The AHLA Foundation recently hosted nearly 1,000 hotel industry professionals at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place for the annual ForWard conference. Spanning three days, the event brought together industry leaders to exchange insights and engage with dynamic speakers dedicated to advancing and celebrating women in hospitality.

This year’s conference theme, “Right the Narrative,” emphasized the importance of storytelling and elevating the voices of women within the hotel sector. Notable keynote speakers included Shola Richards, founder & CEO of Go Together Global and best-selling author; comedian, actress, and writer Zainab Johnson; and author and CEO of Liz Plank Productions, Liz Plank. Prominent industry figures such as Julienne Smith, Chief Development Officer at IHG and Chair of the AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees; Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer and President of Global Development at Hilton and Chairman of AHLA’s Board of Directors; and Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, also participated.

The conference featured breakout sessions on topics from adopting an “unhustle” mindset to the practices of transformational leaders. Main stage discussions covered global hotel industry trends, the impact of advocacy, and insights from next-gen leaders, industry innovators, and top experts.

“The reality is, when women in our industry advance, the industry as a whole benefits,” said AHLA Foundation president Anna Blue. “This is an event like no other – the energy and excitement are contagious – and the rapid growth of
the ForWard initiative demonstrates the need for spaces that champion and elevate women.”

During the event, the Foundation also launched the “Move Hospitality ForWard” campaign, a six-week fundraising initiative to bolster the ForWard program. This effort aims to amplify and promote the advancement of women in the hotel industry through specialized programs and events like the annual ForWard conference. Contributions to support this campaign are welcome.

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