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As the Women in Tourism and Hospitality (WITHORG) Summit gears up for its 8th annual gathering on October 21st at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, anticipation is building for what promises to be a transformative event. This year’s theme, Rise, Lead, Inspire, is set to resonate through the day’s keynotes, workshops, and networking sessions. We chatted with Anne Larcade, co-founder of WITHORG, to learn more about the vision behind the Summit and what attendees can expect.
How did WITHORG begin, and what inspired its creation?
WITHORG was born from a simple but impactful conversation I had back in 2017 with Katie Taylor, then-President of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. We looked around the room and realized there were so few women in senior leadership roles—less than 3% in the C-suite and only 11% in senior roles. Katie’s commitment to change inspired me, and she held true to her word, becoming our Honorary Chair from the start. Katie, who later became the first woman to chair a Big Five bank, the Royal Bank of Canada, brought invaluable insight and credibility to the cause. I also reached out to Rosanna Caira, a longtime colleague and the editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality magazine, and together, we set out to create a ‘mini Davos’—a place where senior leaders could come together to drive change and make a tangible impact.
Why is the Summit so crucial for the industry today?
Our industry has made strides, but you know, there is still much to do. While our focus is on diversity, equality inclusion, and now accessibility, our main thrust is to ensure women have a seat at the table. WITHORG is about breaking down barriers and helping more women step into leadership roles. It’s also about fostering an environment where diversity is seen as a strength—one that drives profitability and innovation. We focus on advancing women into leadership roles, ensuring #payequity, and opening doors for asset ownership. We want to create opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and, importantly, help companies recognize and overcome invisible biases.
What’s the atmosphere like, and why should women attend this year’s event?
The vibe is electric! The energy in the room is palpable because everyone is there with a shared purpose—to uplift and inspire one another. It’s more than just another industry event; it’s a place where real connections are made, where ideas are exchanged, and where meaningful conversations about advancing women in leadership happen. With an expected 250+ senior leaders, owners, changemakers, and disruptors in the room, it’s an incredible opportunity for networking and collaboration.
What sessions are you most looking forward to this year?
Our keynote speakers bring such a wealth of knowledge and perspective. Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med, will share her journey of balancing leadership and family life—very relatable! Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation, will tackle the topic of ‘Breaking Barriers: Challenging the Systems that Challenge Us.’ And I’m particularly excited for Sandi Treliving’s fireside chat, where she’ll dive into the crucial topic of mental health and how it intersects with leadership. It’s these conversations that set the tone for our work going forward. There are loads of breakout sessions throughout the day that I’m excited about, too…covering topics like self-advocacy, entrepreneurship, and wellness.
Sounds amazing, any final thoughts?
Our vision for the WITHORG Summit is clear: we want to leave this industry a little more inclusive and a lot more open-minded than when we found it! It’s about creating space for women at the decision-making table and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued.
To see the full agenda and join the WITHORG Summit on October 21st and learn more click here.