International Women’s Month Extends to May!
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International Women’s Month Extends to May!
8th Annual Women in Leadership Forum Returns
Thursday, May 16 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Hotel Council of San Francisco Event
Aims to Empower Women Through Sports & Hospitality Leadership
Keynote Addresses by Olympic World Champion Kristi Yamaguchi,
FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Brandi Chastain,
and Jess Smith, newly appointed President of the WNBA Expansion Team
20 March 2024 – San Francisco, CA: With the eyes of the athletic world turning to San Francisco in anticipation of next year’s NBA All-Star Game and the 2026 Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup all happening here, it’s appropriate that this year’s 8th annual Women in Leadership Forum focuses on the synergy between the sports world and the hospitality industry, showcasing how leadership in these areas empowers women at all levels. The eagerly anticipated event takes place on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 8am ‘til 2pm at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis (780 Mission Street). This year’s event, presented by Alaska Airlines, will feature keynotes, fireside chats, and breakout sessions with some of the most inspirational figures in sports and hospitality. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from Olympic World Champion Kristi Yamaguchi, FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Brandi Chastain, and Jess Smith, the newly appointed President of the WNBA Expansion Team. Franco Finn of Alaska Airlines will serve as the event’s emcee, guiding the day’s discussions and activities.
“The future of sports in our region is bright with the NBA All-Star Game, the Super Bowl, the World Cup, the Laver Cup, the new Golden State Warriors WNBA team, and the new women’s soccer team, Bay FC,” said Alex Bastian, President and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. “With hospitality and sports working together, we have an unprecedented opportunity to lean into this exciting future of sports in our region. Doing so will help our city, our industry, and will help us shine bright on the world stage.”
The annual all-day event has become an important touchstone for everyone in the hospitality industry, business and political leaders and media focused on gender equity and role of women in the workplace and society. Last year’s event featured Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California along with San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez, Papia Gambelin of United Airlines, Jyoti Sarolia of Ellis Hospitality and Carla Murray and Keri Robinson of Marriott International.
“Every year we try to raise the bar on attendance, content and the quality of the discussion,” said Bastian. “With the incredible leadership shown by women in California, it’s no wonder our state is one of the world’s largest economies – which can be partially attributable to San Francisco’s main economic drivers, hospitality and travel.”
The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.
Tickets may be purchased online at tinyurl.com/wil2024. Early Bird Table of 10 (Member Pricing): $2,750 (available until EOD April 16, 2024)
Regular Table of 10 (Member Pricing): $3,000
Individual Ticket (Member Pricing): $325
Table of 10 (Non-Member Pricing): $3,500
Individual Ticket (Non-Member Pricing): $375
For more information, to register, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nicole Roumph at nroumph@hotelcouncilsf.org