pleased with ARN’s first conference.
- Craig Slate, Director Food Services, Chiquita Fresh

I thought it was well done. I liked the fact that many of the presenters were not affiliated with an airport, but rather with the industry represented by the concession itself. A good example was having the President of the CIA speak. You’ve raised the bar for these kinds of conferences.
- Dick Snyder, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Concourse Communications

As a traveler and new business owner I observed the following: three separate organizations…airport gift shop retailers, airlines and airports, who in the past have often been at odds with one another, were willing to come together to find common ground…brought about by a creative (and risky) idea put forward by the industry’s trade journal. All seemed to agree on one common goal…helping the traveler have a positive trip. It felt like I was witnessing the birth of a new and hopeful process. Thanks for taking the risk to bring us all together, take it again next year!
- Larry Cronin, owner, Luggage & Backpack ART

It was very productive for us. We’ll be there next year!
- Mark J. Eberhardt, President, FIRST CLASS SEATS, INC.