BNA Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion at Business Diversity Conference

Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) proudly hosted the prestigious 39th Annual Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) Airport Business Diversity Conference, further establishing its leadership in the aviation industry. This distinguished event, which ran from August 4 to 7, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville, welcomed over 1,800 professionals, government officials, and business leaders to explore strategies for advancing opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned enterprises, and to promote diversity and inclusion across the aviation and aerospace sectors.

The Chairman’s Award

At the AMAC Catalyst Award Luncheon, a highlight of the conference, aviation industry leaders gathered to honor individuals who have significantly advanced AMAC’s mission of promoting minority and women’s employment and contracting opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industries. In a moving ceremony before a sold-out audience, AMAC Board Chair Ricky Smith presented Doug Kreulen, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA), with the prestigious Chairman’s Award. With heartfelt gratitude, Kreulen accepted the award, praising AMAC’s leadership and staff for their relentless efforts to provide equitable opportunities for all. This accolade underscores Kreulen’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing minority participation and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment (see attached photos).

“The Chairman’s Award honors a change agent from inside or outside the organization who has helped AMAC transform itself by focusing on organizational effectiveness, improvement, and development,” said AMAC Board Chair Ricky Smith. “For being a change agent and being an integral part of the culture at their organization, I’m honored to present this year’s Chairman’s Award to Doug Kreulen. I’d like to extend my gratitude again on behalf of all of us here to Doug and the BNA team for really rolling out the red carpet for us this year! Thank you for your partnership and helping to create a successful and memorable AMAC Conference here in Nashville.”

The Local Icon Industry Award

During AMAC’s Celebrating Women in Aviation Breakfast and Scholarship Awards Breakfast, which attracted 600 attendees, the accomplishments of outstanding women in aviation and aerospace were celebrated. The AMAC Foundation also recognized its student scholarship recipients and donors. Among the honorees was Davita Taylor, Vice President of Procurement and Business Diversity Development at BNA, who received the AMAC Local Industry Icon Award. Taylor’s unwavering dedication to enhancing diversity and business development has been pivotal to BNA’s success in supporting small, minority, and women-owned business enterprises. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding small and diverse firms to economic opportunities at the airport, and she has championed the annual Business Taking Off event, which highlights available and future opportunities as well as provides a networking space for small and large businesses. (see attached photos).

“Her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has profoundly impacted our industry,” said Sunshine White, Chair of the AMAC Foundation. “Thanks to her dedication, BNA is not just an airport, but a beacon of opportunity and inclusivity. Please join me in celebrating her incredible contributions and her pivotal role in making our community stronger.”

39th Annual AMAC Business Diversity Conference

The 39th Annual AMAC Business Diversity Conference left a lasting impact in Music City. With BNA serving as the conference host, our team was intentional about adding a “Nashville” overlay to every aspect of the meeting. The conference kicked off with a purpose-driven afternoon with a fundraiser at Topgolf for the advancement of aviation scholarships, courtesy of the AMAC Foundation. The momentum continued that evening at the BNA Welcome Reception, which was truly unforgettable, featuring soulful performances by the award-winning R&B group After 7 and comedy by Cedric the Entertainer and Nashville’s own DJ CWiz.

The enthusiasm carried into the next morning with the Opening Session & Airport Directors 20/20 Vision Forum, where distinguished speakers like Acting Under Secretary 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 & CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, and a powerful panel of airport CEOs, including our very own Doug Kreulen.

The day continued with a high-energy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and the grand opening of the AMAC Gateway Exhibit Hall, where the renowned Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands provided conference attendees with a musical tribute to remember. Attendees were treated to a book signing with Fawn Weaver and a captivating origin story of Nashville’s famous Hot Chicken from Ms. Andre Prince of Prince’s Hot Chicken.

The next day, the AMAC Catalyst Awards Luncheon kept the excitement alive 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.