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Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum 2026: Empowering Women in Hospitality

On October 7, 2026, the Hozpitality Group held its Women Leadership Forum at the Cameo Beverly Hills, drawing over 70 distinguished leaders from sectors such as hospitality, travel, and tourism. This year's forum was themed "Breaking Barriers, Building Success: How Women Leaders Are Shaping the Future of Hospitality and Tourism," emphasizing the pivotal role of women in these industries.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Vandana (Vee) Bhatt, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Hozpitality Group, who set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to collaboration and empowerment. The gathering provided a platform for inspiring dialogues among women who have made significant strides in their fields, fostering an environment for mentorship and networking.

An Influential Panel Discussion

The highlight of the forum was a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Jackie Filla, the President and CEO of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA). The panel featured five exemplary women leaders:

• - Heather Allison: Vice President of Luxury Sales at Marriott International
• - Susan Feniger: Chef-Owner of Mundo Hospitality Group
• - Brandy Thigpen: Former Host City Director for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Los Angeles
• - Dana Debel: Managing Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Delta Air Lines
• - Rachel S. Moore: President and CEO of The Music Center, Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County

During the discussion, the panelists shared insights into their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges they have overcome. They delved into topics such as workforce development, mentorship, and the vital importance of creating opportunities for women in the industry. They collectively acknowledged the changing landscape of hospitality and tourism in Los Angeles, particularly in light of significant international events.

Building Connections and Celebrating Leadership

As the forum progressed, attendees engaged in networking activities, enjoying refreshments and unique beverage sampling experiences from NEFT Vodka. This social aspect of the event was designed to encourage attendees to forge connections with peers and potential partners, enhancing professional relationships across the vibrant hospitality community.

Raj Bhatt, the Founder and CEO of Hozpitality Group, expressed his gratitude for the incredible turnout, stating, "Our vision has always been to connect people and create opportunities. It's inspiring to see such accomplished women sharing their stories and experiences. We aim to foster an environment that encourages female leaders to pursue further opportunities."

Vandana (Vee) Bhatt echoed this sentiment, underscoring the extraordinary impact women are making across various sectors, including hospitality and tourism. The forum's objective was to create a nurturing space for dialogue, inspiration, and the building of professional networks.

Supported by Strong Partnerships

The Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum 2026 was made possible through various partnerships with organizations dedicated to leadership development. Cameo Beverly Hills served as the venue partner, while RokketMed, a healthcare fintech company, was a Platinum Sponsor, and másLabor, specializing in seasonal labor programs, supported as a Gold Sponsor. Collaborating organizations included Alliance Women in Hospitality Leadership and Los Angeles Tourism, showcasing a collective commitment to fostering women's leadership.

A Promising Path Ahead

The success of this forum marks a notable milestone for the Hozpitality Group's growing influence in the United States. Earlier in 2026, the group hosted its inaugural Best GM Powerlist California, bringing together prominent hotel General Managers in a celebration of leadership excellence. Hozpitality plans to expand its initiatives with upcoming events, including the Sales and Marketing Leaders Powerlist California, set for 2027.

In conclusion, the Hozpitality Women Leadership Forum 2026 not only highlighted the vital contributions of women across various industries but also set the stage for ongoing conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of hospitality.