2025 Heard! Elevating Women in Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership

Be Heard. Be Empowered. Be There.

Join us October 22, 2025 at The Exchange at Bridge Park in Dublin, OH for Heard! Elevating Women in Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership—a dynamic conference designed to inspire, connect, and equip women across Ohio’s restaurant and hospitality industry.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or a rising star, Heard! delivers the tools, insights, and connections to help you thrive. With powerful speakers, real conversations, and actionable takeaways, this is more than a conference—it’s a movement.

Why You Should Register Now:

• Seats are limited—and filling fast!
• Exclusive access to top leaders, live demos, and curated toolkits
• Unmatched networking with peers, mentors, and industry trailblazers
• Co-located keynote with President’s Council—Ohio’s premier C-Suite event

What to Expect: A Full Day of Connection, Insight & Empowerment

We’ve designed the day to maximize inspiration, networking, and actionable learning. Here’s how the day unfolds:

Time                                       Activity

11:00 am – 11:45 am             Registration & Networking

11:45 am – 12:30 pm             Lunch

12:30 pm – 4:30 pm               Main Sessions

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm                 Heard! Happy Hour 
                                                  @ The Roosevelt Room

What’s on the Menu: Sessions That Serve Real Impact

Keynote: AI on the Line – From Prep to Plate: Your Playbook

Melinda Davenport, Emmy Award-winning exec and VP at Equinix, reveals how AI is reshaping hospitality—right here in Ohio. Learn how to cut costs, grow guest counts, and boost margins with no-code tools and a 12-month roadmap. Walk away with a toolkit, ROI calculator, and the R-A-I-L framework for responsible AI use.

Fireside Chat: Mentorship & Momentum

Jane Grote Abell (Donatos) and Lisa Gutierrez (Dos Hermanos) share real stories of career pivots, bold decisions, and the power of mentorship. This conversation explores how, when women support women in hospitality, it can cultivate meaningful connections, embrace change, and build the kind of momentum that drives long-term success.

Panel: Women at the Table – Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Top executives from Wendy’s, Sysco, and Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment discuss leading with authenticity, building inclusive teams, and developing talent in today’s competitive landscape. Includes audience Q&A and practical leadership strategies.

Round Table Discussions: Your Voice, Your Vision

Small-group conversations led by industry facilitators on topics like resilience, innovation, and work-life harmony. Share your story, gain fresh perspectives, and leave with ideas you can apply immediately.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Heard!

Registration is open now—and spots are limited. Secure your seat at Heard! and be part of the movement that’s elevating women in hospitality leadership across Ohio.

Register Today, Be Heard! and take the next step in your leadership journey.

For more information or if you have questions, please c ontact:

Rick Brunsman
Events & Programming
Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance
P: 614-246-0217
E: rbrunsman@ohiorestaurant.org