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Event Announcement: 2026 Together Summit

The Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2026 Together Summit, taking place from February 25-26 at the Charleston Marriott. This significant gathering for women leaders in the restaurant industry will feature McDonald’s Senior Vice President, Tabassum Zalotrawala, as the opening keynote speaker.

Who is Tabassum Zalotrawala?

Tabassum Zalotrawala plays a pivotal role at McDonald's, supervising new restaurant development and optimizing its extensive U.S. network of over 13,000 locations. Her influence extends globally as she focuses on innovative designs that enhance both customer and employee experiences. Tabassum is not only instrumental in setting the company's five-year U.S. development strategy but also in shaping the Global Restaurant Design Strategy and Standards.

With an impressive background that includes leadership positions at well-known establishments like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Arby’s, Zalotrawala brings vast expertise in architecture, facilities, sustainability, and asset management. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition as a LEED Accredited Professional and a Board Leadership Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors. She actively participates in several industry boards, enhancing her impact within the hospitality sector.

The Evolution of the Together Summit

The 2026 Together Summit marks an important milestone for WiRL, celebrating its third year as a premier event for women in the restaurant industry. What started as a modest cocktail gathering in 2023 has evolved into a multi-day conference featuring prominent speakers, educational sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. Previous summits have seen tremendous success, with the inaugural event in Nashville attracting 300 industry leaders, while last year’s gathering was able to welcome 500, even in the face of inclement weather.

Danny Klein, WiRL's VP and Editorial Director, emphasized the mission behind the summit: "From the very beginning, WiRL was about listening to the industry and saying yes. In just two years, we’ve transitioned from an idea to hosting one of the most influential leaders in the global restaurant business. Tabassum's insights and leadership will be pivotal for making this our most impactful summit yet."

Zalotrawala's Keynote Insights

During her keynote address, Tabassum Zalotrawala will share her professional journey and explore the core values that have influenced her leadership style. Staying true to WiRL’s tradition, her insights will be geared towards empowering and educating attendees, aiming to inspire the next generation of women in the restaurant industry.

The early registration for the WiRL Together Summit is now open. Interested participants can look forward to an updated agenda and more details on the event at Women Lead Restaurants.

About Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL)

Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) is dedicated to promoting and supporting women throughout the restaurant industry. Through various initiatives like the Together Summit, webinars, and networking events, WiRL aims to celebrate and acknowledge the significant impact women have in hospitality.

About WTWH Media, LLC

WTWH Media is a celebrated digital-first B2B media and marketing company that connects brand marketers with niche audiences of executives and industry professionals. It operates in three primary sectors, including Foodservice, Retail, and Hospitality. For more information, please visit WTWH Media.