10th Annual Women in Tourism & Hospitality (WITH) Awards Luncheon
Theme: The Future is WITH Us: Celebrating a Decade of Elevation
Thursday, September 24
San Diego Marriott La Jolla
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Doors Open at 11:00 AM
PROGRAM AGENDA
11:00 – 11:30 am
Registration & Networking
Guests arrive, check in, visit sponsor activations, and enjoy networking prior to the luncheon.
11:30 am
Welcome & Opening Ceremony
Mistress of Ceremonies
Darlynne Reyes Menkin
Welcome Remarks
Women in Tourism & Hospitality (WITH) and MCCSN
Clara Carter, Founder & CEO
11:45 am – 12:05 pm
Luncheon Service & 10th Anniversary Legacy Video
Guests enjoy lunch while experiencing a special video presentation celebrating ten years of WITH, honoring the women, partners, sponsors, and community that have shaped its journey.
FEATURED SESSIONS
12:05 – 12:25 pm
From Vision to Legacy
A Fireside Chat with Founder & CEO Clara Carter
Moderator: Darlynne Reyes Menkin
The inspiring story behind the vision that became a movement—sharing the challenges, milestones, and purpose that have guided WITH through its first decade.
12:25 – 12:50 pm
Legacy in Motion: A Decade of Leadership, Impact & Sisterhood
Moderator: Peggy Cooper
A conversation with WITH's Founding and Past Honorees reflecting on ten years of leadership, mentorship, personal growth, and the lasting impact of the WITH community.
12:50 – 1:30 pm
The Next Chapter: Inspiring the Future of Leadership
Moderator: Niveesha Hill Castellanos
The 2026 WITH Honorees share their personal journeys, leadership lessons, and vision for inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in tourism, hospitality, and travel.
1:30 – 1:50 pm
A Decade of Elevation
The 10th Anniversary WITH Legacy Awards Ceremony
Celebrating the accomplishments of the 2026 WITH Honorees while recognizing the extraordinary women whose leadership continues to shape the tourism and hospitality industry.
1:50 – 2:00 pm
Legacy Portraits
Official 10th Anniversary Honoree & Alumni Photo Session
Individual portraits, alumni recognition, group photographs, Board of Directors, sponsors, and commemorative anniversary photos.
2:00 pm
Closing Remarks
Celebrating ten years of leadership, community, and impact while looking ahead to the next decade of elevating women throughout the tourism and hospitality industry.
A Toast to 10 Years
3:00 – 6:00 pm
Celebrating a Decade of Elevation, Legacy & Connections
10th Anniversary Pool Deck Celebration Reception
Continue the celebration with fellow honorees, alumni, sponsors, partners, and industry leaders while raising a glass to the next decade of leadership, collaboration, and community.
What Makes This Year Different?
This will be the first time in WITH history that founding honorees will reunite on stage to share what has changed for them in the last decade and where they are going next. They will do so during the first Founder Fireside Chat, and the days events will conclude with a continued celebration of ten years of leadership and impact with endless networking opportunities.
Still Wondering if You Should Attend?
The WITH Luncheon is your opportunity to join more than 300 tourism, hospitality, travel, and business leaders for an unforgettable celebration of inspiration, leadership, recognition, and meaningful connections. If you are a woman working in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry, this event is for you.