The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has launched a new specialized training program, called the Institute of Concessions, to provide training and mentoring intended to increase the number of local and diverse airport concessionaires at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The multi-faceted Institute of Concessions program will provide in-depth knowledge, understanding, and practice of key competencies necessary to successfully operate a concession in an airport terminal. Competency areas include customer experience, financial investment and return, design and construction, operations and management, security requirements and more.
The Institute will also provide opportunities for networking with terminal operators and mentoring by successful concessionaires, all with the goal of creating a pipeline of local and diverse businesses that can demonstrate to PANYNJ and its partners their ability to successfully manage concessions and contribute to the airport.
“The Institute of Concessions provides a wonderful opportunity to orient firms to the process of doing business in the airport environment,” said Charles Everett, director of the PANYNJ aviation department. “This initial exposure will give firms a head start or competitive advantage to newcomers who do not have such experience or awareness. We are excited to be able to deliver such an innovative program in association with our partners.”
The first cohort of the Institute of Concessions will launch in mid-September. A class of 10 local and diverse businesses will be selected to attend the in-person program. The program is being coordinated by Jars of Delight, a local southeast Queens-based minority and women-owned business enterprise, and its CEO Dianna Rose, who was selected after a competitive solicitation.
