SUBMISSION EXTENDED TO JANUARY 9, 2020
We are now accepting nominations in the 2019 Airport Experience Awards. A list of categories and their descriptions are below. Please download the appropriate form for your nomination. All submissions and artwork are due no later than JANUARY 9, 2020. A judging panel will conduct the scoring and winners will be revealed March 4 during the Airport Experience Awards on the final day of the 2020 Airport Experience Conference.
Below are the following categories and descriptions for the upcoming Airport Experience Awards, as well as the forms for each award. Please download the form and enter (do no hand write) your information.
Definitions:
Restaurateur – an operator who creates, develops and interprets food and beverage locations in airports. Example: HMSHost, SSP, Areas, etc.
Retailer – a firm or operator who creates, develops and interprets retail environments in airports. Example: Paradies Lagardére, Hudson, Stellar Partners, etc.
National Brand – refers to any food concept with ten or more units outside the airport environment that are either franchised or are corporately owned. Example: Dunkin’ Donuts, Chick-fil-A, Cinnabon
Best New Food or Retail Concept – to qualify, the concept must be the first of its kind in any airport, not just the first. Example: The first McDonald’s in SEA cannot qualify because there have been other McDonald’s units in airports prior.
Airport Sizes – Utilize this FAA list to determine the official size — large, medium, or small — of the airport. CLICK HERE.
ONLY TWO NOMINATIONS PER CATEGORY, PER COMPANY ARE PERMITTED.
CATEGORIES
Bar of the Year A bar that incorporates equal parts knowledgeable staff, expansive drink menu and unique atmosphere. Though there is a food offering, this is known more for its bar component. Needs to have opened between Oct. 1, 2017 – Oct. 1, 2019.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Restaurant Design This restaurant features eye-catching design through the use of various creative elements, unique materials and decorative pieces in its exteriors and interiors. Needs to have opened between Oct. 1, 2017 – Oct. 1, 2019.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Retail Store Design This store features stunning design through the use of various decorative elements and creative merchandising paired with a striking store front. Needs to have opened between Oct. 1, 2017 – Oct. 1, 2019.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Local-Inspired Restaurant A restaurant with a menu inspired by a notable chef and/or the tastes and cuisines of a region. Needs to have opened between Oct. 1, 2017 – Oct. 1, 2019.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Local-Inspired Store A retail concept that expertly combines a product line predominantly featuring local items, crafts and souvenirs with a store designed to replicate the look and feel of the region. Needs to have opened between Oct. 1, 2017 – Oct. 1, 2019.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best New Restaurant A brand new restaurant concept that is the first of its kind in any airport. The concept can be a proprietary or national brand. Needs to have opened between April 1, 2018 – Oct. 1, 2019.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best New Retail A new retail concept that is the first for the brand or concept in any airport. The concept can be proprietary or nationally branded. Needs to have opened between April 1, 2018 – Oct. 1, 2019.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Brand Restaurateur A restaurateur who is successful in interpreting a national brand, without having to sacrifice quality or compromise and limit the menu, to where patrons are unable to distinguish the experience in the terminal from the street locations. [Note: Please identify the restaurateur and the brand it represents]
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Brand Retailer An operator who is consistently successful in creating branded retail units that take a notable brand and reinterpret that into a store, whether it be specialty or travel convenience. [Note: Please identify the retailer and the brand it represents]
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Overall Restaurateur A restaurateur who excels in every phase of operations, marketing, customer service, creativity and food quality.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Overall Retailer This retailer excels in every phase of operations, customer service, merchandising, and marketing.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Travel Convenience Retailer Retailer who has shown excellence in the marketing, merchandising, and product knowledge of travel convenience items such as beverages, periodicals, snacks, electronics and souvenirs, often, but not exclusively, paired with a national brand or a regional theme.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Restaurateur with the Best Customer Service Restaurateur, whose emphasis on and passion for premier customer service, is exemplified through all aspects of a restaurant from the wait staff to the bar staff, to make a diner’s experience memorable.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Retailer with the Best Customer Service Retailer, whose emphasis on and passion for premier customer service is borne out of its focus on detailed employee and product knowledge training, is experienced by the traveler thanks to the execution of its principles through all levels of onsite staff.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best ACDBE Operator An ACDBE-certified business that has shown excellence in its operations and has proven to be a valuable and involved partner.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Franchise Brand This brand is recognized for how it resonates with travelers, its ability to remain on trend, and its faithful adherence to standards and quality with its airport franchisees.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Best Passenger Service These non-food, non-retail units excel in providing various comforts and amenities to travelers.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Airport with the Best Customer Service This airport focuses greatly on creating a culture of customer service through its efforts in training staff, communicating initiatives to its tenants and maintaining adherence to its mission.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Airport with the Best Program Design This airport features an engaging and visually stunning environment that exceptionally blends flow and function with a design that distinguishes it from all others.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Airport with the Best Commercial Team The collective efforts and talents of the commercial management staff has resulted in a best-in-class airport program.
Click here to download the nomination form.
Airport with the Best Overall Program This airport excels in providing an array of options in their food, retail, and services program that satisfies the needs and tastes of various travelers.
Click here to download the nomination form.
