Small firms, big impact: The importance of Connico’s Small Firm Forum initiative at the ACC Annual Conference

The strength of our industry lies in empowering all its players, including small businesses that form its backbone. Small firms often face unique challenges in an industry dominated by larger organizations. These hurdles can go unnoticed, but we believe the solutions hold the key to a stronger, more inclusive industry. That’s why Connico prioritizes creating platforms like the Small Firm Forum to foster connection, collaboration, and problem-solving among businesses like ours.

Connico has given the Small Firm Forum, an established part of the ACC Annual Conference, new life in recent years. While continuing to be an important platform at the conference, the forum has expanded beyond the event to facilitate discussions across the industry. These forums bring the voices of smaller organizations to the forefront while engaging larger firms and industry stakeholders in understanding their challenges. This year, we brought the forum to a bigger stage at the 46th ACC Annual Conference in Scottsdale, AZ. The conference allowed us to reach a diverse group of leaders, including small firms, large companies, and airport representatives, for meaningful dialogue about the future.

We sat down with President Sri Kumar, Associate Principal Bryan Hafertape, and Cost Specialist Michael Feeney to discuss the forum, its outcomes, and what’s next for this important initiative.

What made this forum at the ACC conference unique?

Michael: Larger firms really stepped up to support small businesses at this forum. Seeing them listen, engage, and learn showed their genuine interest in the success of small firms. It felt like we made significant strides toward understanding.

Sri: This event also demonstrated how open dialogue can spark collaboration. By creating a space for small firms to share their perspectives, we facilitated more than conversations; we started building bridges. Some of the challenges small firms face may stem from a lack of understanding or visibility, and these forums are helping change that dynamic.

What topics and challenges were most discussed?

Bryan: A recurring theme was the difficulty small firms face in meeting large-scale requirements, especially in the airport sector. Airports operate on a level that can be overwhelming for smaller organizations, and we explored ways to make these partnerships more accessible so small firms can succeed.

How did attendees respond?

Sri: The feedback was incredibly positive. People appreciated being in a room where their voices were heard. That sense of connection and mutual understanding was a big win for the forum.

What were your biggest takeaways from the forum?

Michael: We want to be even more strategic moving forward. For example, conducting a survey before the next event could help us focus on the most pressing issues and potential solutions, making our discussions even more impactful.

Sri: I see this initiative evolving into something much bigger. In 2025, I’d like to see us move from talking about challenges to implementing solutions. The momentum we’re building is exciting, and I believe the Small Firm Forum has the potential to drive meaningful change in our industry.

Why are these forums valuable for small businesses?

Bryan: Small businesses often face the same challenges repeatedly, but they rarely have a platform to discuss them together. The Small Firm Forum provides that much-needed space for shared learning and solution development. The value of these conversations culminates in the partnerships that emerge from them.

What sets the Small Firm Forum apart is the diverse perspectives it brings together. This year, attendees like Leah Whitfield, president of APG and senior aviation planner, and Brandy Waters, president and owner of Sunland Group, showcased the expertise and leadership that small firms bring to the aviation and construction industries. Leah’s experience managing complex airport projects across the commercial and general aviation sectors and Brandy’s insight as a leader of a multidisciplinary firm and advocacy for underrepresented businesses fueled discussions about the challenges and opportunities that small firms encounter. Their contributions, along with those of other participants, added meaningful depth to the forum.

What was your biggest takeaway from the forum at the ACC Annual Conference?

Brandy: My biggest takeaway from the Small Firm Forum was the power of community. The value of sharing unique perspectives and experiences with others cannot be overstated. Seeing small business leaders come together to discuss challenges and solutions reinforced how important it is to have a structured, collaborative approach that considers every stakeholder’s perspective.

Why should someone get involved with the Small Firm Forum?

Leah: The Small Firm Forum gives small business owners and leaders a space to collaborate, share experiences and ideas, and solve challenges together. As a small firm owner, I’ve gained valuable insights from peers on everything from contract requirements to accounts receivable and employee benefits. Beyond practical advice, the forum builds a network of small firm leaders you can call on for support and partnerships.

It also ensures that larger firms hear our collective voice, giving small businesses a seat at the table in shaping industry conversations. The ability to engage directly with those who influence policies makes the forum an essential resource for any small firm looking to grow.

Looking ahead

The Small Firm Forum continues to grow as a platform for change, providing opportunities for small businesses to share their challenges and work toward actionable solutions. Connico is proud to support this effort, forming connections and driving progress across the industry.

For more information on Connico’s industry initiatives, explore our website.