In Brief: A forum in Los Angeles brought together women leaders in hospitality and tourism to discuss industry challenges, opportunities, and the advancement of women in executive roles.
Hozpitality Group held its Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum 2026 on October 7 at Cameo Beverly Hills, with more than 70 attendees from hospitality, travel, tourism, aviation, sports, entertainment, culinary, arts and culture.
The forum was held under the theme, “Breaking Barriers & Building Success: How Women Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Hospitality & Tourism.” The program included a panel discussion, an audience question-and-answer session, networking and refreshments.
Jackie Filla, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, moderated the panel discussion. The panel addressed leadership journeys, professional barriers, career development, workforce development, mentorship and opportunities for women across industries.
Panelists discussed the Los Angeles hospitality and tourism landscape, major international events, and collaboration among hospitality, aviation, sports, entertainment and cultural organizations. The discussion also addressed workplaces, professional growth and career opportunities.
The panelists were Heather Allison, vice president of luxury sales for the Western Region at Marriott International; Susan Feniger, chef-owner of Mundo Hospitality Group; Brandy Thigpen, former host city director for FIFA World Cup 2026 Los Angeles; Dana Debel, managing director of state and local government affairs at Delta Air Lines; and Rachel S. Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center, Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County.
Vandana (Vee) Bhatt, co-founder and managing director of Hozpitality Group, delivered the opening address. The event concluded with networking, including a beverage-sampling experience provided by NEFT Vodka.
Cameo Beverly Hills was the venue partner. RokketMed was the platinum sponsor, and másLabor was the gold sponsor. The event was organized in association with Alliance Women in Hospitality Leadership, Los Angeles Tourism and The Women’s Hospitality Collective.
Additional event partners included Hozpitality Insurance & Notary Services and The Self Portrait Project.
Earlier this year, Hozpitality Group held its inaugural Best GM Powerlist California 2026 in Los Angeles. The event recognized hotel general managers and brought together more than 60 hospitality executives and industry leaders.
Hozpitality Group is developing additional leadership and industry recognition initiatives in the United States, including its upcoming Sales & Marketing Leaders Powerlist California 2027.