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AUGUST 11, 2026 | DUBLIN, OHIO

Elevating Women in Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership

Heard! empowers women in Ohio's restaurant & hospitality industry by fostering a supportive community that emphasizes the values of Hospitality, Excellence, Authenticity, Resilience & Diversity.

Heard! is an investment in your future. Gain valuable insights and skills while joining a movement that champions women in the restaurant & hospitality industry.

REGISTER TODAY ➝

Whether you're looking to advance your career, improve your skills, or simply connect with others who understand your journey, Heard! is the place to be.

AGENDA ➝

Meet the Co-Chairs! Laurie Torres is the owner of Mallorca Restaurant in Cleveland & Kathleen Day is the Owner and Founder of Katalina's Cafes in Columbus, Ohio.

THE BIOS ➝

POWER SESSION

Generational Leadership: Finding your voice, knowing your value and leading with authenticity.
WHO IS TONI?

A seasoned hospitality executive and Fractional CEO, Toni has spent more than two decades leading growth, transformation, and brand evolution for some of the industry's most recognized restaurant and consumer brands.

MINDFULNESS MOMENTS

Brief session throughout the day to support clarity, presence & readiness for meaningful engagement.
WHO IS KIM?

Kim Regis, DNP, PNP, BCC is a speaker, executive leader and coach dedicated to supporting women in leadership as they navigate complexity, pressure, and transition with integrity and resilience.

LIGHTNING TALKS

Top Executives discuss techniques to build the four corners of your business to meet today’s challenging times
WHO IS KAREN?

Karen Brennan is an accomplished, results-oriented executive with over 40 years of award-winning marketing initiatives. She's held top executive positions with the Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Max & Erma’s Restaurants, Inc. and more.

2026
Sponsors

The Roundtable Sessions

Connect, learn and share during three rounds of facilitated discussion featuring 18 unique topics. These interactive roundtables bring hospitality professionals together to exchange ideas, explore challenges and uncover practical strategies for leadership, growth and long-term success.

REGISTER ➝
The Importance of Mentorship

Lisa Gutierrez | Owner & CEO, Dos Hermanos

Let's Talk Money: Reading Your P&L, Cost of Goods & Services and Prime Cost

Kristen Phelps | CEO & CFO, Yours Truly Restaurants

Leading People. Elevating Voices.

Kathleen Day (Owner) & Shelby Juillerat (HR) | Katalina's Cafes

Increase Loyalty & Value through Brand Authenticity

Barb Burgie | Found & CEO, Burgie MediaFusion

Media, Reputation & Communicating with Confidence

Diane Hurd (Partner) & Hannah Schuller (Sr. Account Associate), Inspire

Menu Engineering Profitability

Faith Bevard | Owner & CEO, The Restaurant Solutionist

Serving with Intention: A Roundtable on Leadership & Empathy

Gina Nicholson Kramer | CEO & Owner, Swan Dance Apothecary & Tea

Retention & Culture Systems that Work

Natasha Chestnut | VP of Human Resources, Skyline Chili

Building a Long-Term Career in Hospitality Leadership

Brittany Saxton | Owner, Six Hundred Downtown

Career Advancement & Asking for More

Kristen McNamara | Mid-East Region President, Sysco

Building Resilient Teams

Erin Lutes | VP of Human Resources, Four Entertainment Group (4EG)

Advocacy: Have Your Voice Heard in the Industry

Allison DeRoberts | Director of Government Relations, ORHA

Finding Your Voice in Rooms Where Decisions are Made

Ellen Murphy | VP of Sales, Performance Food Group

Creating Opportunity. Building Success.

Sonya Delaney | Manager of Events & Programs, Hospitality Ohio

Smart Operations: Using Data & Technology

Sue Graves | CEO & Founder, Experience Alive

Decisions That Drive Growth

John Barker | President & CEO, ORHA

Generational Leadership Blueprint: Building Your Personal Brand & Board of Directors

Toni Ronayne | Founder & CEO, The C Society

The Aligned Leader: Staying Grounded in Complex Times

Kim Regis | Founder & Health Consultant, Kim Regis Consulting

Sponsorship that Powers Connection

Heard! connects sponsors with the women shaping the future of Ohio hospitality. Be in the room with the emerging leaders who are driving innovation, culture & growth.

PACKAGES ➝
SPONSOR ➝
WHY SPONSOR?

Position your company as an industry champion committed to growth, innovation & workforce development. Reach emerging leaders early and build long-term brand loyalty within the industry.

MORE OPTIONS?

Don’t see a sponsorship package that fits your goals, budget or big idea? Let's talk! We’re happy to customize opportunities that create meaningful impact for your brand. Fill out the form!

MESSAGE ➝