Runway to Revenue: RIC Hosts 5th Annual P.O.W.E.R. Forum

Contracting doesn’t have to be complicated, and Richmond International Airport’s 5^th annual P.O.W.E.R. Forum—Runway to Revenue—is a gateway for businesses to learn the process and explore opportunities in the airport space.

Returning for its fifth year, the P.O.W.E.R. Forum will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, November 21, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The forum, hosted by the Richmond International Airport, which is owned by the Capital Region Airport Commission, in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Institute of Economic Development, brings together small businesses, prime contractors, suppliers, and industry leaders for a dynamic networking session focused on engaging businesses in contracting opportunities.

“This forum is a strategic springboard for new partnerships. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering clear forecasts on upcoming procurements, providing training and education, and fostering relationships with organizations that share our mission to drive economic impact across the Richmond region,” said Perry J. Miller, Ph.D., A.A.E., I.A.P., president and CEO of the Commission. “When businesses have early access to information about procedural requirements and understand their role in the process, they are better equipped to compete and succeed.”

The P.O.W.E.R. Forum is a part of the airport’s Business Engagement Program, which is focused on fostering small business and firm participation in the airport’s procurement opportunities through outreach and process transparency.

Between fiscal years 2023 and 2026, Richmond International Airport has approved 120 projects valued at $221.4 million – and 96 projects valued at $191.2 million are still available to prospective firms, including 35 initiatives totaling $53 million in the current year alone. In addition, 20 planned projects, including the consolidated security screening checkpoint, representing another $330 million in investment are pending Commission approval over the next five years. In total, these efforts amount to more than $500 million in anticipated business opportunities spanning infrastructure, signage, technology, and other critical areas airport wide.

In 2024, Maxine Pittman, owner and founder of hair care company Tress Obsessed, attended the P.O.W.E.R. Forum as well as P.O.W.E.R. University, a series of comprehensive workshops held in the summer and curated for small businesses seeking to become airport contractors. Her experience gave her the foundational knowledge she needed and helped her to better position herself to bid for a contract.

“It gave us the readiness and confidence that we needed to get our first airport contract moving into 2026,” Pittman said of her experience with P.O.W.E.R University. Her unique business model – selling hair products in smart vending machines – allowed her to bring her product offerings into the airport space.

This year’s forum will include expert panels and keynote speakers, an exhibitor showcase featuring over 40 booths, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities where participants can build relationships with procurement and compliance professionals as well as fellow business owners.

Individuals and businesses interested in attending the forum can register online and manage their event experience through the Whova app. Walk-ins on the day of the event will also be allowed entry.

About RIC’S Business Engagement Program
The Capital Region Airport Commission is committed to encouraging the participation of emerging small businesses and certified small firms in all airport contracts and procurement opportunities. This includes firms certified through the Virginia SWaM program, Federal 49 CFR Parts 26 and 23, and the SBA small business certification programs. Through proactive outreach and transparent procurement practices, the Commission’s Business Engagement Program aims to ensure that qualified small businesses have access to meaningful opportunities to contribute to the airport’s operations and growth.

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Richmond International Airport’s vision is to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world. Eleven passenger airlines and four dedicated cargo carriers offer service from RIC with connecting options to points around the globe. According to the Commonwealth of Virginia, activities attributable to the Airport create nearly 16,000 jobs and contribute about $2.1 billion in annual economic activity to Virginia’s Capital Region. To learn more, please visit RIC on the web, X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn.