Women in Tourism and Hospitality announces speaker lineup for inaugural conference in Toronto

Women in Tourism and Hospitality, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the tourism and hospitality industries, today announced the program lineup for its upcoming inaugural conference taking place in Toronto on September 18, 2017, at the Park Hyatt Hotel.

The exciting roster of speakers and panelists includes Kirstine Stewart, CEO of Diply GoViral as the keynote speaker and Kathleen Taylor, Chair Royal Bank of Canada and past President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels will open the conference. Marriott, Air Canada, Host Hotels, Tourism Toronto, have all climbed on board. Proudly presented in association with Hotelier magazine and Sequel Hotels & Resorts, this inspiring collective will allow delegates to learn from thought leaders and hear first-hand success stories which have the potential to change individual lives and corporate diversity initiatives. Interactive panels and workshops will create collaborative exchanges.Ê A full list of speakers and event schedule can be accessed atÊwww.withorg.com/women-in-tourism-hospitality-conference.

WITHorg was founded by two industry icons, Anne Larcade, President and CEO of Sequel Hotels and Resorts and Rosanna Caira, Editor and Publisher at Kostuch Media, which publishesÊFoodservice and HospitalityÊmagazine andÊHotelier magazine. ÊThe organization operates as a network of collaborative-curated community members, whom all use the network to leverage platforms for leadership and expansion of women’s training in removing barriers towards an equal society.

Become a memberÊof WITHorg and receive $100 off the conference registration.

ÒOur movement and tribe, WITHOrg, is all about curating and connecting mission-driven entrepreneurs, women in travel and tourism, who are making a real impact in the world,Ó said Anne Larcade, co-founder of WITH. ÒWe believe that dreamers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators in our companies are the key to real social change. Our role is to talent scout these superheroes and to find champions to help Ômove the needle’ and narrow the gender gap.Ó

McKinsey Global Institute (2015) reports stronger performance in companies with women in leadership positions and many use dedicated programs to develop women executives for a broad range of industries. However, most tourism and hospitality industry companies are not driving leadership development of this caliber internally. WITHorg’s goal is to provide solutions and be thought leaders globally on how this can be driven, measured and celebrated.

ÒWomen make up a considerable percentage of the front line in our industry, yet less than 11 per cent are in C suites roles, and approximately 7 per cent are speakers at top hospitality industry conferences,Ó said Ms Larcade. “This is an imbalance.”

ÒOur immediate goal is to provide information, skills, and networks to help women in their careers, while at the same time create and measure initiatives to enrich companies with actual strategies to improve and measure diversity in the workplace,Ó said Ms Caira.

WITHorg is actively seeking sponsors and champions to help lead our collective. For additional information on sponsors contact Ms Caira at rcaira@kostuchmedia.com.

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