ONT’s Open Mic social media series earned the ACI-NA 2025 award, highlighting the airport’s creativity, community engagement and leadership in marketing and communications.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) has earned top recognition for marketing and communications, winning the Social Media Campaigns award at Airports Council International-North America’s (ACI-NA) 2025 Marketing and Communications Awards in Kansas City, Missouri.
ONT’s popular Open Mic series, a traveller-focused social media feature showcasing impromptu performances and memorable airport moments, captured the award in a category open to all airports regardless of size. The airport surpassed major hub airports across the United States and Canada, highlighting ONT’s reputation as one of the industry’s most creative storytellers.
The concept was developed and led by Social Media Specialist Sabine West, with production support from Creative Producer Christopher Min and the Communications and Marketing team. The series can be viewed on ONT’s Instagram channel, @flyONT.
“We take a lot of pride in proving that an airport of our scale today and the one we’re growing into can lead the nation in creativity, innovation, and authenticity,” said Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Our Open Mic series captures the energy of our travellers and celebrates the unique sense of place that makes ONT Southern California’s airport of choice. I’m incredibly proud of Sabine, Christopher, and our entire Communications and Marketing team for earning the highest recognition in North America.”
ONT was also a finalist in two additional ACI-NA categories: Radio Advertising, for the Not So Fast campaign highlighting the convenience of flying from ONT, and Overall Public Relations Program (Medium Airports), for the So Cal. So Easy—initiative engaging local communities and regional events.
ACI-NA received a record-breaking 400 entries across all categories, making this year’s awards highly competitive.
“These honours affirm that our team’s work is not only resonating with travellers but also setting the industry standard,” said Eren Cello, Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “We’re committed to elevating the ONT brand in ways that are meaningful, memorable, and – above all – true to who we are.”
