Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542608
4TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN TOURISM A N D H O S P I T A L I T Y N A T I O N A L CONFERENCE HONORS INDUSTRY T R A I L B L A Z E R S A N D I N S P I R E S T H E N E X T G E N E R A T I O N T he 4th Annual Women in Tourism and Hospitality (WITH) National Conference convened more than 200 industry professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and hospitality students at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside on October 18–19, 2025. The two- day event celebrated women leaders shaping the future of the hospitality and tourism industry while creating opportunities for emerging professionals to learn, connect, and grow. This year's theme, "Women Who Lead: Inspiring, Innovating, and Influencing the Next Generation," reflected WITH's mission to advance women in hospitality and tourism through mentorship, leadership development, and meaningful collaboration. The conference opened with an inspiring keynote from Annette Gregg, CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), who encouraged attendees to embrace resilience, innova- tion, and bold leadership. Dania Duke Managing Director, Davidson Hotels & Resorts served as the conference MC, guid- ing sessions and discussions throughout the event. CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS WITH Honorees and Awards Moderated by past honoree Tatiana Lotufo VP, (b)ACCESS DMC,the awards recognized outstanding leadership and impact: • Mary Cheeks, CEO & GM, Jamul Casino & Resorts – C-Suite Leader of the Year • Babett Hirzel, GM, Carte Hotel San Diego – Excellence in Service Operations • Claudia Ludlow, GM, Glorietta Bay Inn, Coronado – Community & Advocacy Champion • Kim Sidoriak, President & CEO, Visit Carlsbad – Industry Innovator Award • Ms. Deborah Szekely, Founder, Golden Door & Rancho La Puerta – Lifetime Achievement Pioneer Award Luncheon Keynote: Joyce Leveston, CEO of the Javits Convention Center (New York), delivered a powerful message on leading with courage and influence—sharing her experience as the first woman to hold that role. PANELS AND WORKSHOPS • Inclusive Leadership featured voices from Soundings, East Point CVB, and Formula Marketing. • Technology & Innovation highlighted leaders from Soundings, San Diego Convention Center, and Cloudbeds. • Legacy Trailblazers, moderated by Karima Zaki, honored Gloria Herbert, Patti Roscoe, and Joyce Gattas, concluding with a symbolic passing of the torch to emerging leaders. • Workshops offered strategies in leadership, entrepreneur- ship, confidence-building, and wellness. The DIY Spa Lounge was sponsored by Sea Spa at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Voices from the Event "WITH reignited my passion for this industry and reminded me of the power of women supporting women," shared Misty Roland, Town and Desert. "This recognition inspires me to mentor and innovate," said honoree Babett Hirzel. "I didn't realize how much my heart needed this reset," noted Kate Skidmore, CDME. WITH LEADERSHIP STATEMENT "WITH was created to amplify the voices and visibility of women in hospitality and tourism," said Clara Carter, Founder and Producer. "This year's conference honored trailblazers and equipped women with the tools and networks to succeed." Looking Ahead The 4th Annual WITH Conference reaffirms its role as a pre- mier platform for advancing women's leadership in hospitality and tourism. Save the Date: The 5th Annual WITH Conference returns September 2026. About WITH The Women in Tourism and Hospitality (WITH) Conference was founded by Clara Carter to empower, connect, and celebrate women across all sectors of hospitality and tourism. Through annu- al conferences, recognition programs, and year-round engage- ment, WITH continues to shape a more inclusive industry future. B M & T ••• January/February 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17