AHLA Foundation

AHLA Foundation Inspiring, supporting, and elevating all who work to advance the hotel industry.

04/27/2026

Still. Not. Over. FORWARD/26✨

This year, we brought together more than 1,000 women and allies committed to advancing women and shaping the future of hospitality leadership.

Here are a few highlights:
🎤A standout speaker lineup | 65+ speakers from across hospitality and beyond, sharing insights that inspired and challenged.
📖Connection beyond the stage | Attendees kept the conversation going through interactive discussions, Q&As, and book signings at the speaker corner.
🤝Career-building moments | The FORWARD Mentoring Program created meaningful opportunities.
🏨Connection at the center | Our immersive community hub became the heart of FORWARD.
🏆Recognition that matters | We proudly honored Sarai Jacko (Fairmont Hotels & Resorts) with the FORWARD Paving the Way Award, recognizing her leadership in opening doors for others. While the inaugural Ally of the Year Award recognized Justin Knight (Apple Hospitality REIT) for his commitment to advancing women into senior leadership roles.

A huge thank you to our attendees, speakers, partners, and presenting sponsors - American Express, Ecolab, Encore Global, Hilton, Hilton Supply Management, and WITS Experiential - for making this a record-breaking FORWARD

📅Save the date for FORWARD/27, May 6–7, 2027, in Washington, DC!

And just like that, has come to a close 💜Over two days, we brought together more than 1,000 hospitality professionals ...
04/17/2026

And just like that, has come to a close 💜

Over two days, we brought together more than 1,000 hospitality professionals for meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and long-lasting connections. From the inspiring main stage moments to engaging breakout sessions, the energy and community was undeniable.

We're grateful to the industry leaders, guest speakers, and attendees who showed up, shared their stories, and helped to make this the largest FORWARD conference ever. Together, we are moving the industry FORWARD. See you next year!

A special thank you to our sponsors: American Express, Ecolab, Encore Global, Hilton, HSM, WITS, EDS, GuestWorldwide, Host, Towne, Actabl, Aimbridge Hospitality, Apple Hospitality REIT, The Coca-Cola Company, Cvent, HD Supply, Highgate, IHG Hotels & Resorts, My Place Hotels, Pyramid Global Hospitality, STR, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

04/17/2026

Jenny on the street at /26🎤🤳

What better way to explore influence then to ask the people themselves?

Before her panel at FORWARD/26, Jenny hit the crowd with rapid-fire questions about influence.

Tune in to hear what FORWARD/26 attendees had to say ⬆️

Everyone wants to feel fulfilled everyday - but how does one actually make it happen? It begins with inner clarity.At ,...
04/17/2026

Everyone wants to feel fulfilled everyday - but how does one actually make it happen? It begins with inner clarity.

At , best-selling author Bonnie Wan shared insights from her latest book, The Life Brief: A Playbook for No-Regrets Living, on how to identify your core values and align every area of your life with them.

"I had to be nakedly honest about what I want - not what my parents want, not what my husband expects, or even what my children need - what do I want?"

This panel was practical and honest and illustrative of what it looks like to lead with agency and authenticity.

Influence is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and showing up for others. Two influential women in sports, Jenny Dell ...
04/17/2026

Influence is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and showing up for others.

Two influential women in sports, Jenny Dell and Katie Schumacher-Cawley, joined forces on the FORWARD/26 stage for a candid conversation about their personal and professional journeys. Their discussion highlighted the realities of navigating leadership, visibility, and growth as women in business, and the impact that comes from leading with purpose.

Curious how leaders use influence to drive change? They don't wait until they feel ready, they act in spite of doubt. AH...
04/17/2026

Curious how leaders use influence to drive change? They don't wait until they feel ready, they act in spite of doubt.

AHLA Foundation's Eliza McCoy, Stacy Huston, Executive Director at SixDegrees.orgs, and Tricia Primrose, Executive Vice President and Chief Global Communications & Public Affairs Officer at Marriott International, shared the stage at to discuss how to use storytelling, partnerships, and everyday action to drive meaningful social impact and lead with purpose.

04/16/2026

Let’s check out the badge flair at ✨

We love seeing everyone show off what influence means to them, because in the this industry it always comes back to the people.

The breakout conversations at continue! This afternoon, we dove into deeper discussions that offered practical strate...
04/16/2026

The breakout conversations at continue!

This afternoon, we dove into deeper discussions that offered practical strategies and new perspectives, bringing together influential voices from across industries to equip hospitality professionals with the tools to grow, lead, and positively shape the future of out industry.

What was on the agenda?
🗺️ Beyond the Obvious: Exploring Unexpected Paths in Hospitality
🏨 Women Leaders on Hotel Ownership
🧠 brainSHIFT®: Beyond Burnout - Women’s Brain & Hormonal Health in Leadership
👠 Beyond Fashion: Style as Strategy™
📝 How Today's Leaders Define Influence
✨ Leaders in Luxury: Creating the Unforgettable Experience

What a powerful group of breakout sessions at FORWARD/26!We heard from influential women across the industry on topics t...
04/16/2026

What a powerful group of breakout sessions at FORWARD/26!

We heard from influential women across the industry on topics that were practical and thoughtful, leaving attendees with insights that they can take back and put into action.

🧑‍💻From IT to the C-Suite: Leading AI Across the Organization
💪Empower Hour: Negotiating Successfully as a Woman
🗣️Own the Room: How to Talk So Your Audience Will Listen (And Act)
✨Culture Is More Than a Vibe
🫵Stop Trying, Start Influencing
🤹‍♀️Handling Hard Conversations: Tools for Feedback, Conflict, and Tricky Colleagues
💬Own the Room: How to Talk So Your Audience Will Listen (And Act)
📲More Than a Post: Building Meaningful Creator Partnerships in Travel

Don't miss out on the next two breakout sessions today, there is so much more to come at FORWARD/26.

Building brands with confidence 🤝 creating lasting influenceBobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road...
04/16/2026

Building brands with confidence 🤝 creating lasting influence

Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Jones Road Beauty, and co-owner and creative director of The George, a boutique hotel in Montclair, New Jersey, sat down with Tracey Leacock, Vice President of Global Product Development at Gilchrist & Soames, for a candid conversation at on building brands, leading with confidence, and creating lasting influence across industries.

In conversation with Tracey, Bobbi reflected on what it was like to lose the rights to your own name and how that moment pushed her to rebuild with courage, authenticity, and renewed confidence. Reminding us that influence is not tied to a name but to values.

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