2024 Conference Schedule
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Attendee Registration Opens
9:30 a.m - 9:45 a.m.
Welcome to WIHL Conference 2024!
Attendee Registration Opens
9:30 a.m - 9:45 a.m.
Welcome to WIHL Conference 2024!
9:45 a.m. - 10:15a.m.
Opening Keynote: Princess Castleberry
Unlock Your Impact
Opening Keynote: Princess Castleberry
Unlock Your Impact
Are you ready to scale your social, business, and community impact while prioritizing your well-being? Unlock Your Impact is a transformative life model and learning experience for people ready to get unstuck, unbothered, and uninterrupted to embrace new possibilities while prioritizing their mental health and wellness. Come to be inspired and leave with increased self-awareness and a personalized action plan to scale your success and adapt your leadership style to a foundation of mental health and wellness.
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10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Morning Session + Icebreaker: AG Collaborative
Abbey Johnston & Greg Mutch
Morning Session + Icebreaker: AG Collaborative
Abbey Johnston & Greg Mutch
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Morning Vendor Break
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Morning Breakouts
Morning Breakouts
Breakout #1
AG Collaborative
Mind the Gap: Becoming the Leader You Want to Be
For each of us, there is a gap between the leader we want to be and the leader we’re capable of being each and every day. The realities of frustration, stress and conflict tend to get the best of us – we’re all human after all! In this breakout session we will explore that gap and share our favorite tool to help close it: Above + Below the Line.
AG Collaborative
Mind the Gap: Becoming the Leader You Want to Be
For each of us, there is a gap between the leader we want to be and the leader we’re capable of being each and every day. The realities of frustration, stress and conflict tend to get the best of us – we’re all human after all! In this breakout session we will explore that gap and share our favorite tool to help close it: Above + Below the Line.
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Breakout #2
Cathy George, Remi Monaghan, & Meghan Zeihmer
Panel Discussion: How the Rise of Women's Sports is Changing the Game for Hospitality
Cathy George, Remi Monaghan, & Meghan Zeihmer
Panel Discussion: How the Rise of Women's Sports is Changing the Game for Hospitality
The "Caitlin Clark Effect" is coming for sports tourism. With women's sports and female athletes stealing the spotlight from a male-dominated sports market, tourism professionals are taking notes. Join local experts, from a head coach to a sports commission star, as they discuss new opportunities for hospitality and tourism as women's sports of all kinds become more and more electric.
Breakout #3
Andrea Willcut
8 Tips for Managing Motherhood & Leadership
Leader Mamas are a true testament to the power of women in today’s world. Their ability to lead with grace, strength, and compassion while navigating the complex landscape of motherhood is nothing short of inspirational. These women prove that being a mother and a leader are not mutually exclusive roles, but rather facets that can beautifully complement each other. Join this breakout session and walk away with 8 tips Andrea has implemented into her daily life that have helped her juggle all of her roles and titles exceptionally.
Andrea Willcut
8 Tips for Managing Motherhood & Leadership
Leader Mamas are a true testament to the power of women in today’s world. Their ability to lead with grace, strength, and compassion while navigating the complex landscape of motherhood is nothing short of inspirational. These women prove that being a mother and a leader are not mutually exclusive roles, but rather facets that can beautifully complement each other. Join this breakout session and walk away with 8 tips Andrea has implemented into her daily life that have helped her juggle all of her roles and titles exceptionally.
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Breakout #4:
Kimberly Napolitano & Norina Cadili
A Fireside Chat on Leadership Styles
There’s no one way to be a leader. Every woman comes to their role with a powerfully unique set of strengths, perspectives, skills, and life-experiences. In this session, join two hospitality go-getters, Norina Cadili, the General Manager at the JW Marriott in GR, and Kimberly Napolitano, a Hilton executive, as they share the lessons and experiences that have shaped their journeys as leaders in the hotel industry.
Kimberly Napolitano & Norina Cadili
A Fireside Chat on Leadership Styles
There’s no one way to be a leader. Every woman comes to their role with a powerfully unique set of strengths, perspectives, skills, and life-experiences. In this session, join two hospitality go-getters, Norina Cadili, the General Manager at the JW Marriott in GR, and Kimberly Napolitano, a Hilton executive, as they share the lessons and experiences that have shaped their journeys as leaders in the hotel industry.
Breakout #5:
Megan Miller
Navigating Productivity Anxiety & Stress
If you’ve ever struggled with the pressure to always be 'on' in hospitality, this is the room where it gets real. Together, we’ll explore the everyday stress and productivity anxiety you face, uncover the language around it, and dive into science-backed, real-life real life microtools that will help you rise to the occasion without letting these challenges paralyze you.
This interactive experience will leave you feeling empowered, knowing you’re not alone, and deeply connected to a room full of women who just get it. That connection won’t end when you walk out the door—it will carry with you beyond these four walls.
Megan Miller
Navigating Productivity Anxiety & Stress
If you’ve ever struggled with the pressure to always be 'on' in hospitality, this is the room where it gets real. Together, we’ll explore the everyday stress and productivity anxiety you face, uncover the language around it, and dive into science-backed, real-life real life microtools that will help you rise to the occasion without letting these challenges paralyze you.
This interactive experience will leave you feeling empowered, knowing you’re not alone, and deeply connected to a room full of women who just get it. That connection won’t end when you walk out the door—it will carry with you beyond these four walls.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
PM Session: Megan Miller
Microtools for Rewiring Self-Leadership
PM Session: Megan Miller
Microtools for Rewiring Self-Leadership
Hospitality is fast paced, and we often find ourselves battling the self-imposed pressure to be perfect, all while struggling to hear and advocate for our own needs. In this powerful main stage session, Megan Miller will share what took her a lifetime to learn and unveil science-backed, tangible microtools to help you rewrite your self-leadership. Think about it: the person who is with you in every room, every conversation, is yourself, yet we have never been taught how to truly communicate with that inner voice. With Megan’s toolkit, you will not only transform your own mindset but also positively influence those around you, boosting their optimism by up to 65%.
1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Afternoon Vendor Break
Afternoon Vendor Break
1:45 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Afternoon Breakouts
Afternoon Breakouts
Breakout #1:
Princess Castleberry
How to Have Conflict
This experience exceeds the usual "conflict resolution" to unearth the essential strategies for healthy, productive conflicts. Leaders need these skills because conflict is inevitable. How we approach it makes all the difference in what comes from it - innovation or loss - and how it impacts your high-value relationships.
Princess Castleberry
How to Have Conflict
This experience exceeds the usual "conflict resolution" to unearth the essential strategies for healthy, productive conflicts. Leaders need these skills because conflict is inevitable. How we approach it makes all the difference in what comes from it - innovation or loss - and how it impacts your high-value relationships.
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Breakout #2:
Megan Jarlock, Lexie Stypelkoski, & Mollee Pifer
A Conversation with the Next Generation
Tune into a panel discussion hosted by Gen Z professionals who are blazing new trails and forging the future for the Michigan hospitality industry. This discussion dives into generational differences and professional expectations, with candid insights into how the next generation of leaders approach work, well-being, and the world at large. But it's also an opportunity for mentors, employers, and seasoned industry leaders to pick the brains of rising stars and learn how to guide, motivate, and open doors for the women who will drive the industry into the future.
Megan Jarlock, Lexie Stypelkoski, & Mollee Pifer
A Conversation with the Next Generation
Tune into a panel discussion hosted by Gen Z professionals who are blazing new trails and forging the future for the Michigan hospitality industry. This discussion dives into generational differences and professional expectations, with candid insights into how the next generation of leaders approach work, well-being, and the world at large. But it's also an opportunity for mentors, employers, and seasoned industry leaders to pick the brains of rising stars and learn how to guide, motivate, and open doors for the women who will drive the industry into the future.
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Breakout #3:
Sarah Welch, Ping Ho, & Amanda Franke of Backbone Hospitality
Women Leading Woman: Panel Discussion
Sarah Welch, Ping Ho, & Amanda Franke of Backbone Hospitality
Women Leading Woman: Panel Discussion
Behind one of Detroit's most award-winning and buzz-worthy restaurant concepts, a sustainable butcher shop and gourmet restaurant called Marrow, is a team of women intentional about the food they choose and the way they lead. Backbone Hospitality is a Detroit-based, women-led team committed to equity and excellence in the foodservice industry, and in this session, CEO Ping Ho, VP of Operations Amanda Franke, and Chef Culinary Officer Sarah Welch share the tangible ways they leave the ladder down for women in the industry, with practical take-aways for other women seeking to create opportunities and spaces were hospitality leaders can grow and thrive.
Breakout #4:
Nicole Ly
Welcoming Your Audience Online: Lessons from Pure Michigan
Michigan.org is one of the most successful state Destination Marketing Organization websites in the nation, receiving more than 11 million visitors in 2023. Learn how strategic efforts and curated web content on michigan.org invites travelers to experience Pure Michigan with Web Content & Project Coordinator Nicole Ly.
Nicole Ly
Welcoming Your Audience Online: Lessons from Pure Michigan
Michigan.org is one of the most successful state Destination Marketing Organization websites in the nation, receiving more than 11 million visitors in 2023. Learn how strategic efforts and curated web content on michigan.org invites travelers to experience Pure Michigan with Web Content & Project Coordinator Nicole Ly.
Breakout #5:
Jessica Rubio, MSUFCU
Financial Focus
Financial Focus with MSUFCU: Account Ownership leads attendees through relevant and timeless information about financial concepts holistically, including managing accounts, budgets, credit, and fraud prevention awareness. The goal of the presentation is to give attendees foundational knowledge that can aid them in their financial wellness success.
Jessica Rubio, MSUFCU
Financial Focus
Financial Focus with MSUFCU: Account Ownership leads attendees through relevant and timeless information about financial concepts holistically, including managing accounts, budgets, credit, and fraud prevention awareness. The goal of the presentation is to give attendees foundational knowledge that can aid them in their financial wellness success.
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Afternoon Break
Afternoon Break
2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Afternoon Session:
Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation
Breaking Barriers: Challenging the Systems that Challenge Us
Afternoon Session:
Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation
Breaking Barriers: Challenging the Systems that Challenge Us
This session aims to inspire women (and men) to understand and challenge the systemic barriers that hinder their professional growth. Looking to be "empowered" or snag a "seat at the table"? Or maybe you have "imposter syndrome"? (Spoiler alert: you don't.) We'll explore historical context of gender disparities and highlight the crucial importance of women recognizing and confronting the structures that hold them back. This session is a call to action for all – to challenge systems, break barriers, and create a work environment where every woman can thrive and succeed.
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3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Closing Keynote:
Chef Lakisha Hunter & National Restaurant Association CEO Michelle Korsmo
Rising Above the Ordinary
Join National Restaurant Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo and award-winning Chicago Chef Lakisha Hunter, also known as Chef K, for an inspiring dialogue about resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of hospitality. Through Chef K's remarkable journey from Chicago's southside to celebrated culinary leader, this powerful conversation will explore how industry leaders can foster the next generation while making a meaningful difference in their communities. Together, they'll share insights on rising above challenges and using hospitality as a force for positive change.
Closing Keynote:
Chef Lakisha Hunter & National Restaurant Association CEO Michelle Korsmo
Rising Above the Ordinary
Join National Restaurant Association President & CEO Michelle Korsmo and award-winning Chicago Chef Lakisha Hunter, also known as Chef K, for an inspiring dialogue about resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of hospitality. Through Chef K's remarkable journey from Chicago's southside to celebrated culinary leader, this powerful conversation will explore how industry leaders can foster the next generation while making a meaningful difference in their communities. Together, they'll share insights on rising above challenges and using hospitality as a force for positive change.
3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
Grab a drink, a snack, your notes from the day, and connect with your industry peers who are dedicated to advancing the mission of WIHL!
