Indy Airport Seeks Concession ‘Refresh’
The IAA says the effort aims to showcase local foods
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indianapolis International Airport is looking for dozens of vendors to take on leases set to expire in 2018. Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Direct Mario Rodriguez says the goal is to attract local vendors to create a "sense of place" reflecting the city and state at the airport. He says concessionaires and retailers are becoming more important to the airport’s business model, with revenue totaling more than $40 million in 2015.
The authority will hold three meetings to help prepare local businesses for a request-for-proposal opportunity coming next year. The IAA says the effort aims to showcase local foods, beverages and brands "that directly represent the Indianapolis culture and experience."
Rodriguez says the ultimate goal is to "take food, beverage and retail in a fresh direction, one that shouts ‘we are Indianapolis’." He says the airport is an easy sell, with retailers and concessionaires having the opportunity to sell to eight million passengers per year.
The upcoming sessions will connect interested vendors with IAA staff and consultants. The authority says businesses eligible for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or Airport-Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs are encouraged to attend.
The sessions are scheduled for:
Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 @ 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST (RSVPs due September 12):
Indianapolis International Airport – 4th Floor Board Room (Parking will be validated)
7800 Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Dr., Indianapolis, Ind., 46241
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 @ 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST (RSVPs due September 22):
Fishers Town Hall – Auditorium (Parking is free)
1 Municipal Dr., Fishers, Ind., 46038
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 @ 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. EST (RSVPs due September 22):
Indianapolis Urban League – Conference Room (Parking is free)
777 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis, Ind., 46202
Rodriguez says Indianapolis International Airport is an easy sell.