Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference

12:00 am

Women’s Hospitality Initiative (WHI) in partnership with University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ female leadership organizations, Rebels EmpowHer and WomenUp, are joining forces for the second annual Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference, April 19-20  2026, hosted at Wynn Las Vegas. The two-day event will bring together and inspire emerging women leaders at every level through engaging keynotes, panels, workshops, networking, and mentorship opportunities. 

The conference partnership of the three organizations will bring together unmatched access to industry leaders and female trailblazers including:

  • Elizabeth Blau, Co-Founder of the Women’s Hospitality Initiative and CEO, Blau & Associates

  • Diana Bennett, Founder of Rebels EmpowHer and CEO, Paragon Gaming

  • Jan Jones Blackhurst, Founder of WomenUp, chief executive in residence at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, a Caesars Entertainment board member and first female mayor of Las Vegas

Attendees can expect the return of programming favorites from the 2025 inaugural Women in Hospitality Leadership Conference as well as new additions and topics through the leadership of all three partner organizations.

Programming highlights will include: 

  • Mentorship Sessions 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.    

To conclude the conference, the Sip & Savor Grand Tasting, 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, Rebel’s EmpowHER, and WomenUp, continuing each organization’s mission to support women in the advancement of their careers.

For more information and real time announcements on the conference ticket sales, speakers, agenda and more, sign up for the newsletter and follow @womenshospitalityinitiative on Instagram.