Judging panel unveiled as interest grows for FAB + Hospitality Awards 2025 in Barcelona

SPAIN. The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to reveal an illustrious panel of judges for the highly anticipated Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards and FAB Superstars Awards 2025 to be held in Barcelona, Spain on 25-26 June.

Hosted by Spanish airports operator Aena, the key industry event will culminate in the FAB Awards Ceremony during the Gala Dinner on 26 June, with the FAB Superstars winners unveiled earlier during the conference.

Owned and managed by The Moodie Davitt Report, the world’s only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will bring together senior executives from airports, food & beverage concessionaires and hospitality service providers, as well as business partners worldwide.

A group of highly respected industry leaders will join The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie to evaluate the entries.

Nick Inkster, a widely respected hospitality veteran, once again lends his expertise to the judging panel. He was instrumental in the launch of the inaugural FAB Awards in 2011 and has remained an avid supporter. In 2019, he was honoured with a FAB Award for his significant contributions to airport F&B. His distinguished career includes 26 years in senior leadership roles at travel F&B operator SSP.

Returning to this year’s jury is Susan Gray, Managing Partner of airport commercial planning and strategy consultancy Concession Planning International. With over 25 years in the airport industry, the highly regarded Sydney-based travel retail expert began her career as an airport journalist before taking on prominent roles in global communications and business development at SSP. She has spent the last 15 years consulting for airports worldwide.

Also back on the judging team is Jonathan Doughty, a seasoned professional with 45 years of industry experience, starting from his early career as a chef to becoming a well-known foodservice consultant. For 26 years, he successfully led his consulting firm, Coverpoint, which he founded in 1993. He currently serves as a consultant to ECE and extends his expertise to various companies and high-traffic locations, including airports and transit hubs.

Nick Goddard-Palmer, Hunter Palmer – Global Retail Solutions Co-Founder, is another returning judge for this year’s FAB Awards. He adds a vital voice to the judging process with his more than 20 years of experience in the international airport retail and hospitality sector.

His career highlights include shaping the outstanding F&B programme at Hamad International Airport and serving as CEO of DDFS at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. He also led key projects for Aer Rianta International – Middle East. More recently, he has focused on non-aeronautical strategies and revenue opportunities in the eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and vertiport industries.

An expert in aviation catering, inflight retail and airport F&B, Robert Shepherd is also part of the esteemed panel of judges for this year’s FAB Awards.

His 35-year career is marked by leadership across all areas of aviation services, including mergers and acquisitions, marketing, business development and product innovation. With executive roles in Europe and the USA, he has demonstrated a pragmatic and strong approach in competitive markets.

Shepherd supports Hayward Partnership clients with expertise in leadership, contract negotiations, M&A, financial forecasting, market analysis, strategic planning and supply chain management, among others.

Returning for his fifth year on the FAB judging panel is Trippas White Group CEO Kevin Zajax. He is an experienced industry executive, serving as Director at Ground Control Global, Australia’s leading stadia and airport advisory firm.

Ground Control works with high-profile clients, including Marvel Stadium, the SCG Trust and a range of airport and non-airport businesses and brands.

Nominations for the awards must be submitted by 4 April. More details on FAB Superstars entry requirements can be found on the website. An administration fee of US$59 per submission is payable via the portal. 

As reported, registration for the Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards is now open via the official portal.

An Early Bird delegate pass is available for US$1,500 until 30 April, after which the standard registration fee is US$1,700. 

As part of our commitment to industry engagement, airport delegates are eligible for an attractive -50% discount on both the Early Bird and regular registration fees.

Non-airport delegates can benefit from a -20% group discount when three or more delegates from the same company register together. Email Events@MoodieDavittReport.com for a discount code. 

For general enquiries on FAB, please contact Vincci Chung, Associate Director, Events at Vincci@moodiedavittreport.com. 

Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.

Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com for your complimentary subscription.