ACA Leadership Symposium 2027 heads to Lisbon
This is a special feature from the November 2026 Middle East, Asia & Africa issue of PAX International, on page 52.
Hosted by gategroup, the third annual ACA Leadership Symposium will bring airlines, caterers, suppliers and industry partners to Lisbon, Portugal, from June 1 to 3, 2027
The Airline Catering Association (ACA) will bring airlines, caterers, suppliers and industry partners to Lisbon, Portugal, from June 1 to 3, 2027, for its third annual Leadership Symposium. This year’s host, gategroup, will welcome delegates with CEO Christoph Schmitz serving as ACA President. The event will take place at the EPIC SANA Marquês hotel.
Following previous editions in Amsterdam and Toulouse, the Lisbon gathering will give leaders an opportunity to step back from daily operations and consider the industry’s shared direction.
“Hosting the ACA Leadership Symposium in Lisbon is a great honor for gategroup and reflects our commitment to supporting the continued development of our industry,” Schmitz tells PAX International.
“I hope delegates leave Lisbon with new perspectives, new connections and a renewed sense of engagement as we work to elevate the onboard passenger experience and build a more resilient and innovative industry,” he says.
Christoph Schmitz, CEO of gategroup and President of ACA
Space for strategic conversations
Léa Bodossian, ACA’s Managing Director, aims to preserve the intimate atmosphere that allows delegates to discuss challenges candidly.
“The ACA Leadership Symposium is not a trade show — and we very much intend to keep it that way,” she says.
The program remains in development, with ACA planning high-level strategic discussions for CEOs and industry leaders. Bodossian says the 2027 event will build on the success of last year’s Pitch Galley, keeping innovation central to the conversations.
Media partner PAX International will be present in Lisbon, where Managing Editor Jane Hobson will moderate a panel.
Léa Bodossian, Managing Director, ACA (left) with Jane Hobson, Managing Editor, PAX International at the WTCE 2026
Building connections throughout the year
Bodossian joined ACA in April after more than two decades in European affairs and aviation. She tells PAX International her priorities include strengthening the collective voice of members who represent more than 70 percent of the global inflight catering industry and translating their expertise into collaboration on operational efficiency, regulatory requirements and industry practices.
That work extends beyond the symposium. ACA is developing its partnership with PAX International through the ACA Corner, highlighting members’ expertise, achievements and innovations. It is also expanding membership services through a planned webinar program, regulatory intelligence briefs and opportunities for international engagement.
“Ultimately, I want ACA to be an association that members do not just belong to, but actively turn to — for expertise, connections, representation and the opportunity to make a difference.”
PAX International will share further details on the registration and agenda as information becomes available from ACA.
