LAWA hosts networking event for small businesses exploring LAX concessions

Airports

John Ackerman Chief Executive Officer | Los Angeles World Airports

By Sky Industry News

Mar 23, 2024

More than 150 representatives from small and local businesses attended a networking event hosted by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to explore concession opportunities at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The event aimed to connect businesses with LAWA staff, concessionaires, airport partners, and industry leaders.

Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners President Karim Webb, LAWA Chief Executive Officer John Ackerman, Deputy Executive Director Jones, and other LAWA staff addressed attendees. They provided an overview of the available concession opportunities and emphasized the department's dedication to supporting a diverse range of local and small businesses.

Speakers included Deputy Executive Director for Commercial Development Dave Jones, Commercial Development Division Director of Terminal Leasing and Concessions Denise Sample, Chief Executive Officer John Ackerman, Business, Jobs & Social Responsibility Director Amber Meshack, and President Karim Webb.

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As part of preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, LAWA plans to offer over $100 million in concessions contracts and more than $125 million in construction contracts for concession spaces. These projects are expected to create approximately 450 jobs. The new opportunities will contribute to the development of modernized facilities at LAX including Terminal 4, West Gates at Tom Bradley International Terminal, the LAX Automated People Mover's West Station, the LAX Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility, and LAX Economy Parking.

Attendees received guidance on business opportunity programs offered by LAWA as well as insights into navigating the City of Los Angeles' contracting requirements. This included details about the City's Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification program along with RAMPLA and Bonfire contracting platforms.

Merriwether & Williams provided information on their assistance program designed to help businesses meet bonding requirements. Additionally, representatives from the LAWA-sponsored Airport Minority Advisory Council's (AMAC) Los Angeles Regional Chapter shared resources for connecting businesses with further opportunities.

Businesses interested in future contracting with LAWA are encouraged to visit www.lawa.org/lawa-businesses/how-to-do-business-with-lawa for more information. Updates can be found by signing up on www.rampla.org or www.lawa.bonfirehub.com.