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.

Our Sponsors

Bronze

Supporter

Venue

AV

Decor

Amenity

Wine

Co-Presenting

Silver

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

 

Agenda

Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:00 am | Italian & Colonial Rooms

Welcome

9:00 am - 9:15 am | Grand Ballroom

Alex Bastian

President & CEO

Hotel Council of San Francisco

Gia Vang

Emcee & Anchor

NBC Bay Area

Leadership Through Change: Legacy, Resilience, & Impact

9:15 am - 9:45 am | Grand Ballroom

Terry Lewis

Retired Area Vice President, Operations

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Caroline Beteta

President & CEO

Visit California

Gia Vang

Emcee & Anchor

NBC Bay Area

AI, Innovation, & the Human Connection

Presented by

9:45 am - 10:20 am | Grand Ballroom

Arica Gately

Head of Airport Partnerships & Business Development

Waymo

Ceylan Karsli

Senior Area Manager San Francisco and Bay Area

Expedia Group

Madeleine Manzano

Moderator

Director of Brand Marketing: Partnership & Activation

Alaska Airlines

Coffee & Connections

10:20 am - 11:00 am | Italian & Colonial Rooms

The Past, Present, and Future of Hospitality

11:00 am - 11:45 am | Grand Ballroom

Sheena Way

Vice President, Content & Programming

Chase Center

Joyce Yun

General Manager

Hotel Zephyr Fisherman’s Wharf

Angie Clifton

General Manager

Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

Anna Marie Presutti

President & CEO

San Francisco Travel Association

Lisa Kershner

Moderator

General Manager

San Francisco Airport Waterfront Marriott

Lunch

11:45 am - 1:00 pm | Grand Ballroom

Mayoral Remarks

12:35 pm - 12:45 pm | Grand Ballroom

Mayor Daniel Lurie

46th Mayor

City and County of San Francisco

Civic Leadership in Action

Presented by

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm | Grand Ballroom

Marisa Rodriguez

President & CEO

Union Square Alliance

Carmen Chu

City Administrator

City and County of San Francisco

Papia Gambelin

Managing Director of State & Local Government Affairs

United Airlines

Closing & Giveaway

1:45 pm - 2:00 pm | Grand Ballroom

Table Pricing

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

Popular

Members Only

$3,100*

Early Bird Table of 10

Non-Members

$3,750

Regular Table of 10

*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!

Individual Ticket Pricing

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

Members Only

$375

Individual Ticket

Non-Members

$400

Individual Ticket

What Our Attendees Are Saying

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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.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions:

Don’t miss your chance to attend!

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.