AN AIRLINE pilot, founders and leaders in the hospitality industry along with experts on wellness and more, will be among panellists tackling the challenges faced by women in the workplace at a conference organised by the Phuket Hotels Association and consultancy C9 Hotelworks.
The second annual edition of “Mind the Gap: Women & Diversity in Hospitality” is scheduled for Laguna Phuket’s Similan Ballroom on August 31. Organisers say the half-day learning event is aimed at driving equality, diversity and inclusivity in the hospitality industry.
Leading the conversation will be keynote speaker Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the founder and managing director of Akaryn Hospitality Management Services, who will discuss the opportunities and challenges of being a “Woman Leader”.
“There are so many highly successful women in hospitality who are breaking down boundaries and making a positive difference,” said Anchalika. “I look forward to meeting many more inspirational leaders and up-and-coming stars, exchanging ideas and sharing our stories in Phuket.”
SPEAKING OUT
Airline pilot and TEDx speaker Christina Ho will outline why ‘Diversity and Inclusion is Important Today’, while Kirsten Fletcher, Australian Consul-General in Phuket, will tackle the topic of ‘Managing Success at Work and with a Family’, and Nikki Phinyapincha, founder of TransTalent Consulting Group, will address the unique challenges of being ‘LBGTQ+ in the Hospitality Workplace’.
A panel discussion on successful ‘Female Leaders in the Restaurant Industry’ will include Samantha Häberli, founder of Earth House Bangkok & Plant-based Holistic Nutritionist for Soneva, Atchara Wongthai Palleros, wine training manager & sommelier at Tops Wine Cellar, and Tipaporn Phianthong, chef de cuisine at Banyan Group. Emma Gray, vice president marketing and business development at Delivering Asia Communications will moderate the panel.On the subject of DEI (Diversity, Inclusion, Equity) training, Papungkron Numprasit, F&B instructor and supervisor in the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, Dusit Thani College, will be leading ‘A Short Course on How We Can Embed DEI Training for Our Hospitality Peers’.
Patteera Maneesri, vice president of HR and brand culture at S Hotels & Resorts, will reveal ‘The Power of Inspiration’ and why the industry needs female role models, and Naureen Ahmed, founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, will highlight the relevance of ‘Networking and Building Meaningful Connections’.
While prominent female executives and entrepreneurs will lead the conversation, men who are making a difference are also included. Max Simpson, founder and CEO of Steps, will lead a talk on how hospitality is “Leading the Way for Neurodiverse Employment”.
On the key topic of mindfulness, David Boucher of Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket and Paul Hawco of Banyan Wellness Academy will focus on the importance of “Understanding Mental Health and Wellbeing”.
Jayne MacDougall, executive director, Phuket Hotels Association, said: “The inaugural edition of Mind the Gap in 2022 was attended by over 100 delegates, which shows how the event captured the imagination of women and men alike. By addressing the critical issues facing women in hospitality, we can provide important input into how professionals can overcome gender-specific challenges, improve their mindfulness, achieve a positive work-life balance, and build highly rewarding professional careers. We look forward to welcoming even more guests to this year’s edition.”
More… That’s not a panel, it’s a MAN-EL!
Viona Zhang, deputy managing director, C9 Hotelworks, will co-host the event with Sumi Soorian, senior advisor at Phuket Hotels Association.
Zhang said: “Hospitality has always been an industry where women play a vital role, and this event will gather many of the most talented and successful female leaders. Sadly, it is a worrying fact that women still face challenges in the workplace and that men still command the majority of senior leadership positions. By continuing to raise these important issues, we want to keep the conversation flowing and empower the next generation of women in hospitality to create a bright future for the entire industry.”
– “Mind the Gap: Women & Diversity in Hospitality” will take place on August 31, from 1:30pm to 5pm. The event is priced at THB 500 (payable at the door) and THB 100 for students, with all proceeds being donated to the Phuket Hotels Association’s training fund.
Advanced registration is required. For bookings, visit here…
