2025 Women in Hotels Conference 

The recent 2025 Women in Hotels Conference drew a record crowd, underscoring the strength and influence of women across South Australia’s hospitality sector.

Marking more than 30 years of the Women in Hotels network, the biennial event delivered a full day of insights, leadership lessons and industry connections.

The day concluded with a gala dinner and networking, featuring the induction of two new members into the prestigious Women in Hotels Hall of Fame (see page 14).

Organisers described the conference – which was held at EOS by SkyCity – as the most successful yet, with attendees praising both the calibre of speakers and the opportunity to connect with peers.

"This year’s conference was truly a landmark moment for our industry,” said AHA|SA CEO, Anna Moeller.

“It reminds us of the influential role played by women in hospitality – both those leading today and the trailblazers who have come before us.

“For more than three decades, this network has been about more than just professional development. It has been about creating pathways, friendships and opportunities that have changed lives and careers.

“When I look around the room, I see women from all different parts of our sector, from venue owners and general managers, to functions specialists, F&B staff, marketing professionals – the list goes on and on.

“They are all contributing to the success of South Australian hotels in ways that simply weren’t possible a generation ago.

“But celebrating success is only part of the story. The real power of this conference is in the deeper conversations about where we need to go next – how we continue to nurture talent, support flexible workplaces and ensure women thrive in leadership roles.

“This is not just about equity. It is about business performance. We know from global research and our own experience that diverse teams drive innovation, stronger cultures and better results for venues.

“The Women in Hotels network has always been forward-looking. What excites me is seeing the next generation of leaders learning directly from those who paved the way. After today, they get to apply those lessons with fresh energy and ideas.

“When women in hotels succeed, our entire industry succeeds.

“I want to thank every speaker, every participant and every supporter of the network for making this day such a success. Together, we are building an industry where women not only belong – they lead.

Key Speakers and Sessions

The conference was opened by the Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, while the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, and Small and Family Business, Andrea Michaels, spoke at the dinner.

• Hitaf Rasheed – Executive Director, Events South Australia

Highlighted how hotels can leverage South Australia’s thriving events calendar to drive visitation, partnerships and economic growth.

• Matilda Garrett – Adelaide Thunderbirds & Australian Diamonds

Shared her experiences as a dual premiership defender, offering lessons in resilience, teamwork and thriving under pressure.

• Jacqui Corbett – GM Operations, Sonnel Hospitality (NSW)

Delivered Hospitality with Heart, showcasing how people-first leadership and initiatives such as ‘Her Sport, Her Bar’ can activate venues and build culture.

• Carolyn Creswell – Founder, Carman’s (Keynote Address)

Charted her journey from buying a small muesli business at 18 to building Carman’s into a multinational brand, while balancing innovation, family values and leadership.

• Celia Harding – Founder, LEOPRD

Unpacked how artificial intelligence is reshaping where guests choose to eat, drink, stay and spend, and how venues can control their digital visibility.

BEVERAGE TRENDS PANEL –“POURING THE FUTURE”

• Kerry Appathurai – Sales Director, Lion Australia

• Melanie Cooper AM – Chair & Director Corporate Affairs, Coopers Brewery & Coopers Foundation

• Bianca Roworth – Head of Marketing, Pirate Life

• Imogen Gardiner – Global Director Public Affairs, Treasury Wine Estates

Explored shifting consumer preferences toward wellness, sustainability and low-alcohol products, and how venues can adapt to global trends.

• Kym Burls – Breathwork Coach

Guided delegates through practical exercises to reduce stress and boost focus through the power of breathwork.

• Lucy Allon & Tawnya Bahr –Co-Founders, Straight to the Source

Demonstrated how hotels can champion local producers and regional identity to build authenticity, strengthen teams and enhance guest experiences.

LEADERSHIP PANEL - "LEADING WITH IMPACT"

• Samantha Farrington – GM, The Terrace Hotel, Hotel MOTEL & Hotel Alba

• Mieke Sellers – Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms Division & Tourism, Oval Hotel

• Hannah Tschaban-Healy – HR People & Culture Manager, Palmer Hotel Group

Shared strategies on building and sustaining highperforming teams, with practical advice on staff retention, training and people-focused leadership.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The inaugural Women in Hotels Conference was held 1994 - a result of the growing demand for a genderspecific educational and inspiring network.

The Conference was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the immense contribution of women to the industry and building their networks.

This event kick-started regular events and has assisted in the development of many friendships and careers. Women in Hotels has evolved into a strong community of likeminded people, hoping to achieve success and happiness in a hard-working industry.

There is no other active and regular Women in Hotels network in Australia.