Women in Hospitality Conference

05/29/2026

Secure your spot at our Women in Hospitality Conference on September 28 at Monona Terrace in Madison! 🎉 Register today: wirestaurant.org/wihc-attend.html

The conference that energizes our industry returns for another incredible year! Join us for the 2026 Women in Hospitality Conference where leadership development, expert-led skill building, and powerful networking opportunities await. Connect with a community that truly understands your journey and celebrate 2026's Women in Hospitality Awards recipients! 🏆

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05/21/2026

📣 The clock is ticking - nominations close on June 30: wirestaurant.org/wihc-awards

Wisconsin's hospitality industry runs on the hard work, heart, and hustle of incredible women. And every year, the Women in Hospitality Awards give us a chance to stop and say: we see you.
This year, we've grown the program to three award categories because there are so many women worth celebrating:

⭐ Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch
⭐ Rising Star Award (NEW)
⭐ Student Achievement Award (NEW)

Not sure who to nominate? Think bigger than a job title. These awards are for the woman who lifts her team up, the one just getting started but already turning heads, the student laying the groundwork for something great.

She's someone you know. And she deserves the recognition. 💙

05/19/2026

We're thrilled to welcome & recognize Shiftyapp as the Innovator Sponsor for our Women in Hospitality Conference happening September 28 in Madison. Thanks to Shifty for supporting this event, which will connect and recognize women in Wisconsin’s hospitality industry and champion the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about Shifty: www.shiftyinc.com/book-demo-wra

05/12/2026

We're thrilled to recognize Performance Foodservice as a Motivator Sponsor for our Women in Hospitality Conference happening September 28 in Madison. Thanks to Performance Foodservice for supporting this event, which will connect and recognize women in Wisconsin’s hospitality industry and champion the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about Performance Foodservice: www.performancefoodservice.com

05/06/2026

We're thrilled to recognize Sysco as a Motivator Sponsor for our Women in Hospitality Conference happening September 28 in Madison. Thanks to Sysco for supporting this event, which will connect and recognize women in Wisconsin’s hospitality industry and champion the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about Sysco: www.homegrowngl.com

05/01/2026

Nominations are officially OPEN for our Women in Hospitality Awards - and here's why this matters.

Every year, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association recognizes the women who are the backbone of this state's hospitality industry. And this year, we added two brand new categories to make sure no one gets left out. Here's this year's awards categories:

🥇 Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch - For the trailblazers. The veterans. The ones innovating, mentoring, and leading at every level.
⭐ Rising Star (NEW) - For the woman who's early in her career but her impact is anything but small.
🎓 Student Achievement (NEW) - For the student who's already thinking bigger than the classroom.

Winners get statewide recognition, promotion across WRA channels, and a celebration at our Women in Hospitality Conference on September 28 at Monona Terrace in Madison.

Nominations close June 30. Nominate here: wirestaurant.org/wihc-awards

04/29/2026

We're thrilled to recognize Society Insurance as the Leader Sponsor for our Women in Hospitality Conference happening September 28 in Madison. Thanks to Society Insurance for supporting this event, which will connect and recognize women in Wisconsin’s hospitality industry and champion the next generation of leaders.

Learn more about Society Insurance: societyinsurance.com

01/23/2026

We're thrilled to reveal our next "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" winner: Melita Jensen - General Manager of Bessie's Diner in Janesville! 🌟

Since joining Geronimo Hospitality Group in 2021, Melita has transformed Bessie's Diner at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport into a local gem. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication have elevated the diner's reputation and operations to new heights.

Melita is more than a manager – she's a true leader, mentor, and inspiration to her team and peers. With every interaction, she embodies the spirit of hospitality, consistently demonstrating excellence, perseverance, and innovation.

Join us in celebrating Melita's well-deserved recognition! 🎉 She will be celebrated at our Women in Hospitality Conference on September 10, at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Register now here: https://www.wirestaurant.org/wihc-attend.html

12/08/2025

🎉 What. A. Ride! 🎉

Our 2025 Women in Hospitality Conference was nothing short of spectacular—and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick things off than with our opening keynote: Shelley Brown - a Rebel in a Gown!

Shelley didn’t just take the stage—she owned it with a message that was bold, authentic, and unforgettable. 💥 Her energy lit up the room, and her words sparked conversations that will ripple through our industry for years to come.

But here’s the kicker: Shelley didn’t stop at the mic. She spent real, meaningful time connecting with attendees—sharing stories, listening deeply, and creating moments that were as beautiful as they were unique. That’s the kind of magic you can’t plan… and we are so grateful for it.

Shelley Brown was the perfect fit for our conference. If you’re looking for a keynote who brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of rebel spirit, we HIGHLY recommend working with our new, beautiful friend! shelleybrownofficial.com/about

To everyone who joined us this year: THANK YOU for bringing your energy, your ideas, and your passion. Together, we’re rewriting the rules and redefining what hospitality leadership looks like. 💪✨

🔥 Mark your calendars! Early Bird Registration for the 2026 Women in Hospitality Conference is NOW OPEN! Secure your spot and be part of the movement that’s changing the game. September 28, 2026! www.wirestaurant.org/wihc.html

Until next year… stay bold, stay brilliant, and keep breaking those molds!

12/05/2025

Early-bird registration is NOW OPEN for our third annual Women in Hospitality Conference on September 28 in Madison! WIHC 2025 was incredible, and WIHC 2026 is taking inspiration, connection, and professional growth to new heights.

👉 Register now: https://shorturl.at/zuFdA
📍 Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
📆 Monday, September 28, 2026

Calling all hospitality leaders, dreamers, and change-makers: Your seat at the table is waiting! Join us at Monona Terrace and be part of a day that will transform your career.