Melissa K. Montes
Publisher & Portfolio DirectorMelissa Montes, the publisher and portfolio director for Airport Experience News, has been promoted and will take on new responsibilities as diversity and inclusion business partner/lead for AXN parent company Clarion Events. Montes’ leadership of the AXN team remains unchanged.
In her new diversity and inclusion role, Montes will operate in direct partnership with the leadership team and human resources in the company’s North America region to understand the needs of the workforce, drive strategy and incorporate training programs. Montes will seek to inspire teamwork and collaboration across various organizational groups and will assist senior-level management with the development of innovative and measurable solutions to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
“Diversity and inclusion are core values of Clarion Events, and I’m excited to take a leading role in safeguarding and enhancing the company’s commitment to equitable treatment and elimination of discrimination throughout its extensive North American operations. In addition, I look forward to working with my counterparts in Clarion’s other world regions to optimize D&I values throughout the company.”
Montes joined Airport Experience News in 2013 as director of business development and marketing. She became portfolio director in 2019 and was named publisher the following year. Montes is responsible for the overall strategic vision of Airport Experience News, the Airport Experience Conference and other company-hosted events. She leads the AX team in hosting an unparalleled networking and education opportunity for airport and concessions executives, supported by the AX News magazine and other media. She is also host of the informative AXiNsights webinar series.
Email:[email protected]
Phone:561-257-1022
Barb Moreno
Portfolio CoordinatorBarb Moreno started with AXN at its inception, when it was still Airport Retail News. She was the conference director for many years and is now the portfolio coordinator, responsible for supporting the entire AXN portfolio of products, including the AX Conference, AXN media products and the AX Fact Book. Barb is a natural organizer with strong attention to detail and has an enthusiastic attitude to provide exceptional customer service. She is a proud mother of two and enjoys relaxing by the ocean with her friends and family.
Email:[email protected]
Phone:561-257-1024
Jennifer Juul
Business Development ManagerJen has 20-plus years of experience as a solutions-oriented strategic partnership and experiential design expert in entrepreneurial and corporate environments. Known for thoughtful touches and award-winning creativity, her collaborative approach drives growth through meaningful connections in real-world and digital engagements. Jen’s infectiously positive attitude, respect for others and dedication to delivering exceptional customer service is paired with a love of laughter, travel and everything that sparkles.
Email:[email protected]
Carol Ward
Editor-in-ChiefCarol Ward is the Editor-in-Chief of Airport Experience News. She has been writing about the airport industry for more than 20 years, chronicling the evolution of airport concessions and services and their impact on the traveler experience. Ward holds overall responsibility for the editorial content produced and distributed by Airport Experience News, including the Airport Experience News magazine, video interviews, podcasts and other media. She also is responsible for planning and delivering the sessions and educational events for the annual Airport Experience Conference and other company events. Ward previously was a senior editor for a national wine and spirits trade magazine. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri.
Email:[email protected]
Phone:619-750-7736
Andrew Tellijohn
Senior ReporterAndy Tellijohn is the senior reporter at Airport Experience News. He writes for the company’s magazine and website, assists in planning educational sessions for its conference and hosts the wildly popular and successful AXiNsider podcast. Andy is a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, with a B.S. in marketing. He stumbled onto journalism by accident when his first few career choices didn’t pan out. Andy is a fantasy football mercenary and if you could get educational credits for tasting bourbon he’d never have left school.
Email:[email protected]
Phone:612-827-5290
Shafer Ross
Copy Editor, WriterShafer Ross is an editor and writer for Airport Experience News, for which she writes and edits stories for AXN Magazine, manages all social media accounts and hosts the live interview series on AXN’s Instagram account, AXiNfo Live. Shafer is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University’s School of Communication, with a B.A. in multimedia journalism. She has a cat named Soy Sauce and is always on the lookout for a good cup of coffee.