Women leaders in hospitality and tourism gathered in Los Angeles for the Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum 2026 on October 7 at Cameo Beverly Hills. The event, themed “Breaking Barriers & Building Success: How Women Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Hospitality & Tourism,” brought together over 70 attendees from diverse sectors including aviation, sports, entertainment, culinary, arts and culture. The gathering emphasized cross-industry collaboration to address shared challenges and support innovation.
Jackie Filla, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles, moderated a panel discussion addressing leadership journeys, professional barriers, and career development opportunities for women. Panelists included Heather Allison, vice president of luxury sales for the Western Region at Marriott International; chef 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. Their expertise spanned global hospitality operations, major sporting events, and cultural institutions.
The conversation covered workforce development, mentorship, and collaboration among hospitality, aviation, sports, entertainment and cultural organizations. Panelists discussed the Los Angeles hospitality and tourism environment, major international events, and the role of workplaces in supporting professional growth and career opportunities for women across industries. They highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing industry resilience and inclusivity.
Vandana (Vee) Bhatt, co-founder of Hozpitality Group, opened the event, which included networking and tastings courtesy of NEFT Vodka. Cameo Beverly Hills provided the space, while RokketMed served as the main sponsor and másLabor as a supporting one. Other contributors were Hozpitality Insurance & Notary Services and The Self Portrait Project, which helped promote the forum’s goals.
The forum was organized by Alliance Women in Hospitality Leadership, Los Angeles Tourism, and The Women’s Hospitality Collective. Earlier in 2026, Hozpitality Group launched the Best GM Powerlist California, honoring hotel managers and gathering over 60 industry leaders. The group is now planning more leadership initiatives, such as the upcoming Sales & Marketing Leaders Powerlist for 2027.