Nashville International Airport (BNA) proudly hosted the prestigious 39th Annual Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport Business Diversity Conference, solidifying its leadership in the aviation industry. Held August 4-7, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville, this prestigious event welcomed over 1,800 professionals, government officials and business leaders to explore strategies to advance opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses and promote diversity and inclusion in the aerospace industry.
The Chairman’s Award
The AMAC Catalyst Award Luncheon, a highlight of the conference, brought together aviation industry leaders to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to AMAC’s mission to advance employment and contract opportunities for minorities and women in the aerospace industry. In a moving ceremony before a sold-out crowd, AMAC Board Chairman Ricky Smith presented the prestigious Chairman’s Award to Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). Accepting the award with heartfelt gratitude, Kreulen praised AMAC leadership and staff for their tireless efforts to provide equal opportunities for all. This award underscores Kreulen’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing minority participation and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment (see attached photos).
“The Chairman’s Award honors a change agent inside or outside the organization who has helped AMAC transform itself by focusing on organizational efficiency, improvement and development,” said Ricky Smith, AMAC Board Chairman. “As a change agent and integral part of their organization’s culture, I am honored to present this year’s Chairman’s Award to Doug Kreulen. On behalf of all of us here, I want to once again express my gratitude to Doug and the BNA team for truly rolling out the red carpet for us this year! Thank you for your partnership and helping us create a successful and memorable AMAC conference here in Nashville.”
The Local Icon Industry Award
The achievements of outstanding women in aviation and aerospace were recognized during AMAC’s Celebrating Women in Aviation Breakfast and Scholarship Awards Breakfast, which attracted 600 attendees. The AMAC Foundation also recognized its scholarship recipients and donors. Among the honorees was Davita Taylor, BNA’s Vice President of Procurement and Business Diversity Development, who received the AMAC Local Industry Icon Award. Taylor’s tireless commitment to promoting diversity and business development has been critical to BNA’s success in supporting small, minority and women-owned businesses. Her leadership has been instrumental in making small and diverse businesses aware of economic opportunities at the airport, and she has spearheaded the annual Business Taking Off event, which highlights existing and future opportunities and provides a platform for small and large businesses to network (see attached photos).
“Their unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has had a profound impact on our industry,” said Sunshine White, chair of the AMAC Foundation. “Thanks to their dedication, BNA is not just an airport, but a beacon of opportunity and inclusion. Please join me in celebrating their incredible contributions and their critical role in strengthening our community.”
39th Annual AMAC Business Diversity Conference
The 39th Annual AMAC Business Diversity Conference left a lasting impression in Music City. With BNA hosting the conference, our team was keen to bring a touch of “Nashville” to every aspect of the gathering. The conference kicked off with a purpose-driven afternoon with a fundraiser at Topgolf to benefit aviation scholarships, courtesy of the AMAC Foundation. The momentum continued that evening at the BNA Welcome Reception, which was truly unforgettable and included soulful performances by award-winning R&B group After 7 and comedy by Cedric the Entertainer and Nashville’s own DJ CWiz.
The excitement continued the next morning as the Airport Directors’ Opening Session and 20/20 Vision Forum took place. There, distinguished speakers such as Acting Secretary of State Christopher Coes, Congressman Steven Horsford, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, AMAC Board Chair Ricky Smith and AMAC President and CEO Eboni Winbush set the stage for a day of impactful conversations. Highlights included a compelling discussion with Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and a high-profile panel of airport CEOs including our own Doug Kreulen.
The day continued with a high-energy opening ceremony and grand opening of the AMAC Gateway Exhibit Hall, where Tennessee State University’s renowned Aristocrat of Bands provided conference attendees with an unforgettable musical tribute. Attendees were treated to a book signing by Fawn Weaver and a captivating origin story of Nashville’s famous hot chicken by Ms. Andre Prince of Prince’s Hot Chicken.
The next day, the AMAC Catalyst Awards Luncheon added excitement with a fireside chat featuring former Tennessee Titan and entrepreneur Keith Bulluck, moderated by MNAA CEO Doug Kreulen. The conference wrapped up in true New Orleans style with an evening celebration hosted by Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, setting the stage for next year’s conference with flair.
