NYSRA Women in Hospitality Conference

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Google – St. John’s Terminal 550 Washington St., NYC

9:30 – 11:30 am – Mentorship in Motion (separate registration required)
11:30 – 12:30 – Registration & Lunch
12:30 – 6:00 – Women in Hospitality Conference & Happy Hour

This is a celebration of women in hospitality, and an opportunity to create a supportive community where professionals of all levels can connect, learn from each other, and build valuable relationships. Join us!

 

Early Bird pricing available now through April 15!
$119 Member | $169 Nonmember

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Hear from Melissa Ben-Ishay, Co-Founder and CEO of Baked by Melissa!

Melissa Ben-Ishay is the Co-Founder and CEO of Baked by Melissa, the New York-based dessert brand famous for its handcrafted bite-size cupcakes and treats. Founded in 2008, the brand now operates 12 retail locations and ships nationwide. With nostalgic flavors developed by Melissa herself, innovative packaging, and gift boxes for every occasion, Baked by Melissa has become a go-to treat for celebrating life’s moments across the U.S.

In 2020, Melissa gained popularity on TikTok with videos of her salads and everyday meals like the viral Green Goddess salad. Today, Melissa’s community of over 4 million followers recreate her recipes at home, each designed to deliver the perfect bite just like her namesake cupcakes. Her newest cookbook, Come Hungry was released January 2024 and became an instant New York Times bestseller. For additional information, visit bakedbymelissa.com.

Attendees will receive a copy of Melissa’s book, Come Hungry: Salads, Meals and Sweets for People Who Live to Eat

NYSRA members, attend a Meet & Greet with Melissa, limited spots available! $50 registration add on available at check out, offered to NYSRA Members on a first come, first served basis. Not a member? Join now!

NEW THIS YEAR

NEW THIS YEAR

Mentorship in Motion

Looking for guidance, inspiration, or a fresh perspective on your career in hospitality? Mentorship in Motion is a speed-dating, mini group style session designed to connect emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders.

In a series of brief conversations, you’ll gain valuable insights, ask career questions, and build meaningful connections—all in a supportive and empowering environment.

Separate registration required – only 45 spots available. Only available to conference attendees, cannot be booked on its own.

Conference Sessions

Mentorship in Motion Registration

Mentorship in Motion 

Looking for guidance, inspiration, or a fresh perspective on your career in hospitality? Mentorship in Motion is a speed-dating, mini group style session designed to connect emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders. In a series of brief conversations, you’ll gain valuable insights, ask career questions, and build meaningful connections—all in a supportive and empowering environment. 

Conference Registration & Lunch

Welcome, Melissa Fleischut, CEO NYSRA & Michelle Korsmo, CEO National Restaurant Association

Generations of Leadership: Women Shaping Hospitality

The hospitality industry thrives on innovation, resilience, and leadership—and women have been at the forefront of shaping its future across generations. In this discussion, four distinguished women leaders, each representing a different generation, will share their journeys, challenges, and successes in the industry.

From breaking barriers and navigating change to mentoring the next wave of talent, our panelists will explore how leadership styles, workplace expectations, and industry dynamics have evolved over time. Through personal stories and candid insights, they will discuss what has remained constant in great leadership, how they have adapted to new opportunities, and what the future holds for women in hospitality.

Join us for a conversation that celebrates the power of intergenerational leadership, fosters meaningful connections, and highlights the lessons that each generation brings to the table. 

Breakout Sessions:

How to Land Your Dream Job

Statistics tell us that men will apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them. This session will help boost your confidence to go after your dream job. Learn how to build your resume, put your best foot forward in interviews, and get hired for the job you want.

Become a LinkedIn Thought Leader

Ready to establish yourself as a go-to voice in your industry? This session, presented by LinkedIn Expert Lyssa Leigh Jackson, will unlock the secrets to expanding your content’s reach on LinkedIn and positioning yourself as a thought leader. Learn how to develop your authentic voice, craft a compelling personal brand, and share insights that resonate. Plus, explore proven techniques to build and nurture a loyal follower base that amplifies your message. Elevate your LinkedIn presence and start leading the conversation!

Breakout Sessions:

Become a Culture Builder

What is culture, and how can you create it? In this session, you’ll learn how to define your culture, what small and big actions can help build or erode culture, and how to inspire your team to follow. 

Style Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake—make it count! In this interactive session, you’ll learn top tips to refresh your profile and make it stand out. LinkedIn Expert, Lyssa Leigh Jackson will share practical strategies to attract the right opportunities, from optimizing your headline to crafting a compelling summary. Plus, discover insider techniques to enhance your professional brand visibility and make a lasting impression.

As a bonus, participating audience members will receive exclusive LinkedIn swag, including stickers and pens. Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your LinkedIn game!

Keynote, Melissa Ben-Ishay, Baked by Melissa

Melissa Ben-Ishay is the Co-Founder and CEO of Baked by Melissa, the New York-based dessert brand famous for its handcrafted bite-size cupcakes and treats. Founded in 2008, the brand now operates 12 retail locations and ships nationwide. With nostalgic flavors developed by Melissa herself, innovative packaging, and gift boxes for every occasion, Baked by Melissa has become a go-to treat for celebrating life’s moments across the U.S. In 2020 Melissa gained popularity on TikTok with videos of her salads and everyday meals like the viral Green Goddess salad. Today Melissa’s community of over 4 million followers recreate her recipes at home, each designed to deliver the perfect bite just like her namesake cupcakes. Her newest cookbook, Come Hungry was released January 2024 and became an instant New York Times bestseller. For additional information, visit bakedbymelissa.com.

Networking Happy Hour

VIP Reception with Melisa Ben-Ishay

*Additional sessions to be announced soon!

Thank you Sponsors!

Sponsorship opportunities still available! For information about sponsorship – download our 2025 Sponsorship Brochure, or contact Sarah Higgins at sarahh@nysra.org.