Agenda

February 19-20, 2025 · Nashville, TN
Grand Hyatt Nashville

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  • February 19, 2025


  • February 20, 2025


  •  
    Where
    Summit CDE Foyer

  • Delve into the music industry with this exciting pre-conference activity. Attendees will participate in a special activity called “Inside Tracks” from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. This session offers a true day-in-the-life experience of a musician, covering everything from songwriting and performing to professionalism in the music industry. You will have the unique opportunity to co-write and produce a song from scratch with Nashville recording artist Meghan Linsey and record producer Tyler Cain.

    Following the “Inside Tracks” activity, you’ll have the chance to explore the museum from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Afterward, we will walk back to the hotel together.

    Admission info: $100, Add on this experience when registering for the conference. Limited tickets available.
    Where
    Off-site

  • For a fun and active afternoon, join us for this interactive exploration of Nashville! The perfect way to network and sightsee. Beverages will be available to enjoy.

    Admission info: $75, Add on this experience when registering for the conference. Limited tickets available.
    Where
    Off-site

  • Make a meaningful impact with this team building activity focused on building bikes for underprivileged children. All supplies and instructions will be provided—just bring your energy and excitement. Light refreshments will be available to keep you energized as you work.

    Don’t miss out on this rewarding opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference!

    Admission info: $25, Add on this experience when registering for the conference. Limited tickets available.
    Where
    Summit AB

  • *Board Members only
    Where
    Summit C

  • Join fellow first time attendees and advisory board members for a casual meet-up.

    Admission info: This event is free for first time attendees, though limited tickets are available. Make sure to add this to your registration during the registration process.
    Where
    Summit AB

  • As Barbie said, "It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don't think you're good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow, we're always doing it wrong."

    For one night, let's leave that all behind. Join your peers for a Barbie-themed welcome reception unlike any other you've seen on the restaurant circuit. Wear pink (or not). All you need is yourself. It'll be a night of inclusion, empowerment, and, of course, fun. There will be Barbie-themed cocktails, décor, activities and more.

    "You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault."

    Say goodbye to the stress and pressure and have a good time as we kick of this year's Women in Restaurant Leadership: The Together Summit. Because every night is girls' night. (Kens are welcome, too!)

    Admission info: Included in registration. This meet up is open to all attendees. RSVPs will be collected during the registration process.
    Where
    Summit CDE Foyer

  • Stay tuned for more details.

    Admission info: Included in registration.
    Where
    Summit AB & Summit C

  • Join WiRL associate editor Satyne Doner, who also happens to be a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Orange Belt in Judo, gold medalist in the IBJJF Pan Ams, and a silver medalist in the Florida State Judo Championships, for a bite-sized women's self-defense class designed to build confidence, strength, and practical skills. All skill levels are welcome to join this supportive and encouraging session.

    Admission info: Limited tickets available and must be added on during the registration process.
    Where
    Summit AB

  •  
    Where
    Summit CDE Foyer

  •  
    Where
    Summit CDE Foyer

  • Included in registration. Grab an updated, professional headshot from our professional event photographer. Available on a first come first served basis from 7:45am - 8:30am (during breakfast).

  •  
    Where
    Summit DE

  • Shannon Hennessy, CEO of The Habit Burger Grill Division, will take to the big stage at WiRL to share her story, a journey that’s seen her scale the ranks at the largest restaurant group in the world. The former CFO of KFC Global was named The Habit’s CEO in June 2023 and has helped break the “craft ceiling” and transform the chain into a global powerhouse in the better-burger category. Today, she’s driving an ambitious agenda to grow the brand’s unmatched cook-to-order expertise, modernize off-premises dining experiences, and achieve industry-leading margins. She'll share her story and what it took to crack every ceiling in her way.
    Where
    Summit DE

  •  
    Where
    Summit CDE Foyer

  • Moderated by: Tammy K. Billings

    Restaurant technology has long been a male-dominated business. How can we begin to change that?
    Where
    Summit C

  • Moderated by: Ashley Robinson

    From reading a P&L to mastering the balance sheet, we’ll go over the tools needed to confidently enter any meeting as you grow your career.
    Where
    Summit AB

  • Moderated by: Eleni Kouvatsos Gates

    We’ve all heard it before: how do “clicks” translate to revenue? Learn how to build campaigns that win and how to explain why, from some of the best in the industry.
    Where
    Summit C

  • Moderated by: Jenifer Kern

    Marketing leaders from around the industry will gather to discuss the changing state of marketing, and what it takes to get to the highest level and beyond.
    Where
    Summit DE

  • Moderated by: Nichole Robillard

    This remains an industry where women representation at the top is elusive. But that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.
    Where
    Summit AB

  • The path to finding balance in motherhood is rarely linear. Now, throw a fast-paced industry into the mix, and it can be a real challenge. Join four industry (and momming) experts as they explore the logistics behind being a working mother. They’ll share their journeys and tell a few funny stories along the way.
    Where
    Summit DE

  •  
    Where
    Summit DE

  • CHART’s popular Live Ask My Peers (LAMP) session returns, led by Rachel Richal from Buffalo Wild Wings and Myisha Smith from Pacifica Hotels. This interactive session will break attendees into groups to collectively tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the industry—and women—today, making it a must-attend event for actionable insights and collaborative problem-solving
    Where
    Summit DE

  • If you’ve ever had a moment where you felt like an imposter, you are not alone. While there is no “cure,” once you know what it is and how it shows up, you can begin to make it shut up.
    Where
    Summit DE

  • What does it mean to create a space where someone feels seen and heard, and where they feel they belong? The answer is key to ensure true inclusivity and equality.
    Where
    Summit AB

  • In today's professional environment, women continue to face unique challenges when it comes to advocating for their needs and advancing in their careers. Through interactive discussions and shared experiences, this session provides valuable takeaways for women looking to amplify their voices and thrive, regardless of where you are in your career.

    Key topics will include:

    - Overcoming internal barriers like self-doubt
    - Building self-advocacy skills: tools for negotiation and communication
    - Strategies for creating supportive networks and mentorship relationships
    - Cultivating resilience in the face of workplace challenges
    Where
    Summit C

  •  
    Where
    Summit CDE Foyer

  • Members of WiRL’s advisory board will break up into 10 groups to offer their expertise on different industry topics. Trusted industry partners will join the discussion as well. As attendees, you’ll have the chance to go from table-to-table (or stick at one!) having intimate conversations about the parts of your job and business that matter most.
    - Marketing Masters: Sit down and learn from the best marketers in the restaurant game. Trade ideas, frustrations, opportunities, and anything else that's on your mind!
    Speakers: Brandy Blackwell, VP of Marketing | Another Broken Egg Cafe; Christina Clarke, Consultant and fractional CMO; Christine Ferris, VP of Marketing | Pinstripes; Julie Zucker, Chief Marketing Officer | Branded Hospitality; Lyndsey Patel, VP of Restaurant Marketing | MOD Pizza
    - The Leadership Alliance: What does it take to lead people, departments, and team members? Join the discussion with executives who have inspired and elevated others during their careers.
    Speakers: Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, Founder | Giving Kitchen; Patricia Perry, Consultant; Sue Petersen, Consultant, formerly Noodles & Company; Jill Waite, Chief People Officer | Portillo's
    - Financial Phenoms: From the P&L to the moon! Learn how to know the ins and outs of your business so you'll always come out ahead.
    Speakers: Sherri Miksa, Board Member ll GLEAM Network, and 5X CEO/President; Natalie Green, COO | Nekter Juice Bar
    - The CEOs: A name that speaks for itself: Exchange stories with women leaders who have made it to the top of their businesses, and find out what the industry can do to grow the pool.
    Speakers: Ginger Flesher-Sonnier, Founder & CEO | Ginger Brands Hospitality Group; Rhonda Levene, CEO | Ziosk; Mary Jane Riva, CEO | Pizza Factory; Maria Rivera, CEO | Smalls Sliders; Claudia Lezcano, CEO | Fuku; Anita Adams, CEO | Black Bear Diner
    - Loyalty Program Leaders: If your focus is on rewards and restaurant loyalty, you've come to the right table.
    Speakers: Christine Lorusso, Senior Director of Digital Marketing | Firebirds Wood Fired Grill; Nichole (Cole) Robillard, CMO | Red Lobster, Tammy Billings, VP Business Development | Signalflare.ai
    - HR and Training Heroes: Come find out how to get the best out of your teams and your role, and tips to navigate the workplace at all levels of your organization.
    Speakers: Tammy Calhoun, VP of Learning and New Restaurant Openings | Firebirds Wood Fired Grill; Lisa Marovec, Senior Director of Marketing | CHART; Kelly McCutcheon, Group Director of Training & Development | Whataburger Restaurants LLC.; Felicia White Ed.D, President | Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers; Vice President, Learning and Leadership Development | Ascent Hospitality Management
    - The Techies: Let's get technical with industry leaders making their mark in the exploding innovation space.
    Speakers: Cristal Craven, Director of Strategic Partnership | SynergySuite; Lauren Selman, VP of Operations | IFBTA
    - Comms and PR Pros: How to reach audiences, get messages out, and make connections in a constantly changing world of media.
    Speakers: Shannan Siemens, VP of Corporate and Internal Communications | Inspire Brands; Melissa Hariri, Vice President, Communications | Dine Brands; Jackie Woodward, Brand Strategist and Executive Leader
    - Mentors and Mentees: In this indusry, finding guidance and guiding others can make all the difference, especially for women hoping to create a support system.
    Speakers: Caroline Skinner, COO | Tupelo Honey; Bonnie Iavaroni, COO | Turning Point Restaurants; Jen Abernathy, Development Executive; Kim DeCarolis, Strategy & Growth | Smalls Sliders
    - Menu Mavens: Ideate with the experts on how to win with your menu offerings and stand out from the pack.
    Speakers: Alexis Parra, Cofounder and Chief Vision Officer | Nekter Juice Bar; Mindy Armstrong, VP of Menu Innovation | Ascent Hospitality
    Where
    Summit DE



The Women in Restaurant Leadership “Together Summit” will gather female leaders from around the industry to connect, foster mentorship opportunities, and gather career advice and tips.
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