10th Anniversary

Women in Leadership Forum

June 18, 2026 | The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Since 2014, the Hotel Council of San Francisco’s Women in Leadership Forum has brought together professionals from hospitality, corporate business, and tourism to advance women in leadership. Over the years, the Forum has grown into a must-attend event for networking, professional growth, and industry insights.

This year’s theme: Human Leadership in an Intelligent World

The 10th Anniversary Forum will feature visionary leaders sharing actionable insights into how innovation, technology, and hospitality intersect—and how women can thrive at the forefront of change. Panelists and keynote speakers will inspire attendees with lessons on leadership, career growth, and redefining the future of work.

Video courtesy of Alias

Event Details

Celebrate a decade of empowering women in hospitality! Join industry leaders for inspiring panels, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest innovations shaping our sector.

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Time: 8am-2pm

Location: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco Union Square

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Experience the Forum

Connect, learn, and be inspired by hospitality leaders shaping the future. Whether you’re growing your career, building your network, or seeking timely insights, the Women in Leadership Forum gives you everything you need to lead with confidence and impact.

Previous speakers include:

  • 1992 Olympic Champion, Kristi Yamaguchi

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, Brandi Chastain

  • CA Lt. Governor, Eleni Kounalakis

  • President and CEO of Visit California, Caroline Beteta

  • President and CEO of SF Travel, Anna Marie Presutti

Why Attend?

Build your network

64% of attendees come for networking

Get inspired by real leaders

60% of attendees come for speakers

Grow your leadership toolkit

56% of attendees come for career development

Be part of the movement

70% of attendees come to support women in hospitality

Table Pricing

Includes full event access, programming, meals, and networking. 

Popular

Members Only

$3,100*

Early Bird Table of 10

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Non-Members

$3,750

Regular Table of 10

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*Early bird pricing is available to members until April 24th, 2026. After this date, member pricing for tables of 10 will increase to $3,500. Register now and save $400!

  • A 3% service fee applies for credit card transactions. Prefer to pay by check? Contact us at info@hotelcouncilsf.org for an invoice.

    Tickets are transferrable but not refundable. Need to transfer your ticket? Reach out to our team at info@hotelcouncilsf.org.

    For any questions about your membership status, or to join as a member, please email our membership manager, Raina Christeson, at rchristeson@hotelcouncilsf.org.

Individual Ticket Pricing

Includes full event access, programming, meals, and networking. 

Members Only

$375

Individual Ticket

Register

Non-Members

$400

Individual Ticket

Register

  • A 3% service fee applies for credit card transactions. Prefer to pay by check? Contact us at info@hotelcouncilsf.org for an invoice.

    Tickets are transferrable but not refundable. Need to transfer your ticket? Reach out to our team at info@hotelcouncilsf.org.

    For any questions about your membership status, or to join as a member, please email our membership manager, Raina Christeson, at rchristeson@hotelcouncilsf.org.

What Our Attendees Are Saying

  • “The event itself is inspiring; this is my 3rd time attending and I have never been disappointed with the quality of the content.”


    — Hotel / Hospitality | Director / Senior Leader

  • “The forum created an environment where stories and experiences felt genuinely shared, not just presented. Being surrounded by so many women who are navigating leadership with integrity, grit, and heart reminded me that I’m not alone on this journey and that there is real momentum behind women supporting one another.”


    - Retail / Consumer Goods | Sales / Marketing

  • “I left feeling more empowered and connected. Hearing from women who’ve overcome challenges and built supportive networks reminded me of the strength we have when we uplift each other. It reinforced my confidence and reignited my drive to lead with purpose.”


    - Hotel / Hospitality | General Manager / Executive

  • “I was most inspired by the authenticity and vulnerability shared throughout the forum. Hearing leaders openly discuss their challenges, personal journeys, and the values that guide their leadership reminded me that strength comes from showing up as your whole self — not just your title or accomplishments.”


    - Retail / Consumer Goods | Sales / Marketing

  • “What impacted me most was the collective voice of all the speakers—their shared authenticity, vulnerability, and strength. Each story was different, but together they painted a powerful picture of perseverance, leadership, and community. It reminded me that I’m not alone in the journey and that real growth comes from supporting and learning from one another.”

    - Hotel / Hospitality | General Manager / Executive

  • “One key insight I’m carrying forward is: don’t be afraid to fail or hear “no.” It’s a reminder that setbacks are part of growth, and resilience often opens doors that fear would’ve kept closed.”


    - Hotel / Hospitality | General Manager / Executive

  • “One powerful takeaway was the importance of advocating not just for yourself, but for others who may not yet have a seat at the table. Leadership isn't just about personal success; it's about lifting others as you climb and creating space for voices that are often overlooked.”


    - Retail / Consumer Goods | Sales / Marketing

  • “Being surrounded by successful women was motivating to push myself to higher positions.”


    - Hotel / Hospitality | Sales / Marketing

  • “Felt great to see so many women empowered by the event and talking about ways to collaborate together.”

    - Hotel / Hospitality | Director / Senior Leader

  • “It was an amazing event that truly motivated me to keep pursuing my dreams.”


    - Hotel / Hospitality | Manager

Will you join us?

Register Now

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring the Hotel Council’s 10th Anniversary Women in Leadership Forum is a premier opportunity to showcase your brand to over 600 of San Francisco’s top hospitality professionals. With speaking opportunities, program advertisement, digital promotion, verbal recognition during the event, and more, your company will enjoy targeted exposure and meaningful engagement. This exclusive event offers direct access to hotel executives, decision-makers, and civic leaders—all in a relaxed, relationship-building environment designed to drive lasting connections.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact our team at info@hotelcouncilsf.org— we’re here to help.

Contact Us

Sponsorship Opportunities

    • Exclusive 'Presented By' event branding with naming rights

    • Pre-event newsletter promotion as the Presenting Sponsor + post-event recap recognition

    • Main stage speaking opportunity

    • Press release recognition

    • Premier logo placement across event website / landing page (with link), event-related emails (2,000 subscribers), printed program, and signage

    • Featured social media post highlighting sponsorship

    • Panel or breakout participation

    • 2 VIP tables (20 seats)

    • Full-page program advertisement

    • Verbal recognition during the event

    *Only one (1) available

    • Priority sponsor placement across all materials (above Silver & Bronze)

    • Inclusion in marketing and event-related emails to 2,000 subscribers

    • Post-event newsletter recognition with priority placement

    • Preferred panel or breakout placement (priority scheduling)

    • Prominent logo placement on event website (with link), printed program, and signage

    • Social media tag and mention

    • 1.5 VIP tables (15 seats)

    • Half-page program advertisement

    • Verbal recognition during the event

    *Only three (3) available

    • Post-event newsletter recognition

    • Standard logo inclusion on event website, printed program, and signage

    • Panel or breakout participation (as available)

    • Social media tag and mention

    • VIP table (10 seats)

    • Quarter-page program advertisement

    • Verbal recognition during the event

    • Post-event newsletter recognition

    • Standard logo inclusion on event website, printed program, and signage

    • Social media tag and mention

    • Half VIP table (5 seats)

    • Eighth-page program advertisement

    • Verbal recognition during the event

Download PDF

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Anyone passionate about gender diversity, leadership, and innovation in the hospitality and technology sectors!

  • Business casual recommended. Comfortable shoes suggested for walking the venue.

  • Yes, onsite valet parking is available from 8AM- 2PM. 

  • Registered attendees will receive event updates via email. Please ensure guest information, including email addresses, is correctly entered during registration.

  • For questions regarding this event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team at info@hotelcouncilsf.org.

  • Yes! Your registration includes breakfast, lunch, and a coffee break.

Don’t miss your chance to attend!

Register Now

Please note:
This event will be documented through photography and videography for potential use in the Hotel Council of San Francisco's promotional materials and social media. By attending this event, you provide consent for your photo and/or video to be taken and used by the Hotel Council of San Francisco. If you prefer not to have your photo taken, please inform the event organizers accordingly.