Pittsburgh International Airport has a long tradition of innovation, having been the first airport in the United States to introduce its own in-terminal shopping mall, branded AirMall. Building on that legacy, PIT is once again reshaping the passenger experience with a state-of-the-art terminal and a next-generation concessions strategy. By adopting a true partnership model, the airport is setting a new benchmark for U.S. airports in how to collaborate with brands and operators to deliver a distinctive and memorable retail offering. This presentation will highlight newly created spaces, showcase the mix of brands, and share the design strategies shaping the future of airport retail at PIT. Drawing on market insights and emerging trends, it will illustrate how these initiatives are raising expectations for retail design, operations, and passenger engagement—transforming the way travelers interact with concessions in U.S. airports.

• • How to tailor a concessions program to align with a new airport business model
• • Lessons from transitioning from a developer-led structure to direct management and control
• • The financial and customer-experience benefits of in-house management of concession partnerships
• • A practical framework for engaging, evaluating, selecting, and successfully integrating new brands and operators into an airport environment