WIH Conference Program 2025

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Celebrating over 30 years of the Women in Hotel Network in South Australia T U E S D A Y E O S

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LEARN · CONNECT · INSPIRE

Official Program 2025 Women in Hotels Conference The Australian Hotels Association (SA Branch) is proud to officially announce the program for the 2025 Women in Hotels Conference – a milestone event celebrating over 30 years of the Women in Hotels network in South Australia.

Held biennially, the Conference brings together women from across the South Australian hotel industry to learn, connect and be inspired. The inaugural Conference held in 1994 responded to the growing demand for a platform that celebrated the contributions of women in hospitality while fostering professional development and connections.

Since then, Women in Hotels has grown into a vibrant community of like-minded Women committed to achieving success and fulfillment in a dynamic and fast-paced industry. The Conference has played a pivotal role in the development of enduring friendships, strong networks, and countless successful careers.

The 2025 program offers a thoughtfully curated selection of speakers and sessions, designed to deliver practical insights, innovative ideas, and take-home tools that can be applied in the workplace. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, there is something for everyone.

The day will conclude with a celebratory Conference Dinner, featuring special guests and the prestigious Women in Hotels ‘Hall of Fame’ inductions – honouring women who have made a significant contribution to the South Australian hotel industry.

We encourage hotel staff at all levels to attend. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired.

R E G I S T R AT I O N S C L O S E

Friday 8 August

Event Partners

2025 WOMEN IN HOTELS CONFERENCE

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R E G I S T R AT I O N

8:45am - 9:30am

W E L C O M E T O D E L E G AT E S

9:30am - 9:35am

OFFICIAL OPENING

9:35am – 9:40am

SPEED NETWORKING

9:40am – 9:45am

SHOWCASING SOUTH AUSTRALIA 

9:45am – 10:05am

G R I T, G R O W T H & G A M E D AY 

10:05am - 10:20am

H O S P I TA L I T Y W I T H H E A R T 

10:20am - 11:10am

MORNING TEA

11:10am - 11:30am

KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

11:30am - 12:30pm

LUNCH & NETWORKING

12:30pm - 1:00pm

HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS C H A N G I N G W H E R E P E O P L E E AT, D R I N K , S TAY & S P E N D 

1:00pm - 1:40pm

PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N - B E V E R A G E 

1:40pm – 2:20pm

SHORT BREAK

2:20pm – 2:30pm

B R E AT H W O R K 

2:30pm - 3:00pm

CHAMPIONING PRODUCE, PEOPLE & PL ACE 

3:00pm – 3:40pm

I N T E R A C T I V E PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N PEOPLE AND LEADERSHIP 

3:40pm - 4:20pm

C LO S I N G R E M A R KS

4:20pm

PRE-DINNER DRINKS & CANAPES

6:30pm – 7:00pm

D I N N E R & P R E S E N TAT I O N S

7:00pm – 9:00pm

SPEAKER PROFILES 

2025 WOMEN IN HOTELS CONFERENCE

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AGENDA · AGENDA

AGENDA · AGENDA

TUESDAY 19 AUGUST 2025

Official Opening of the 2025 Women in Hotels Conference Jodeen Carney – SA Equal Opportunity Commissioner 9.35am - 9.40am SPEAKER PROFILE 

Showcasing South Australia: Events, Opportunities & Hotel Engagement

Hitaf Rasheed - Executive Director, Events SA 9:45am - 10:05am SPEAKER PROFILE 

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Join us for an insightful overview of South Australia’s dynamic events landscape—exploring the major events shaping our state, emerging activities, and future opportunities. This session will highlight how these events contribute to regional vibrancy and economic growth, while also uncovering practical ways hotels can align with and benefit from them.

From partnerships to promotional strategies, discover how your venue can tap into SA’s thriving calendar to elevate visibility, drive visitation, and support local tourism.

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Grit, Growth & Game Day – A Premiership Perspective

Matilda Garrett Adelaide Thunderbirds & Australian Diamonds 10:05am - 10:20am

Dual premiership defender Matilda Garrett brings a burst of inspiration to kickstart the day. Drawing on her experiences at the top level of netball — from her debut with the Australian Diamonds to back-toback titles with the Adelaide Thunderbirds — Matilda shares what it takes to perform under pressure, bounce back from setbacks, and thrive within a winning team. This session is your morning ‘pep talk’ on confidence, team culture and staying grounded while aiming high.

SPEAKER PROFILE 

Hospitality With Heart: Driving Performance Through People and Purpose Jacqui Corbett of Sonnel Hospitality reveals how aligning team, offering, and vision creates venues that go beyond hospitality. From the impactful ‘Her Sport, Her Bar’ initiative to community-driven strategies, discover how people-first leadership builds culture, activates spaces, and delivers meaningful results.

Jacqui Corbett - GM Operations, Sonnel Hospitality (NSW) 10:20am - 11:10am SPEAKER PROFILE 

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Carolyn Creswell - Founder, Carman's 11.30am-12.30pm

Carman’s Kitchen founder, Carolyn Creswell is an inspirational leader whose success proves that you can run a multinational business, love what you do and have a genuine work-life balance.

At just 18, Carolyn founded Carman’s in 1992 by buying a small muesli business for $1,000. Over three decades, she’s grown it into Australia’s leading muesli and healthy snack brand, exporting to over 30 countries. Driven by a passion for real, nourishing food, Carolyn’s commitment to quality and innovation has built Carman’s into a trusted household name.

A mother of four, she applies her family-first values to every recipe. Carolyn’s leadership has earned her accolades including EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Telstra Business Woman of the Year.

She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

SPEAKER PROFILE 

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Where People Eat, Drink, Stay & Spend

Celia Harding - Founder, LEOPRD 1:00pm - 1:40pm SPEAKER PROFILE 

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Today’s guests are asking AI where to eat, drink and stay - and it’s answering. Tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews and Copilot are quietly changing how people discover, evaluate, and book venues. They scan scattered signals like menus, reviews, photos and media mentions, then generate quick-fire recommendations. But most venues have no idea what AI is seeing… or saying about them.

In this session, we’ll unpack how AI tools are already influencing where guests spend their time and money, whether it’s at the bar, the bistro, the function room or the hotel suite and how venue operators can take control of their visibility.

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PANEL DISCUSSION Kerry Appathurai - Sales Director, Lion Australia

"Pouring the Future: Global Beverage Trends and Australia's Next Sip" 1:40pm - 2:20pm

SPEAKER PROFILES 

Join leading industry experts for an indepth panel discussion exploring the latest global beverage trends and what they mean for the Australian market. As consumer preferences shift towards wellness, sustainability, and social Melanie Cooper AM - Chair & responsibility, how can hotels, bars, and Director Corporate Affairs, Coopers beverage businesses stay ahead? This Brewery & Coopers Foundation session will examine the rising demand for low- and no-alcohol options, the importance of community-conscious offerings, and strategies for adapting to evolving consumer expectations. Gain valuable insights into what’s next in the world of beverages and how to position your business for success in a mindful, modern marketplace.

Bianca Roworth - Head of Marketing, Pirate Life

Imogen Gardiner - Global Director Public Affairs , Treasury Wine Estates BACK TO AGENDA 

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Breathwork

Kym Burls - Breathwork Coach 2:30pm - 3:00pm SPEAKER PROFILE 

Experience an immediate, simple and effective way to reduce stress, increase relaxation and improve focus... that's right in front of your face.

Join experienced breathwork educator, Kym Burls, for an introduction to the power of your breath and get practical exercises to takeaway.

LEARN · CONNECT · INSPIRE Championing Produce, People & Place Straight to the Source 3:00pm - 3:40pm SPEAKER PROFILES 

Lucy Allon - Co-Founder

Join Lucy Allon and Tawnya Bahr from Straight to the Source as they share their inspiring journey of building careers dedicated to celebrating local producers, people, and regional identity. Drawing on front- and back-of-house perspectives, they’ll explore how hotels can harness local food and drink to create a unique point of difference and stand out with authenticity and purpose. Discover how this approach elevates the guest experience and engages and empowers your team, building a stronger, more connected business from the inside out.

Tawnya Bahr - Co-Founder

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INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION

SPEAKER PROFILES 

"Leading With Impact – Women Shaping Teams and Talent In Hospitality"

Jo Thomson - General Manager of Sales & Partnerships, Adelaide Oval

3:40pm - 4:20pm

In this empowering discussion, a panel of accomplished female hotel leaders will share their experiences and strategies in building, leading, and sustaining highperforming teams within the hospitality industry. As people-focused professionals, these leaders are at the forefront of human resource development, staff retention, and training innovation.

Samantha Farrington - General Manager, The Terrace Hotel, Hotel MOTEL & Hotel Alba

This panel will provide both inspiration and actionable takeaways for hotel professionals looking to elevate their leadership approach and enhance team performance at every level.

Hannah Tschaban-Healy - HR People & Culture Manager, Palmer Hotel Group

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PRE-DINNER DRINKS & CANAPES

DINNER & PRESENTATIONS Dinner & Presentations

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6:30pm - 7:00pm With special guests and corporate partners including inductions into the ‘Women in Hotels Hall of Fame’.

7:00pm - 9:00pm

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Jodeen Carney

Equal Opportunity Commissioner Jodeen lived in the Northern Territory for nearly 30 years where she worked as a lawyer, politician and departmental chief executive.

Since moving to South Australia at the end of 2010, she has worked as Chief of Staff to former Attorney-General and Deputy Premier, Vickie Chapman.

Jodeen was appointed South Australia’s Commissioner for Equal Opportunity in April 2021 for a five-year term. She talks regularly with groups and individuals about discrimination law and the work of her office, Equal Opportunity SA.

Hitaf Rasheed

Executive Director - Events South Australia Hitaf Rasheed has headed up Events South Australia, the events arm of the SATC since 2008. Events South Australia, under Hitaf’s leadership, is responsible for growing events in South Australia and attracting new events to the state. Her team directly manages the Santos Tour Down Under, Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond and the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.

Hitaf has overseen significant growth of the Santos Tour Down Under and the 2016 transition of Tasting Australia from a biennial to annual event. She has also secured a host of major events for the state including the last three editions of the Australian Swimming Trials (Olympic and Commonwealth Games Qualifiers), the Wallabies and the Wallaroos doubleheader as part of the 2022 eToro Rugby Championship and O’Reilly Cup, the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, the Adelaide International, matches as part of the 2020 and 2023 State of Origin Series, Illuminate Adelaide, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. BACK TO AGENDA 

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Matilda Garrett Adelaide Thunderbirds

Dual premiership defender Matilda Garrett will return for her fifth season with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2025. Garrett continued to elevate her game in 2024, shining within the best defensive unit in the league, on their way to back-to-back premierships.

The lockdown defender presented a relentless challenge for goal attacks across the competition, recording 518 Nissan Net Points, 44 deflections, 14 intercepts and 9 rebounds.

After making her Australian Diamonds debut in 2023, Garrett earned her second-consecutive selection in the national squad for 2024-25. She pulled on the green and gold for her country in September as the Diamonds claimed a series win against the England Roses.

The Victorian first came on to the netball scene in 2017 when she was chosen to represent her country at the World Netball Youth Cup in Botswana.

She made her SSN debut in 2018 for the Collingwood Magpies, before making the move to Adelaide for 2021.

Off the court, Garrett studies Exercise and Sport Science.

Jacqui Corbett

GM Operations - Sonnel Hospitality (NSW) Jacqui Corbett brings a wealth of experience from The Sydney Collective and most recently Momento Group as Chief Operating Officer, where she played a key role in driving operational growth, refining service strategies, and strengthening venue teams. Known for her ability to lead highperforming teams and create best-in-class guest experiences, Jacqui will focus on building strong relationships with venue teams, and enhancing operational excellence across the group.

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Carolyn Creswell

Founder of Carman's & Keynote Speaker Carman’s Kitchen founder, Carolyn Creswell is an inspirational leader whose success proves that you can run a multinational business, love what you do and have a genuine work-life balance.

As an 18-year-old university student, Carolyn founded Carman’s in 1992 when she bought the small muesli business she was working at for $1,000.

31 years on, Carman’s Kitchen is now Australia’s favourite muesli brand, alongside being a market leader in deliciously good for you snacks thanks to the brands consistent innovation and perusal of continuous improvement.

From humble beginnings where Carolyn used to park her tiny Daewoo alongside semi- trailers in supermarket loading docks, Carolyn’s determination and focus on producing quality products using whole foods, has seen Carman’s build a strong following in exporting to more than 30 countries globally.

Carolyn’s passion for healthy food made from real ingredients has cemented Carman’s reputation as a food brand that customers can trust thanks to the brands ethos of real food, made with real passion.

As a proud mother of four children, Carolyn understands the importance of producing nourishing foods for herself and her family and applies this to every Carman’s recipe.

Calling the Carman’s crew her “second family”, Carolyn put them at forefront of her mind when designing the new office that the business moved into in 2018. Now one of the most enviable working spaces in Australia, Carman’s HQ offers its employees access to a gym, yoga studio, sauna and massage room, free barista-made coffee and on-site chef. Carolyn has also loved extending the space to the public, via the Carman’s Kitchen Store, and other businesses, with conference facilities and meeting rooms for hire.

Celia Harding Founder - LEOPRD

Celia Harding is the founder of LEOPRD, the world’s first Language Engine Optimisation (LEO) advisory helping businesses get found, featured and talked about by humans and machines.

With 20+ years PR experience, she’s worked with the likes of Google, Mastercard, Diageo, Brown-Forman, CUB, One&Only and Neil Perry – across food, booze, festivals and hospitality.

Celia’s on a mission to futureproof brand visibility in the age of AI, where guests are asking ChatGPT where to eat, drink or stay – and it’s answering.

Through LEOPRD, she helps hospitality brands show up, stand out, and stay front-of-mind in a world driven by recommendations, reputation and results.

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Kerry Appathurai

Sales Director - Lion Australia Kerry is currently the Sales Director for the Lion Australia business. With a strong career in sales and strategy spanning over 25 years, Kerry has worked in large global FMCG organisations such as Nestlé, Parmalat (Lactalis), and Cadbury (Mondelez). Kerry entered the liquor industry by joining Lion in 2018, holding senior positions in the leadership team over the past seven years.

In Kerry’s current role as Sales Director, she is responsible for all customers across Retail, On-Premise, and eCommerce, leading a large Sales team, Sales Operations, and Customer Marketing teams. A strong advocate for People, Partnerships, and Performance, Kerry leads with a solutions focus and is passionate about creating winning customer partnerships, highperformance teams, and developing and delivering new opportunities that improve performance.

Melanie Cooper AM

Chair & Director Corporate Affairs - Coopers Brewery & Coopers Foundation Mel was appointed Chair of Coopers Brewery in 2023, the first female Chair in its history, and is the brewery’s Director of Corporate Affairs.

Graduating from Adelaide University with a Bachelor of Economics, Mel worked for Price Waterhouse before joining the Brewery in 1985 as Assistant Accountant and was appointed Company Secretary in 1989 and a Director in 2009, following her father Bill Cooper’s retirement. Mel is also Chair of the Coopers Brewery Foundation.

Mel received the Member of the Order of Australia Medal (AM) for philanthropic service to the community and leadership and is Patron of St John’s Youth Services.

Bianca Roworth

Head of Marketing - Pirate Life Bianca Roworth is the Head of Marketing at Pirate Life Brewing (Asahi Beverages), where she leads brand strategy, creative direction, and national campaigns for one of Australia’s most innovative craft breweries.

Throughout her career, Bianca has held senior roles across brand, category, and trade marketing for some of the most iconic brands in the food and beverage industry, including CUB, McDonald’s, Diageo and Red Rooster.

With more than two decades of experience, Bianca is passionate about developing creative high-performing teams, building brands that challenge convention and partnering with customers to grow the category.

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Imogen Gardiner

Global Director Public Affairs - Treasury Wine Estates Imogen leads TWE’s global Public Affairs function, based in Melbourne, after previously overseeing public affairs across EMEA. She has worked closely with governments and industry to navigate key regulatory and policy challenges, including UK Duty System reforms and evolving EU legislation.

Before joining TWE, she was Chief of Staff to the UK Secretary of State for DEFRA, bringing extensive experience in political strategy and stakeholder engagement. Now in the global role, she works to drive meaningful industry collaboration and influence policy to support the wine sector’s long-term growth.

Kym Burls

Breathwork Coach Kym is an experienced breathwork coach, who’s passionate about helping people relax, regulate and reconnect, using their breath. Since 2019, Kym has spent hundreds of hours learning breathwork from the world’s best mentors, and taught 2,000+ people, on three continents, of all ages and backgrounds, including athletes, military personnel and medical professionals.

Lucy Allon

Co-Founder - Straight to the Source Lucy Allon is a sought-after hospitality and food industry expert with over two decades of experience and co-host of the Straight to the Source podcast. A former award-winning restaurateur and co-founder of Straight to the Source, she is known for delivering exceptional results through her customer-focused approach and passion for sustainable sourcing and provenance.

Lucy’s career highlights include co-founding Appetite for Excellence, Australia’s prestigious awards for emerging culinary talent, mentoring future industry leaders through The Inspired Series, collaborating with icons like Peter Gilmore, Maggie Beer, Josh Niland, Danielle Alvarez, and Lennox Hastie for the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards and being invited to showcase Australian cuisine at New York’s renowned James Beard House.

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Tawnya Bahr

Co-Founder - Straight to the Source Tawnya Bahr is a leading food expert, Group Executive Chef, and co-founder of Straight to the Source. With over 27 years of industry experience, Tawnya is known for her visionary leadership in strengthening the connection between producers and chefs, seasonal menu design, and ethical supply chains.

An advocate for Australian farmers and food artisans, Tawnya is co-host of the Straight to the Source podcast and has regularly contributed to the Farmgate Trail segment on ABC 702’s Breakfast Show—platforms where she shares insights and elevates regional food stories.

Her influence reaches far beyond the kitchen: she’s a trusted industry advisor and judge for bodies including the Department of Primary Industries, Royal Agricultural Society, and the Australian Culinary Federation. Tawnya actively mentors emerging culinary talent through Women in Hospitality and the TAFE Tasting Success program and is a familiar MC at food industry events nationwide.

Jo Thompson

GM of Sales & Partnerships - Adelaide Oval Jo Thomson is the General Manager of Sales & Partnerships at Adelaide Oval, leading the venue’s award-winning Functions & Events division and driving sales across its corporate entertainment, events and Oval Hotel offerings. She manages relationships with key clients, sponsors and partners and helps maintain Adelaide Oval’s global reputation for delivering unmissable experiences.

As part of the organisation’s Senior Management Team, Jo is passionate about innovating the venue, leveraging its position to attract new events to South Australia and nurturing the next generation of hospitality and events professionals.

With more than two decades of hospitality experience and ten years in sales, Jo has worked across almost every facet of the hotel and events industries.

She joined the Adelaide Oval team in 2015 and has been instrumental in growing the stadium into South Australia’s leading events venue.

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Samantha Farrington

GM - The Terrace Hotel, HotelMOTEL & Hotel Alba Samantha Farrington is an accomplished hospitality leader known for her passion for reimagining and revitalizing hotel experiences. As General Manager of The Terrace Hotel, HotelMOTEL, and Hotel Alba, she has successfully led multiple redevelopments and launches, blending strategic vision with operational excellence.

Her leadership has earned national recognition, with Hotel Alba winning Best Marketed Hotel at the AHA SA State awards, Best Redeveloped Hotel at the 2024 National AHA Awards, and HotelMOTEL receiving the same honour for redeveloped hotel at the 2023 State AHA Awards. Samantha’s expertise spans rebranding, pre-opening planning, and driving sales growth, all while creating welcoming spaces that resonate with guests and communities.

Hannah Tschaban-Healy

HR People & Culture Manager Palmer Hotel Group With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hannah began her career at a local venue in Bordertown/Mundulla. After relocating to Adelaide to study Event Management, she worked across various venues and quickly discovered a passion for the industry.

Hannah’s journey included roles at establishments such as the Crown & Anchor and Oxford Hotel, before joining the Warradale Hotel in 2011 as Duty Manager. In 2016, she transitioned into payroll and HR with the Palmer Hospitality Group (PHG).

Following a six-month hiatus in 2021 due to COVID-19, Hannah returned to PHG as the Assistant Venue Manager at 2KW Bar & Restaurant. A year later, resuming her role as HR Manager for PHG. Currently, Hannah oversees People & Culture, Apprenticeships, Training and Development, Compliance, Employee Relations, and Payroll across PHG’s nine venues.

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