Thousands Unite in Atlanta for AHLA’s ForWard 2025 to Accelerate Women’s Leadership in the Hotel Industry

Thousands of hospitality professionals from across the United States will gather in Atlanta on May sixth and seventh, two transformative days poised to reshape the future of leadership in the hotel and lodging industry. The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation will host its highly anticipated ForWard Conference 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, with this year’s unifying theme centered on one powerful concept — “Power.”

Designed as a dynamic platform to accelerate gender equity and ignite transformative thinking, the ForWard Conference serves as a catalyst for professional growth, innovation, and community building across the hotel and hospitality sectors. From CEOs and executives to rising stars and industry newcomers, the event draws a rich tapestry of leaders, all united in a shared mission: to advance women in hospitality leadership and unlock new paths to empowerment.

A Celebration of Power and Progress

The 2025 ForWard Conference will be anchored by a lineup of influential keynote speakers and dynamic panels led by top-tier executives and trailblazers from both inside and outside the hospitality industry. At the heart of the event is a commitment to amplifying women’s voices, showcasing actionable leadership strategies, and opening doors to new opportunities.

Headlining the speaker roster are:

• Jennifer Hyman, CEO and Co-Founder of Rent The Runway, who redefined fashion and pioneered the sharing economy in the retail space.
• Lamiaa Laurene Daif, Apple’s Worldwide Strategy Leader, bringing cutting-edge insights from the world’s most valuable tech company.
• Makeba Riddick, Grammy-nominated songwriter, offering an artistic perspective on creativity, storytelling, and resilience.

These powerhouses will be joined by hospitality leaders such as Rosanna Maietta, President & CEO of AHLA, and Kevin Carey, CEO & President of the AHLA Foundation, as they guide participants through an immersive experience designed to provoke thought, stir inspiration, and drive results.

A Platform for Real Conversations and Real Change

The conference’s programming will cover a comprehensive range of issues that reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities in today’s hospitality landscape — all while centering women at the forefront of change. Noteworthy sessions include:

• AI in Action: How artificial intelligence is transforming guest services, operations, and human capital management in the hotel sector.
• Mastering the Art of Negotiation: A deep dive into contract strategies and communication tools tailored for female professionals.
• Future of Guest Expectations: Exploring emerging trends and shifting consumer behaviors as travel rebounds with greater personalization and wellness focus.
• Hidden Careers in Hospitality: Spotlighting untapped job roles and unique career paths within the industry that often go unnoticed but offer tremendous opportunity.
• Hotels as Community Anchors: A powerful discussion on how hotels can become more than just a place to stay — evolving into central hubs that bring people together and support local economies.

These sessions aim not only to inform but also to empower attendees to take decisive action in their careers, businesses, and communities.

A Venue That Reflects the Vision

Set in the heart of Atlanta, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta is more than just a venue — it’s a symbol of the city’s growth, cultural energy, and deep hospitality roots. This landmark hotel, situated at 265 Peachtree Street NE, offers the perfect backdrop for a conference that celebrates leadership, connectivity, and transformation.

With programming running from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM on both days, attendees can expect a robust agenda filled with expert panels, networking sessions, and live conversations that go far beyond the conventional business conference experience.

Why ForWard 2025 Matters More Than Ever

The hotel industry is at a critical inflection point — facing rapid technological disruption, changing workforce dynamics, and rising guest expectations. Yet, amid these shifts lies a remarkable opportunity to rewrite the rules of leadership and representation. ForWard 2025 arrives at a pivotal time, offering a timely and necessary space for women to thrive, collaborate, and lead the hospitality industry into its next chapter.

According to AHLA Foundation data, while women make up more than half of the hotel workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in executive and ownership roles. The ForWard initiative directly addresses this gap by cultivating mentorship, sharing leadership tools, and inspiring confidence among emerging leaders.

A Bold Call to Action

ForWard 2025 is not just another industry event. It is a declaration — a call to harness the power of possibility and push the boundaries of what leadership looks like in hospitality. With voices like Hyman, Daif, and Riddick illuminating the path forward, attendees will walk away with more than business cards and PowerPoint slides — they’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As the industry begins to imagine what post-2025 hospitality should look like, the ForWard Conference sends a strong and unmistakable message: the future is female-powered, community-driven, and built on bold leadership.

Event Summary

What: AHLA Foundation’s ForWard Conference 2025
When: May 6–7, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM
Where: Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA

Confirmed Speakers:
Jennifer Hyman – CEO & Co-Founder, Rent The Runway
Lamiaa Laurene Daif – Worldwide Strategy Leader, Apple
Makeba Riddick – Grammy-Nominated Songwriter
Rosanna Maietta – President & CEO, AHLA
Kevin Carey – CEO & President, AHLA Foundation

Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/thousands-unite-in-atlanta-for-ahlas-forward-2025-to-accelerate-womens-leadership-in-the-hotel-industry/