Agenda

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, the ability to lead and cultivate high-performing teams is critical to organizational success. This two-and-a-half-hour session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to effectively grow, develop and sustain a team that excels. We’ll explore key leadership strategies, including fostering a culture of collaboration, leveraging individual strengths, and driving continuous improvement. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to overcome common challenges, enhance team dynamics, and inspire your team to achieve extraordinary results.

Note: This session is only available to corporate partner members of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality.

Welcome to Day 1 of the Women Leading Travel & Hospitality Summit! The Women Leading Travel & Hospitality team kicks things off with introductions and thank yous.

In a world where travel feels more uncertain — and more meaningful — than ever, explore recent travel trends, including consumer confidence in leisure travel, the growing emphasis on value-driven experiences, and the increasing prevalence of solo female travelers. Learn how Allianz Partners is ensuring memorable experiences and enhancing confidence in today’s rapidly changing travel environment.

This transparent talk will inspire women at any stage of their career and life journey, while encouraging them to define and live by their core values in both their personal and professional lives.

As the travel and hospitality industry undergoes rapid transformation, businesses must adapt swiftly to a variety of emerging trends to stay ahead. This panel discussion will explore a range of key industry movements — from the growing demand for sustainability to the surge in tech innovations and changing consumer behaviors. Our industry-leading panelists will open up about leveraging these insights to improve customer and employee interactions as well as optimize business processes. Join us to discover strategic ways your business can harness these developments for growth and success.

Sponsored by Allianz Partners

Begin your day with a refreshing group walk, meeting in the hotel lobby, or a calming yoga session led by our on-site instructor (mats provided).

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and energizing conversations! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and set the tone for a productive day ahead. Grab a coffee, find a seat, and enjoy networking with fellow attendees before the sessions begin.

Day two is underway with a full lineup of inspiring speakers and sessions ahead.

Eliza Pesuit, founding CEO of Global Glimpse, and program alumna, Brianna Alvarez, will share how the nonprofit organization empowers young women from low-income backgrounds. They will share insights into how travel experiences expand perspectives, bridge divides, and unlock leadership potential, preparing young women to become influential leaders in their communities and the global arena.

As traveler expectations evolve, so must the ways brands connect with them. From pre-stay to post-stay, Westgate Resorts delivers relevant experiences through journey-based messaging and ongoing testing, capturing more than double the revenue of the traditional email channel. In this session, you’ll hear practical strategies to build timely, high-performing lifecycle campaigns, boost engagement, and integrate SMS effectively across the customer journey.

The co-founders of Unleashed Women’s Leadership will deliver an electrifying keynote that will challenge you to redefine success and step into your power. They’ll share proven strategies to help you break through self-imposed barriers, align your work with your purpose, and amplify your impact as a leader. With a dynamic blend of insight, humor and actionable advice, this session will inspire you to lead with confidence, resilience and authenticity. Walk away equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s professional world while building a career — and life — that truly fulfills you. This is your moment to unleash the powerhouse within!

Join us for an inspiring keynote presentation by Peggy Roe, executive vice president and chief customer officer at Marriott International. Peggy will share her remarkable journey from her early career to her current role in the C-suite, offering a unique blend of personal and professional insights.

In this engaging session, Peggy will discuss her progression within Marriott, highlighting the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped her career. She will delve into her experiences and the lessons learned along the way, providing valuable takeaways for aspiring leaders. Peggy will also discuss how to foster loyalty and build lasting relationships, as well as enhancing customer and employee experiences to drive engagement and satisfaction.

Take a well-deserved break to recharge, grab refreshments, check out our pop-up shops, and connect with fellow attendees. Use this time to network, share ideas, or simply relax before the next session begins. It’s a great opportunity to build new relationships and continue the conversations sparked throughout the day.

Today’s travelers expect more than just a transaction – they expect experiences that feel uniquely tailored to them. But how can travel brands deliver personalized, relevant interactions without compromising on scale or revenue?

In this session, we’ll dive into new Forrester research that reveals the opportunities – and the operational tensions – travel leaders face in pursuing one-to-one optimization. We’ll explore how the industry is evolving beyond the old tradeoff between customer experience and commercial outcomes, embracing a “yes/and” approach that prioritizes both.

You’ll learn how leading companies are using technology, data, and trusted partnerships to unlock scalable relevance, elevate the customer journey, and drive sustainable ancillary revenue growth during macroeconomic uncertainties.

Technology innovation isn’t just an advantage, it’s essential for survival in today’s business landscape. Businesses that fail to innovate risk being left behind. This panel discussion brings together visionary leaders at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies across travel and hospitality. They will share insights on the implications of innovations like AI, virtual and augmented reality, and contactless solutions, including how these technologies are transforming the industry. Join us to explore the technological challenges, successes, and strategic directions shaping the future of travel and hospitality.

Enjoy networking over a buffet lunch.

In the competitive travel and hospitality landscape, lasting customer loyalty hinges on authentic, personalized experiences. To turn one-time buyers into lifelong customers, travel and hospitality brands need identity-based rewards and cross-brand integrations that go beyond transactional incentives. With a rich background leading initiatives for major global brands, Rebecca will begin by providing an inside look into her leadership journey to being a customer-obsessed CRO. Drawing from both her personal consumer experience and highlighting a case study with Sandals Resorts, she’ll discuss how travel and hospitality brands can elevate brand perception and deepen customer engagement through exclusive, targeted offers. The session will also examine today’s shifting macro landscape — where growing demand for personalized experiences meets the increasing pressure to optimize every consumer touchpoint and each marketing dollar.

Stephanie Glanzer, chief sales officer at MGM Resorts International, will discuss the value and benefits of MGM Resorts’ sabbatical program, “The Intermission,” as well as the impact it had on her both professionally and personally. After being with MGM Resorts for more than 26 years, working her way from a coordinator to the chief sales officer, Stephanie will share how she used her sabbatical to reflect on how to stay motivated at work, focus on her well-being, and be intentional on life priorities. Hear how some of these tips may help you in your career journey!

Join our executive coaches for hourlong interactive workshops! These workshops, offered Tuesday and Wednesday, will provide attendees with actionable insights and tips to take back to their teams. Select a different workshop to attend each day.

• Leading With Emotional Intelligence: Christina McFadden, CEO, Blue Door Partners
• Mindset Matters: The Art of Self-Advocacy, Confidence and Negotiation Strategies for Women: Courtney Seard, Executive Performance Coach, Speaker, Facilitator and Strategic Consultant
• Navigating Change and Uncertainty: Carrie Skowronski, Founder and CEO, Leadology
• Creating a Culture of Accountability: Quendrida Whitmore, Leadership Coach, Quendrida Whitmore Coaching & Consulting

Take a well-deserved break to recharge, grab refreshments, check out our pop-up shops, and connect with fellow attendees. Use this time to network, share ideas, or simply relax before the next session begins. It’s a great opportunity to build new relationships and continue the conversations sparked throughout the day.

During this unique and innovative networking session, attendees will be grouped by job function for engaging, insightful conversations with peers who are facing similar challenges within their roles. Share real-world experiences, tips and tools during this problem-solving session.

As a longtime advisory board member and returning speaker, Robin McClain has seen the Women Leading Travel & Hospitality community evolve — and has grown alongside it. In this Member Moment, she shares how being part of the organization has supported her through both career milestones and challenges, and what the community has meant to her as a leader in the industry.

Our panel, comprised of experts from event technology, hotels, and venue owner/management, will be stepping out from behind the curtain to discuss jobs in the hospitality world, how to advance your career with support of leadership, and growth in the most unexpected industry.

Live. Life is the richest, most delicious cake on earth. Add your own silver spoon, especially when there are none to be found. The silver spoon, the opportunity, the promise, the hope, has always been inside you. It takes courage to see the silver spoon. Courage to create, to make a difference, to lend a hand, and to believe in yourself when no one else does. Then, take action. Connect with people, share your dream, and live your values. Turn vision into reality by doing the work: make your lists, then check them off. Bring kindness with you. Rooted in love, kindness lights the way in a dark world. Put in 100 percent effort. Be all in. Advocate for yourself and take remarkable responsibility for your journey. Finally, embrace success with grace. Be humble, grateful and generous. Share what you achieve, give credit to others, and always give with love. This is how you live, lead and inspire — one courageous, kind, and purposeful step at a time. Tamara Turner, founder and CEO of Silver Spoon Desserts, will inspire you to step into your power, embrace your potential, and lead with courage, action and heart.

In this empowering keynote session, discover how embracing inclusivity and making room for others can not only elevate your career but also enhance your personal and professional profile. You’ll learn how fostering a culture of collaboration, rather than competition, can create growth and enrichment opportunities for both you and your peers.

Congratulations to the honorees featured in Women Leading Travel & Hospitality’s annual Top Women in Travel & Hospitality report! Join us as we celebrate their accomplishments and cheer for the honorees in attendance.

Begin your day with a refreshing group walk, meeting in the hotel lobby, or a calming yoga session led by our on-site instructor (mats provided).

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and energizing conversations! This is the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and set the tone for a productive day ahead. Grab a coffee, find a seat, and enjoy networking with fellow attendees before the sessions begin.

Welcome to the last day of the Summit!

Join Jillian Tellez, partner and leader in McKinsey’s Travel Practice, as she explores how shifting consumer expectations are reshaping the travel and hospitality industry. With global travel spending reaching all-time highs and travelers more eager than ever to explore, personalization has become a key differentiator. Today’s travelers seek experiences that align with their unique priorities, lifestyles, and generational perspectives, making the one-size-fits-all approach outdated. In this session, Jillian will share the latest insights on traveler motivations, emerging trends, and the competitive strategies industry leaders need to stay ahead in an evolving market.

In today’s travel landscape, emotional and physical safety aren’t just values — they’re essential for destination success. When travelers feel seen, safe and like they belong, they stay longer, spend more, and come back to visit again. In this session, Rachel shares tourism-focused strategies to build inclusive environments that welcome all identities. Through personal stories and industry insights, she explores how allyship, cultural awareness, and thoughtful marketing can transform visitor experiences and powerfully shape a hospitality brand or destination’s reputation.

Hear from Suzette Noble, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the developer and manager of the new award-winning LaGuardia Terminal B. Follow Suzette’s journey from Disney to aviation, bringing with her a laser focus on driving a safety culture, curating exceptional guest experiences, and ensuring operational excellence. Nancy Mammana, chief marketing officer of New York City Tourism + Conventions, will lead this engaging conversation and together they will explore the transformation of New York’s iconic airport, including how LaGuardia Gateway Partners brings hospitality to life at Terminal B.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” The women joining us at the Summit truly live up to that. Top women executives from across the travel and hospitality industry will share their journeys to the C-suite. You’ll hear firsthand how they’ve tackled business challenges, made key leadership decisions, and how mentorship has played a role in their careers. This discussion will be packed with practical advice and will explore ways the industry can push for more inclusive growth.

Join our executive coaches for hourlong interactive workshops! These workshops, offered Tuesday and Wednesday, will provide attendees with actionable insights and tips to take back to their teams. Select a different workshop to attend each day.

• Leading With Emotional Intelligence: Christina McFadden, CEO, Blue Door Partners
• Mindset Matters: The Art of Self-Advocacy, Confidence and Negotiation Strategies for Women: Courtney Seard, Executive Performance Coach, Speaker, Facilitator and Strategic Consultant
• Navigating Change and Uncertainty: Carrie Skowronski, Founder and CEO, Leadology
• Creating a Culture of Accountability: Quendrida Whitmore, Leadership Coach, Quendrida Whitmore Coaching & Consulting

Great organizations know that showing empathy and care provides the highest level of customer service, even legendary customer service. Based on her 33 years of leading talent at Chick-fil-A, Dee Ann shares the secret sauce of creating a culture of care that wins the hearts of both team members and customers. When you win the heart, they keep coming back again and again. Learn from Dee Ann how Chick-fil-A became the No. 1 customer service brand in America.