2021 Business Opportunity Forum

PHL Moving Forward Together

PHL BOF slogan

Hosted in collaboration with Minority Enterprise Development (MED) week

On October 8, 2021, Philadelphia International Airport successfully hosted the 9th Annual PHL Business Opportunity Forum, where small and diverse businesses in the Philadelphia area gathered to understand the dynamics of doing business at PHL, hear about anticipated opportunities, and network with leadership and prime contractors. This year the forum focused on contracting opportunities, successful partnerships and increasing representation.

The event included an opening session, ten breakout sessions, and a Q&A closing session, while also offering a resource partner expo and speed-networking. Participants were able to hear from dynamic speakers from the Division of Aviation and our partners.

Thanks again for joining us. We hope to see you at next year’s forum!

Business Opportunity Forum Agenda

Opening Session and Cargo PHL Roundtable

Breakout Sessions

Closing Session and Q&A

Expo with Resource Agency Partners

Opening Session and Cargo PHL Roundtable

Chellie Cameron, the CEO of PHL, kicked off the opening session of the forum speaking about the state of PHL, the uptick of travel after the COVID-19 pandemic brought travel to an all-time low, and about how passengers returning the airport since COVID-19 expect the same level of service as 2019. PHL has responded by focusing on innovation and giving PHL travelers an even better experience than before.

Stephanie Wear, Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services, shared the exciting long- and short-term plans for PHL cargo and the opportunities available for all businesses, predominantly minority & women-owned businesses, small businesses, and local businesses. Lauren Carroll, UPS Air Division Manager, who oversees the ramp operations for UPS at Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Dulles airports, spoke to the strategic plan they have in place and how the Philadelphia International Airport plays a part in this, while Chuck Stipancic, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFCO, detailed AFCO’s role in business development and how AFCO plays a significant role in PHL’s cargo development program.

Opening Session Bios

	Chellie Cameron, CEO of PHL Rochelle ("Chellie") L. Cameron was appointed Chief Executive Officer in January 2016. As CEO, Ms. Cameron serves as the City’s chief aviation representative in local, state, national and international affairs. She is responsible for the operation of the Airport System and directing the planning, development and administration of all activities of the City’s Division of Aviation, including both Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport. She also oversees the management of airport personnel. As of June 30, 2020, there were approximately 792 Division of Aviation employees, 164 Police Department, 70 Fire Department, 19 Law Department and 24 Office of Fleet Management persons employed by the City's Division of Aviation.
	Stephanie Wear, Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services Stephanie is responsible for air service development and cargo portfolios at the airport. She works to attract, retain, and expand air service routes as well as increase cargo volume. She works within the revenue department by maintaining effective working relationships with carriers, logistical firms, aviation organizations and other airports. She also facilitates corporate and stakeholder relationships that maximize commercial air service operations at Philadelphia, ensuring that PHL thrives as a globally competitive gateway.
	Lauren Carroll, UPS Air Division Manager Lauren oversees the ramp operations for UPS at Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Dulles airports. Under her leadership is over 1,200 union employees and 125 management personnel. Her responsibilities at UPS include, but are not limited to, overseeing all ramp activity, consisting of the ground handling of 42 aircraft daily, fueling, deice, compliance, equipment management, cargo buildup etc. She has been with UPS for 17 years, all spent at the Philadelphia airport, and has been consistently increasing her responsibilities through her tenure.
	Chuck Stepancik, President and CEO of AFCO Joining AFCO in 2003, Chuck oversees all strategic, financial and operational activities at AFCO. He is widely recognized for his ability to develop innovative and win-win solutions for landlords, tenants, investors and shareholders. Prior to joining AFCO, Chuck spent 14 years with US Airways, Inc., most recently as Vice President, Corporate Real Estate, where he was responsible for all real estate and construction activity and environmental programs in more than 150 locations world-wide.

Breakout Sessions

A&E and Construction Management Opportunities:

Learn about upcoming opportunities including construction management, construction inspection, FDR Park projects, SEPTA projects adjacent to the Airport and projects sponsored by PIDC.

The Changing Landscape of Concessions:

Look back at how merchants and the airport responded to the impacts of 2020 and how these impacts will shape the future of airport concessions. Explore what is currently open and the customer experience of today. Look forward to what opportunities are on the horizon and strategies for success from Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE).

Construction/Fit-out in Concessions Spaces:

Renovation of the food and shop stores at PHL combines the need for general, electrical, and mechanical construction in these small spaces. At this session learn how to project which stores may be next to renovate, who to contract with, and what the requirements are for successful completion.

Construction Roundtables:

At these small-group sessions, meet construction prime contractors and get tips for success in the construction trades at PHL.

The Momentum of Cargo:

Learn what cargo operations and opportunities are all about at PHL. From design and construction to package handling and freight forwarding; PHL’s cargo operations have been built on strategic planning and are gaining momentum. Get an overview of what cargo facilities are currently at PHL, which are expanding, who some of the new players may be and how your business can realize opportunities in the massive local logistics market.

Non-A&E Professional Services Opportunities:

PHL contracts for a range of non-Architecture & Engineering (A&E) professional services; from general consulting to IT to financial services. At this session, get a preview of upcoming opportunities, gain insight into what PHL looks for in vendors competing for these opportunities, and virtually network with peers.

Service, Supply, and Equipment Opportunities:

PHL contracts for a range of services, supplies and equipment; from security guard services to uniforms to copiers. At this session, get a preview of upcoming opportunities, gain insight into what PHL looks for in vendors competing for these opportunities, and virtually network with peers.

Sustainability at the Airport:

Get highlights on RFP requirements, design standards, and other environmental-focused projects with the Airport and information from the City's Office of Sustainability.

Taxiway to Success:

For businesses looking for their first airport contract, join this session for an overview of PHL Procurement and get information on diversity programs and business and financial resources available to support your success.

Technology Opportunities at the Airport:

Even before 2020, airports were expanding technology solutions. Learn about current and planned technology applications and opportunities to enhance operations, the guest experience, and concessions at PHL.

Closing Session and Q&A

Closing Session Bios

	Kathleen Padilla, Deputy Director of Aviation for Diversity and Inclusion Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Kathleen (Kathy) Padilla is the Deputy Director of Aviation for Diversity and Inclusion at PHL/PNE. Kathy oversees the Federal Business Diversity Programs citywide, PHL’s Accessibility and Access Programs, the Federal Business Certification Program, PHL's Federal Small Business Program and Language Access Program within the Division of Aviation. Additionally, Kathy is the Chair of the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program and volunteers on the DBE Committee of the National Transportation Research Board.
	Tracy Borda, Chief Financial Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Tracy S. Borda was appointed Chief Financial Officer in January 2016. She is responsible for the Airport's financial strategy and oversees all financial functions including financial reporting and forecasting, treasury and investor relations, budget development and management, audit, procurement, and materials management.
	Keith J. Brune, A.A.E., IAP, Chief Operating Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Keith J. Brune, A.A.E., IAP, was appointed Chief Operating Officer for the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation in October 2017. He oversees all day-to-day operations of Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport, including landside and airside operations, security and maintenance of terminals and facilities, and capital development.
	Allen Mehta, Chief Information Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Allen Mehta is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation, which owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport. He oversees all IT network infrastructure and operations, including network security, telecoms, wireless, data centers, disaster recovery, on-prem and cloud environment, CCTV, access control, software and website development as well as the airport IT innovation team.
	Adam Mitchell, Deputy Chief Revenue Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Adam Mitchell is the Deputy Chief Revenue Officer at PHL and first joined PHL in 2017. He leads the teams responsible for air service development and marketing strategy including new international and cargo service. Mr. Mitchell collaborates with the CRO and CFO on managing the airport’s revenue programs which include food, beverage and retail concessions, ground transportation, wireless Internet services, advertising, terminal leasing, all airline agreements and other business development activities. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Airport Council International North America (ACI-NA), the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and InfraGard.

Expo with Resource Agency Partners

Other Resources

Registration List

View a full list of registrants and attendees.

Taking Off with Chellie Cameron
Join the Airport CEO, Chellie Cameron to find out about recent initiatives at PHL and PNE.

Anticipated Opportunities

Professional Services and Public Works contracting opportunities through 2021

Finding PHL Contract Opportunities

Help your firm find and secure contracts at PHL

DBE or MWBE Certification

Navigate the minority/women-owned/disabled business enterprise certification process

A participant list is available to all registrants at no cost. Beware of solicitations naming this event that are not from [email protected] or a Hopin.com email address.

In collaboration with Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week

MED

	Kathleen Padilla, Deputy Director of Aviation for Diversity and Inclusion Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Kathleen (Kathy) Padilla is the Deputy Director of Aviation for Diversity and Inclusion at PHL/PNE. Kathy oversees the Federal Business Diversity Programs citywide, PHL’s Accessibility and Access Programs, the Federal Business Certification Program, PHL's Federal Small Business Program and Language Access Program within the Division of Aviation. Additionally, Kathy is the Chair of the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program and volunteers on the DBE Committee of the National Transportation Research Board.
	Tracy Borda, Chief Financial Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Tracy S. Borda was appointed Chief Financial Officer in January 2016. She is responsible for the Airport's financial strategy and oversees all financial functions including financial reporting and forecasting, treasury and investor relations, budget development and management, audit, procurement, and materials management.
	Keith J. Brune, A.A.E., IAP, Chief Operating Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Keith J. Brune, A.A.E., IAP, was appointed Chief Operating Officer for the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation in October 2017. He oversees all day-to-day operations of Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport, including landside and airside operations, security and maintenance of terminals and facilities, and capital development.
	Allen Mehta, Chief Information Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Allen Mehta is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation, which owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport. He oversees all IT network infrastructure and operations, including network security, telecoms, wireless, data centers, disaster recovery, on-prem and cloud environment, CCTV, access control, software and website development as well as the airport IT innovation team.
	Adam Mitchell, Deputy Chief Revenue Officer Philadelphia International Airport \| Northeast Philadelphia Airport Adam Mitchell is the Deputy Chief Revenue Officer at PHL and first joined PHL in 2017. He leads the teams responsible for air service development and marketing strategy including new international and cargo service. Mr. Mitchell collaborates with the CRO and CFO on managing the airport’s revenue programs which include food, beverage and retail concessions, ground transportation, wireless Internet services, advertising, terminal leasing, all airline agreements and other business development activities. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Airport Council International North America (ACI-NA), the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and InfraGard.