Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference and Legacy Gala

12:00 am

MAPP and the Women’s Hospitality Initiative (WHI) are joining forces to debut the inaugural Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference and Legacy Gala, March 30 & 31, 2025, hosted at Wynn Las Vegas. The two-day event will bring together and inspire hospitality and culinary professionals at every level—independent restaurateurs, corporate foodservice and hotels, managers, food and beverage directors, chefs, and industry leaders—through engaging keynotes, panels, workshops, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Tickets for the conference and its finale event, the Legacy Gala hosted at UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, are available for purchase here. 

Inspiring Industry Professionals with Inventive Programming

Attendees can expect a world class lineup of speakers, including: Angie Mar, Lorena Garcia, and Cat Cora. Activations, workshops and panels throughout the conference, culminating in the keynote conversation, “Inspired Leadership: Merging Ambition, Well-Being, and Purpose,” with philanthropist and co-founder of Wynn Resorts, Elaine Wynn, and founder and CEO of Blau & Associates and co-founder of WHI, Elizabeth Blau.

Additional programming highlights are below:

  • Mentorship Speed Dating where attendees can join small group conversations led by experienced industry mentors with topics ranging from Creating Successful Long-term Partnerships to Marketing and PR Best Practices.
  • Power Talks with industry experts sharing key insights, followed by a guided question and answer session.   
  • Workshops for attendees to take a deep dive into topics that best suit their career path and areas of focus, led by experienced professionals. Conversation topics include Building a Strong Brand Identity, Driving Profitability, Leadership from the Inside Out, and Pitching to Investors.   
  • Cocktail Activation where guests can learn and create new recipes, as well as taste exclusive cocktails led by Mariena Mercer Boarini, Master Mixologist – North America for Wynn Resorts, and additional special guest mixologists.
  • Sunday Supper with Women-Led Local Las Vegas Restaurants will be encouraged on Sunday evening after the conference concludes, allowing attendees to support their fellow women colleagues while enjoying local fare. A list of participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus and specialty cocktails throughout Sin City will be shared with attendees.

To conclude the conference, the Legacy Gala, hosted at UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, will feature an abundant array of gourmet food from local women-led restaurants, specialty cocktails and fine wine. Proceeds from this event will benefit WHI and MAPP, continuing both organizations’ mission to support women in the hospitality sector.

The complete conference agenda can be found here.

Unmatched Access to Industry Leaders

The Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference features an impressive roster of the hospitality industry’s most notable talent, emphasizing female trailblazers. With a variety of large and small format events, guests can take advantage of not only learning from, but also networking directly with, influential individuals such as:

  • Elaine Wynn, philanthropist and co-founder of Wynn Resorts
  • Elizabeth Blau, founder of WHI and co-owner of Blau & Associates
  • Cat Cora, chef, author and TV personality
  • Esther Choi, chef and owner of Mŏkbar and Ms. Yoo
  • Lorena Garcia, chef and founder of Chica
  • Angie Mar, chef and owner of Le B
  • Antonia Lofaso, chef, author and TV personality

A full list of confirmed speakers for the conference can be viewed here. 

Co-Founded by Elizabeth Blau (Blau & Associates), Mary Choi Kelly (MCK Leadership Talent Group), Kristin Whittemore (C_LOUISE) and Jolene Mannina (SecretBurger), The Women’s Hospitality Initiative is committed to developing and implementing programs for the women to grow and achieve leadership positions in the restaurant community, and is a component fund of Nevada Community Foundation, an exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN 88-0241420. For more information, please visit https://www.womenshospitalityinitiative.com/

MAPP is a 501-C3 non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the landscape of the hospitality & culinary industry by empowering women to lead through mentorship, advocacy, purpose, and the power of community (MAPP). Its mission is creating a thriving and inclusive community where every woman's potential is reached and was founded by Joanna James, filmmaker of the award winning documentary A Fine Line.