Editor’s Note: Earlier this year, Airport Experience News launched the AX Next Gen Collective, an advisory group dedicated to elevating the voices of emerging leaders across the North American airport concessions industry. Throughout the coming year, the 12 professionals selected for the Collective will share their perspectives on the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of the business. They’ll also provide valuable feedback to the AXN team, offering insight into how the next generation of industry leaders consumes media, connects with content, and engages with the industry.
As part of this ongoing series, each week the AXN NewsFlash spotlights a different member of the AX Next Gen Collective. This week, we feature Meghan Woods, vice president of business development at Paradies Lagardère. Woods shared her experiences and insight with AXN’s Sarah Beling.
Beling: How did you land in the airport concessions industry?
Woods: My path into aviation came through an internship opportunity at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), where I quickly discovered that airports are much more than transportation hubs, they’re complex businesses that connect communities, drive economic development, and create memorable experiences for travelers. Once I got a behind-the-scenes look, I was hooked
I began my career on the airport side, where I developed a passion for commercial development and passenger experience. Seeing how concessions shape a traveler’s journey led me to transition from airport management to the private sector, where I could help create those experiences firsthand.
Beling: What are you doing now (and how did you get there)?
Woods: Today, I serve as vice president of business development for Paradies Lagardère, leading growth initiatives, and strategic partnerships across North America. My journey has included roles in both the public and private sectors, supported by an AAE designation, an MPA, and an MBA.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is helping bring new concepts to life. Whether it’s introducing an exciting local brand to a national audience or helping an airport create a stronger sense of place, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see an idea move from strategy sessions to a fully operating business. I also enjoy building partnerships. Some of the best moments come from collaborating with airport teams, local entrepreneurs, and industry partners to create something that benefits both travelers and the community.
Beling: What area of the airport concessions sector would you like to explore in the future?
Woods: I’m excited about the intersection of technology, data, and customer experience. I believe there is tremendous opportunity to create more personalized and seamless concession experiences while continuing to expand opportunities for local and diverse businesses.
Many leading brands (i.e. Starbuck’s, Marriott, Delta, Chick-fil-A) are doing a great job at the intersection of data, technology, and customer experience. The ones that stand out use technology to make interactions more seamless and personalized — whether through loyalty programs, mobile engagement, or frictionless transactions. The best brands make the experience feel effortless while still maintaining a strong human connection with their customers.
Beling: How do you predict the industry will evolve for younger travelers?
Woods: Younger travelers value authenticity, convenience, and personalization. I expect airports to lean further into locally themed brands, frictionless technology, wellness-focused offerings, and experiences that reflect the unique character of each destination.
Beling: What is your favorite airport concession and why?
Woods: I’m a big fan of hybrid marketplace concepts that combine travel essentials, local merchandise, grab-and-go food, and specialty offerings in a single, flexible space. Concepts such as SF Eats [at San Francisco International Airport], Southern Farms Market [opening soon at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport], Plaza de San Jose [opening soon at San José Mineta International Airport], Market 704 [at Charlotte Douglas International Airport], and Market 949 [John Wayne Airport] allow travelers to accomplish multiple needs in one stop while also offering a curated sense of place. The best hybrid markets feel less like a convenience store and more like a snapshot of the destination they’re serving.
