More than 400 representatives from large firms, small businesses, and minority-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises and organizations attended the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation’s 11th Annual Business Opportunity Forum (BOF) at the Airport Marriott Hotel on September 26. Participants learned about current and upcoming opportunities at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), the Department of Aviation’s diversity goals and initiatives and resources available from the US Department of Transportation.
Guests were greeted in person by Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed, Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and
Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, and via video by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, State Representative Joanna E. McClinton, State Representative Regina Young, State Senator Vincent Hughes, State Senator Nikil Saval and Philadelphia City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson. Among the honored guests in attendance were Tinicum Township
Manager David D. Schreiber and President of the Tinicum Township Board of Commissioners Patrick McCarthy.
“It’s great to share the impactful opportunities at our airports with everyone here,” said Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed. “The airports remain a leading economic engine not only in the region, but the entire world at large.”
In panel discussions with airport leaders, participants learned about the variety of opportunities available at PHL and PNE with the Department of Aviation and its stakeholders. Participants were also given time to network with airport staff and local business leaders.
“I think this may have been the best BOF yet,” said Deputy of Airport Procurement and BOF Co-Lead Deatrice Isaac. “It was exciting to see so many people back in person after being virtual during the pandemic. There was high energy in the room, and you could tell that the attendees were engaged. I’m already looking forward to the 2024 BOF, where we will be laser-focused on all things leading up to 2026, including ‘Philadelphia250’!”
Four hundred fifty-five of the 487 companies and organizations registered for the BOF were Minority/Women/Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (M/W/DBEs). A total of
218 are working on airport contracts in the current year.
“It was so great to be back in person for this annual event,” said Deputy Director of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and BOF leader Denise Bailey. “More than an opportunity to share important and timely airport information, this forum always connects us with a diverse array of dynamic businesses. I’m looking forward to everyone continuing this energy and intentional network-building as we head towards 2026!”
