International Women’s Day 2025 is calling for all to #AccelerateAction for gender equality. We hear from inspiring leaders from the hospitality and events industry on what this means to them, how they are taking action in their organisations and what further changes they’d like to see in order to #AccelerateAction.
I celebrate the strength, resilience and innovation of women around the world, especially in business. As a female business owner, I recognise the obstacles we often face, but I also know the immense power we hold to create change. It’s essential for us to continue to support and uplift each other to break down barriers and to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
In the exhibition and events industry, it’s crucial that we actively drive progress by creating environments where women have equal access to opportunities, leadership roles and platforms to showcase their work, products and innovations. To do that, it’s essential that we each prioritise accelerating change to ensure that women are fully represented and empowered to succeed at every level.
Alexandra Baily, vice chair, Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA)
At Clermont Hotel Group (CHG) we are accelerating action by actively addressing and providing support to navigate some of the barriers and biases that women face both personally and professionally, taking steps towards gender parity in line with International Women Day’s roots and values.
We have built partnerships with external experts to support our teams, including inspiring women like Robyn Filep and Eleni Kasparis from ‘Becoming’, and highlighted the impact of Perimenopause and Menopause through inclusive company-wide discussions across all roles and genders to broaden and implement better understanding. We also support female leaders through Jodi Goldman’s ‘Face Forward‘ programme, supporting them to uncover their visibility, influence and presence. Accelerating action through female leadership is a priority for us at CHG and has driven our investment in workshops and most recently a bespoke ‘Women in Leadership’ apprenticeship— we’re thrilled that this initiative has already welcomed a number of current and future leaders.
Amanda Hall, head of talent and organisational development, Clermont Hotel Group
I imagine a world where gender equality is the norm, where bias, stereotypes and discrimination don’t hold women back. A world where diversity is embraced, everyone has a fair shot, and differences are valued.
In hospitality, we have a real chance to make this happen by creating workplaces that uplift women and give them the opportunities they deserve. That means promoting more women into leadership, ensuring fair pay, and making work policies flexible so caregivers don’t have to choose between career and family. Mentorship programmes can help women grow in their careers, and recognising their achievements ensures their contributions don’t go unnoticed. By hiring more inclusively and removing bias from recruitment, we can open doors for more women in the industry. Change happens when we keep supporting each other and proving that talent and determination, not gender, define success.
Katie Remnant, marketing co-ordinator, Foxhills Club & Resort
International Women’s Day is a crucial moment to come together and push for real progress on gender equality. This year’s theme, #AcceleratingAction, highlights that there’s still plenty of work to do. At Hospitality Action, our support is non-discriminatory and inclusive, supporting women of all ages with a range of issues such as in work poverty, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse and addiction. We want to make sure that women have the same opportunities to grow and succeed without the limitations of a glass ceiling, and we’re committed to helping women who find themselves in crisis through no fault of their own to feel safe, supported and empowered. By working together, we can help create a world where every woman has the chance to thrive, free from any discrimination or bias, to forge women’s equality.
Giuliana Vittiglio, head of fundraising and marketing, Hospitality Action
To truly accelerate action in hospitality, the industry must normalise flexible working arrangements at all levels. Providing options such as adjusted hours, remote work, compressed weeks and job sharing ensures that flexibility is accessible to all genders, allowing for a better balance between work and personal responsibilities.
Additionally, I would like to see more mentorship programmes to create opportunities for individuals to connect with experienced professionals, helping to guide career development and build a more diverse and inclusive leadership pipeline. At Central Hall Venues we are proud to have five female leaders! By taking these steps, we can create a more equitable industry that supports the growth and success of all.
Rhiannon Thomas, head of sales and marketing, Central Hall Venues
I’ve been fortunate to work in companies that offer flexibility and opportunities for all. However, the number of women in senior leadership roles still needs to improve, and we must continue to challenge unconscious bias in what has historically been a male-dominated industry.
To accelerate action in hospitality, I’d like to see:
Greater Representation in Leadership: more women in senior leadership roles through structured mentorship, transparent career pathways, and leadership development initiatives.
Flexible Work Policies: continued progress in family-friendly and flexible working options to support career progression and to not lose females out of the industry.
Louisa Green, managing director, RBH Hospitality Management
“This is a topic close to my heart, and at Northstar, we are fortunate to have women not only playing vital roles across our company but also holding key leadership positions.
However, despite the majority of the business meetings and events industry being female, this has yet to be reflected at the senior leadership level—though progress is being made.
At The Meetings Show, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all visitors can learn, connect and leave feeling informed, inspired and empowered to advance their careers—regardless of their gender or career stage.
Over the years, we’ve taken action by collaborating with partners like Women in Exhibitions, which champions female leadership in the industry, and Event First Steps, which nurtures the next generation of talent. Our partnership with EventWell has further strengthened our focus on inclusivity, deepening our understanding of neurodiversity and ensuring we create a welcoming space for all.
Holding space for discussions designed to drive meaningful change for the industry is a key aspect of our education programme with sessions designed to support and empower our attendees so they can accelerate action in their own way.”
Emily Roberts, senior marketing manager, Northstar Travel Group / The Meetings Show
At Wotton House, we have always embraced gender equality, with success driven by skills and values rather than gender. Hospitality is about being welcoming and taking care of guests – qualities that are not defined by gender. We actively review our talent pool to maintain a balanced workforce and ensure equal access to training and leadership opportunities. Notably, our Employee of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards were all won by women, recognised purely for their incredible contributions and merit.
However, some roles such as in the kitchen, or engineering remain male-dominated due to long-standing perceptions. To accelerate action, we are investing in apprenticeships, and local school partnerships to attract a more diverse talent pipeline. By being more inclusive, we can create a stronger, more equitable industry for all.
Edward Adshead, general manager, Wotton House
