CONCESSIONS AWARD CATEGORIES
Airports

BEST EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM

This category will consider an airport concession program that supports an employee concessions recognition program from a large, medium, or small airport. Submit documents, photos, and videos that describe the recognition program. Entries will be judged on innovative approaches and the effectiveness of the efforts.

Eligibility: Airports of all passenger sizes

Merits being selected for this award include, but are not limited to, the following:

• How were concessionaires notified of recognition or awards?
• What period of time was specified?
• What information was asked of concessionaires to submit for outstanding service or criteria used to distinguish the employee?
• Was there a subjective or objective process to evaluate?
• What was the evaluation criteria?
• How many winners were recognized?
• How was the employee(s) recognized?
• Summary and photos or videos of results.

BEST NEW NON-TERMINAL REVENUE INNOVATION CONCEPT

This category will recognize innovative strategies in non-terminal revenue development (for instance: creative land development, parking, etc..). Winners of this award must demonstrate outstanding creativity and business acumen in diversifying airport revenue streams beyond airport terminals.

Eligibility: Airports of all passenger sizes

OVERALL RICHARD A. GRIESBACH AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN AIRPORT CONCESSIONS

As airports work to enhance the customer experience, there are many opportunities for airports and concessionaires/service providers to work together. This category will consider an airport’s entire concession program including food service, retail, and consumer services, in terms of the overall mix, quality, brands, sales, and build-out. Areas that will be considered include a single terminal, multiple terminals, the entire airport, or one or more concourses. Nominees must designate what portion of the airport is under consideration for the award and provide a map detailing the location of all of the concession units by name and type located therein.

Submit documents, photos, and videos that describe programs or events that show the overall airport concession program. Entries will be judged on innovative approaches and the effectiveness of the efforts.  Entries should include statistical data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the partnership for the airport, passengers, and/or the community.

Eligibility: Airports of all passenger sizes or concessionaires/service providers of all sizes (Concession Developers are also eligible to submit an entry if they operate an airport/terminal concession program).

Merits being selected for this award include, but are not limited to, the following:

• How does the program show outstanding creativity that withstands a challenging environment?
• How does the program demonstrate a desire for improvement?
• Does the program actively embrace ways to advance beyond the status quo?
• Does the program positively implement change and strive to ensure success?
• How does the program demonstrate the ability to shake things up for a positive, fresh impact?
• What was the approach used to solve the problem with a viable solution?

Concessionaires/Service Providers

BEST EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM

This category will consider a concessionaire, service provider, or a single concession unit operator at an airport that supports an employee concessions recognition program. Submit documents, photos, and videos that describe the recognition program. Entries will be judged on innovative approaches and the effectiveness of the efforts.

Eligibility: Concessionaires/service providers of all sizes

Merits being selected for this award include, but are not limited to, the following:

• How were locations/stores notified of recognition or awards?
• What period of time was specified?
• What information was asked of locations/stores to submit for outstanding service or criteria used to distinguish the employee?
• Was there a subjective or objective process to evaluate?
• What was the evaluation criteria?
• How many winners were recognized?
• How was the employee(s) recognized?
• Summary and photos or videos of results.

CONCEPT CATEGORIES

The concept award categories will consider a concessionaire, service provider, or a single concession unit operator at an airport. Entries will be judged on innovative approaches and the effectiveness of the efforts.  Entries should include statistical data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the partnership for the airport, passengers, and/or the community. Submit documents, photos, and videos that describe programs or events that show the concept.

Eligibility: Concessionaires/service providers of all sizes

“New” is defined as a concept that has been in operation for two years or less at an airport. There is no minimum time length for a concept or program to be in operation for, as long as they opened before December 31, 2023.

BEST NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE (FULL-SERVICE CONCEPT)

This category will consider a single food service unit operating at an airport, including concepts such as sit-down restaurants, wine bars and full bar service. This concept will typically have wait staff and table service.

BEST NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE (QUICK-SERVICE CONCEPT)

This category will consider a single food service unit operating at an airport, typically using counter service. This can include concepts such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, coffee, cookies, generic snack bars, Mexican, Asian, sandwich, delicatessen, pizza, hamburgers, and many other concepts.

BEST NEW RETAIL CONCEPT

This category will consider a single retail unit operating at an airport, including concepts such as apparel, jewelry, accessories, books, electronics, children's toys, and health and beauty.

BEST NEW NEWS & GIFT CONCEPT

This category will consider a single retail unit operating at an airport, including concepts such as news & gift and convenience retail units.

BEST NEW PASSENGER EXPERIENCE CONCEPT

This category will consider a concept that demonstrates a unique approach which provides an innovative consumer experience. The innovative passenger experience should provide an exceptional and memorable customer experience that engages the senses, mind and the emotions. This concept could be for a single unit or airport-wide. Previous winners have included game centers, movie rooms, advertising programs, spas, and airport lounges.

BEST NEW LOCAL CONCEPT

This category will consider a single food and beverage, retail, or personal services unit operating at an airport, which best highlights the local culture, aids in giving a sense of place and promotes local economic growth.

BEST NEW NATIONAL BRAND CONCEPT

This category will consider a single food and beverage, retail, or personal services unit operating at an airport that best brings popular, recognized brands into the airport marketplace.

Merits being selected for the concept award categories include, but are not limited to, the following:

• How does the concept show outstanding creativity that withstands a challenging environment?
• How does the concept demonstrate a desire for improvement?
• Does the concept actively embrace ways to advance beyond the status quo?
• Does the concept positively implement change and strives to ensure its success?
• How does the concept demonstrate the ability to shake things up for a positive, fresh impact?
• What was the approach used to solve the problem with a viable solution?

Click here to submit your CONCESSIONS AWARD entry now >>

CONCESSIONS PERSON OF THE YEAR

The Concessions Person of the Year award will recognize a professional working at an airport, who has contributed to enhancing the North American airport concession industry through their time, involvement, and expertise. Only people working for ACI-NA members will be considered for the award.

Eligibility: The nominee must be employed by an ACI-NA member Airport. The recommendation letter must be signed by the Airport Chief Executive Officer/ Official Representative.

The letter must consist of no more than two pages (single-spaced) and should be submitted online explaining why the person deserves the recognition. Using no more than two pages, describe why the nominee merits being selected for this award, including, but not limited to, the following:

Excellence in Performance (10 points)

• What impact has this person had on the industry or respective airport?
• How did they demonstrate a commitment to the customer experience?   
• Examples of the ability to maintain a positive attitude even while dealing with adversity

Team Qualities (10 points)

• Examples of how the individual is seen as a mentor to co-workers
• Examples of how the individual embodies the organization ethos
• How does the individual builds and foster strong relationships with a high level of credibility?

The recommendation letter and photos/videos can be submitted in the allotted space within the entry form.
 

Click here to submit the Concessions Person of the Year entry now >>