Speaker Biograghy: Mitch Nadler is JetBlue Airways’ Director, Concession Programs, a position he has held since 2009. Mitch leads the Concessions Department, a key team within JetBlue’s Commercial Group. He is responsible for the overall management of JetBlue’s award-winning concession programmes at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Terminal 5, JetBlue’s state-of-the-art home in the New York City area. In this role Mitch oversees the development of T5 concession spaces, manages concessionaire relationships, leads operational and financial performance, directs in-terminal advertising and supervises certain T5 event planning and execution. Mitch also represents JetBlue’s concession interests in other cities by collaborating with airport and industry partners. Prior to 2009 Mitch served as JetBlue’s Director, Corporate Real Estate Counsel, where he focused on real estate and contractual matters, including leasing, construction and certain financing. He had extensive involvement in the 2008 launch of T5, including the opening of the concession spaces.


Day 2 - 19 April
Session: Commercial Development

15:30 - 16:00 - Controlling your concession programme's destiny
Synopsis: Airport concession programmes are shaped by competing interests. The final programme is often either a compromise among different constituents or the vision of a single group or individual. In either scenario, the programme, and the customers it serves, may suffer, leaving the airport with a sub-optimal concession experience for years. This presentation will offer strategies for navigating through concession programme development to achieve a dynamic programme that exceeds customer expectations, satisfies constituents, earns industry acclaim and affords flexibility. It will explore the following topics: creating objectives, identifying stakeholders and soliciting feedback, choosing a model, developing a branding strategy and measuring success.