2025 AHLA ForWard Conference

May 20, 2025

Davidson Hospitality Group was honored to have 41 corporate and property-level team members attend the AHLA Foundation’s 2025 ForWard Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This year, the event focused on all things POWER, and how to recognize, step into, and amplify your own power and influence—whether through your voice and expertise, advocacy, or navigating power dynamics in the workplace.

The transformative conference collectively empowered our leaders to feel energized and connected through a robust lineup of inspiring speakers, interactive sessions, and powerful conversations. Here are some of our key takeaways and highlights:

This conference is always inspiring with several take-aways to implement both professionally and personally. Particularly Regan Walsh’s session stuck with me, “what you are not changing you are choosing’. Great advice that I’ve already share a couple times with individuals. Additional conversation about defining what winning means to you, trusting your gut, shedding your shoulds, getting out of your own way, asking for what you need, embracing the now and always taking the next best step. All good practices to check-in on periodically. –Stephanie Antonopoulos Sample, Senior Regional Director of Sales, Davidson Hotels

The ForWard Conference left me feeling empowered to grow as a leader and inspired by the incredible lineup of speakers who challenged us to lead with both strength and humanity. I especially valued the honest conversations about women in C-suite positions and how to claim your seat at the table without losing your sense of self. It was also a phenomenal networking opportunity—I connected with our corporate team and industry leaders while expanding my knowledge in communication, leadership, and innovation. I’m walking away with fresh perspectives and a renewed commitment to lead with purpose. -Marina Baronas, Director of Food & Beverage, The Don CeSar

Each year, I leave the ForWard Conference feeling inspired and energized by both the sessions and quality time spent with our amazing team members. At Davidson, we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for colleagues at every stage in their career, and I am so proud that our culture encourages and invests in the continued education of our leaders. –Crystal Beasley, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, Davidson Hospitality Group

At the AHLA ForWard Conference 2025, I gained empowering insights into leadership and influence. Sessions on networking, negotiation strategies, and authentic leadership resonated deeply, highlighting the power of strong connections, negotiating beyond salary, and leading with authenticity and purpose. A few of my favorite takeaways came from Heart Boss author Regan Walsh: ‘What you’re not changing, you’re choosing’ and ‘Define what winning means to you.’ There’s so much to reflect on and act upon post-conference. Attending ForWard was a true gift, and I look forward to sharing these insights with my team and fellow leaders. –Kerri Brown, Director, Program Management, Davidson Hospitality Group

The ForWard Conference is an excellent opportunity to take a step back from our busy day-to-day lives to spend intentional time focusing on our professional and personal growth as female leaders and connecting with our colleagues at Davidson and in our industry. In exploring this year’s theme of power, we were reminded that there is power in being confident as your authentic self. I appreciated Regan Walsh’s reminder to trust your instincts and “shed the shoulds” from your life to focus on what is most important to you and lessen unnecessary self-inflicted stress. –Elizabeth Colombo, Vice President, Corporate Counsel, Davidson Hospitality Group

The key takeaway that stuck with me the most was True Power- 1) Aligned with values, 2) Doesn’t require permission and 3) Resonates so deeply others want to follow you. ~Lamia Laurene Daif. –Sha’Wana Hervey, Senior Director of Treasury, Davidson Hospitality Group

As always, this year’s conference was incredibly refreshing, inspiring, and impactful! A strong theme this year was on networking & mentorship- then paying it forward to continue support of future women leaders. Such reaffirming messages to trust your intuition, capabilities, inner confidence and don’t be afraid to take risks- failing is learning! Some great book recommendations were Courage to be Disliked, Essentialism, and Good to Grow. –Melanie Daleske, Director of Total Rewards & Compensation, Davidson Hospitality Group

I was honored to be able to be a part of the ForWard conference this year. It was my first year attending and it felt like “self-care”. There were so many incredible speakers with invaluable lessons and while the theme of the conference was Power, so much of the focus was on how to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, professionally, to be able to OWN the power you already have. It was such a treat! –Jordan Davis, Senior Director Sourcing & Culinary Strategy, Davidson Restaurant Group

This year’s AHLA ForWard conference delivered high-caliber speakers who offered meaningful insights and practical takeaways for attendees at every career stage. I was especially inspired by the women who took the stage as their authentic selves-proving that success in both career and life doesn’t require compromise, only courage and clarity. – Patricia Davis, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Davidson Hospitality Group

Attending this year’s AHLA ForWard Conference was nothing short of transformative. The experience was packed with powerful, inspiring messages from incredible women who are leading with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. One recurring theme that stood out to me was: “Walk in your power and your authenticity.” This resonated deeply, as we were reminded not to dim our lights to make others feel comfortable but instead, to embrace our own greatness. Several speakers highlighted what it means to claim your power and lead with impact. Amber Asher shared insights on how power comes from within and the importance of cultivating it with intention. Lamiaa Laurene Daif emphasized that power is something we must claim for ourselves, encouraging women to show up confidently and lead without shrinking or conforming. Nicole Lynn’s story was especially powerful—breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, she taught us how resilience and leadership can propel you to success when you own your truth. Leaving the conference, I felt inspired and energized, ready to step into my own power and continue walking in my truth. It was a reminder that we all have the ability to lead boldly and authentically! –Yolunda Haynes, Corporate Director, Payroll & Compliance, Davidson Hospitality Group

My favorite breakout session was “Negotiating for Women: Powerful Strategies That Work.” I learned that you should go for what you want but be strategic about it. Don’t count yourself out before you’ve even tried. I also loved the message from the Keynote Speaker, Nicole Lynn, on making sure you’re not “covering” in the workplace. You don’t have to hide parts of you to fit in. “Have agency over your life. Show up authentically yourself.” –Bre Jordan, Operations Business Partner, Strategic Operations, Davidson Hospitality Group

Attending the FORWARD Conference was an inspiring experience alive with powerful stories of leadership and reclaiming our power. A key takeaway was the importance of driving change not only in our professional life but also in our personal life. Connecting with like-minded women and hearing from inspiring leaders reignited my motivation to lead with purpose and support others along the way! – Tonya Jordan, Director of Human Resources, The Park Vista a DoubleTree by Hilton

There were so many exceptional speakers and opportunities to connect, that ForWard truly exceeded my expectations. One of my many key takeaways was from the Live, Lead & Build Leverage: Skills for Growth and Resilience session. Believe it or not, the presenter used the analogy of a modern-day washing machine that knows how to measure and balance its load, so it doesn’t expend unnecessary energy when it doesn’t have to do so. It serves as a reminder to use the strengths of others to help balance the load you’re carrying and meet the moment for situational capacity using teamwork to accomplish goals. After all, together we are stronger. – Shelby Taylor Kolb, Director of Marketing, Barnsley Resort

This was my first opportunity to attend this conference, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with other leaders in our Davidson community. I felt empowered and supported throughout this conference, knowing that our corporate office has my back in all HR issues and opportunities! Together we are stronger! 😊 –Audrey Krijt, Director, Human Resources, Sheraton Philadelphia University City

It was an honor to be able to attend this year’s ForWard Conference- as always, the stage was filled with inspiring conversations from female leaders. The session that resonated the most with me was a panel of CEO’s and COO’s who shared their journey to the top. Hearing their experience and insights on leading as a female in a (once) male dominated industry was motivating. I loved hearing how they were able to grow in their careers while balancing family and personal life. –Ashley Morse, Senior Director, Integrated Marketing, Davidson Hospitality Group

Experiencing the AHLA ForWard event with 40 other W.I.L.D. (Women in Leadership @ Davidson) was empowering! Inspiring and practical content. #authenticity #intentional –Barbara Lippert Readey, General Manager, The Don CeSar and Beach House Suites

The forward conference was one of the best I’ve attended. It gave great insights on influence and redefining power in the hospitality industry. My favorite was the keynote speaker Lamiaa Daif. She expressed power in a different light, that power is claimed not given. To listen to what your body is telling you not necessarily your mind. Don’t suppress emotions but channel them purposefully. Also, enjoyed the networking opportunities and AI presentation. No matter what stage you are in your professional life continue to grow 😊 – Marisa Serano, Senior Vice President, Operations, Davidson Hotels

This year’s ForWard Conference theme, “Power,” was a compelling reminder of the strength we hold both individually and collectively to drive meaningful change. A key takeaway for me was how embracing our unique voices and experiences can amplify our impact with others. It was inspiring to see the diverse ways leaders are harnessing their power to uplift communities, foster equity, to help shape the future. –Christina Snipe, Corp Director of Human Resources – Compliance & Field Support, Davidson Hospitality Group

To be present at the conference and simply attend the panels and breakout sessions was a highlight, especially compared to our investment conferences (NYU or ALIS), which are typically rapid fire back-to-back meetings with our current and prospective partners. Taking time to be introspective and reflect on your experiences is an important part of growing in our careers and lives. One of the more interesting discussions I enjoyed explored gender norms and perceptions in negotiations, which offered valuable insights on maximizing potential and understanding the playing field. – Josie Strang, Vice President, Acquisitions & Business Development, Davidson Hospitality Group

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the AHLA ForWard event for 3 years in a row. This event is a remarkable platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the hospitality industry. Each year, it brings together industry leaders, innovators, and advocates who are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field. –Joyce Yun, General Manager, Hotel Zephyr