Influential women leaders from Marriott International, Delta Air Lines, The Music Center, FIFA World Cup 2026 Los Angeles and the culinary industry gathered at Cameo Beverly Hills to discuss leadership, breaking barriers and the future of hospitality and tourism.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hozpitality Group successfully hosted its Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum 2026 on October 7 at Cameo Beverly Hills, bringing together more than 70 senior leaders, executives and industry professionals from hospitality, travel, tourism, aviation, sports, entertainment, culinary, arts and culture.
The event brought together an influential gathering of women leaders and industry decision-makers for an afternoon of inspiring conversations, leadership insights, professional networking and collaboration.
Held under the theme “Breaking Barriers & Building Success: How Women Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Hospitality & Tourism,” the forum highlighted the important role women play in shaping industries, developing talent, driving innovation and creating opportunities for future generations.
Five Influential Women Leaders, One Powerful Conversation
The featured panel discussion was moderated by Jackie Filla, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA), bringing together five accomplished women leaders representing diverse industries and professional backgrounds.
Distinguished panel speakers included:
- Heather Allison – Vice President, Luxury Sales, Western Region, Marriott International
- Susan Feniger – Chef-Owner, Mundo Hospitality Group
- Brandy Thigpen – Former Host City Director, FIFA World Cup 2026 – Los Angeles
- Dana Debel – Managing Director, State and Local Government Affairs, Delta Air Lines
- Rachel S. Moore – President & CEO, The Music Center, Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County
The discussion addressed leadership journeys, overcoming professional barriers, building successful careers, workforce development, mentorship and creating opportunities for women across different industries.
Panelists also explored the evolving Los Angeles hospitality and tourism landscape, the impact of major international events, and the importance of collaboration between hospitality, aviation, sports, entertainment and cultural organizations.
The conversation reinforced the importance of developing the next generation of leaders while creating workplaces that encourage inclusion, professional growth and long-term career opportunities.
Building Connections and Celebrating Leadership
The forum opened with a welcome address by Vandana (Vee) Bhatt, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Hozpitality Group, followed by the leadership panel and an interactive audience Q&A.
The afternoon concluded with networking and refreshments, providing attendees an opportunity to connect with fellow executives, industry leaders and potential business partners.
Guests also enjoyed a special beverage-sampling experience presented by NEFT Vodka, adding to the networking atmosphere.
“What an incredible afternoon bringing together more than 70 leaders from across Los Angeles and Southern California,” said Raj Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group.
“Our vision has always been to connect people, create opportunities and bring the hospitality community closer together. Seeing such accomplished women leaders sharing their journeys, experiences and perspectives was truly inspiring. We are grateful to everyone who participated and helped make our first Women Leadership Forum in Los Angeles such a memorable gathering.”
Vandana (Vee) Bhatt, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Hozpitality Group, added:
“Women are making an extraordinary impact across hospitality, tourism, aviation, entertainment and business. Our goal with this forum was to create a space where leaders could share their experiences, inspire one another and build meaningful professional relationships. We hope to continue growing this initiative and encouraging more women to pursue leadership opportunities.”
Strong Industry Support and Partnerships
The Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum 2026 was supported by several organizations committed to hospitality, leadership, workforce development and professional networking.
Cameo Beverly Hills served as the Venue Partner, providing an elegant setting for the leadership forum.
RokketMed, a women-owned healthcare fintech company helping hospitality employers enhance employee healthcare benefits and retention, supported the event as Platinum Sponsor.
másLabor, a leading workforce solutions company specializing in seasonal labor programs and workforce consulting, joined as Gold Sponsor.
The event was organized in association with:
- Alliance Women in Hospitality Leadership
- Los Angeles Tourism
- The Women’s Hospitality Collective
Additional event partners included Hozpitality Insurance & Notary Services and The Self Portrait Project.
NEFT Vodka also participated, offering guests a special tasting experience during the networking reception.
Hozpitality Group expressed its appreciation to all sponsors, partners, speakers and attendees whose participation contributed to the event’s success.
Expanding Hozpitality’s Leadership Initiatives Across the United States
The successful Women Leadership Forum marks another milestone in Hozpitality Group’s growing presence in the United States.
Earlier this year, the organization hosted its inaugural Best GM Powerlist California 2026, recognizing leading hotel General Managers and bringing together more than 60 hospitality executives and industry leaders in Los Angeles.
Through its growing calendar of leadership forums, industry networking events, recognition programs and Powerlist Awards, Hozpitality Group continues to strengthen its connections with hospitality and tourism leaders across California and beyond.
The organization is also developing additional leadership and industry recognition initiatives in the United States, including its upcoming Sales & Marketing Leaders Powerlist California 2027.
“Our journey in the United States is just beginning,” added Raj Bhatt. “We believe there is tremendous potential to bring hospitality, travel, tourism and business leaders together through meaningful events, networking opportunities and industry recognition. We look forward to building on the success of this forum.”
About Hozpitality Group
Hozpitality Group is a global hospitality networking, recruitment, media and professional recognition platform connecting hospitality professionals, employers, industry leaders, educational institutions and business partners worldwide.
Through its flagship platform, Hozpitality.com, along with Hozpitalityplus.com, leadership forums, industry networking events, awards and Powerlists, the company serves a global community of more than 1.3 million members.
With operations and initiatives spanning the United States, Middle East and Asia, Hozpitality Group continues to develop platforms that connect hospitality professionals, support industry recruitment, encourage professional development and celebrate excellence across the global hospitality industry.
Website: Hozpitality.com
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