WIHC - Schedule - Wisconsin Restaurant Association

Schedule

September 28, 2026
Monona Terrace - Madison

While the hospitality industry serves as the common thread, we’re not talking about food and customer service here.

Instead, sessions will cover:

Leadership skill development
Achieving a healthy work-life balance
Motivation for that take-charge spirit
Strategies to tackle challenges in the professional world

This Conference will be a high-energy atmosphere of workshops, networking and mentorship… packed in with a whole lot of fun!

Download Schedule PDF

Speaker Bios

2025 Schedule

8:00 am

Check-in Open

8:00 - 8:45 am

The Marketplace: Connect + Refresh
Grand Terrace

8:45 - 9:00 am

Opening Remarks
Madison Ballroom

9:00 - 9:45 am

Opening General Session
Breaking the Hard Rules: Redefining Strength in Women’s Leadership
Shelley Brown, Rebel in a Gown
Madison Ballroom

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9:45 - 10:00 am

The Marketplace: Connect + Refresh
Grand Terrace

10:00 - 10:45 am

The Power of Presence & Progress
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Melanie Stuber, Founder and CEO, Cultivate & Thrive
Panelists:

Amanda Kroener, Vice President & Co-Founder, Carbliss® – The Premium Handcrafted Cocktail
Chef Darleen Vanmanivong, Executive Chef, Rare Steakhouse Milwaukee

Lecture Hall

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Super Session / Part 1
Delegation with Impact – Empowering Teams through Effective Leadership
Part 1 of 2. Second part takes place @ 11:15am
Matt Meuleners, Executive Partner & Lead Instructor, Focus Training
Hall of Ideas

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10:45 - 11:15 am

The Marketplace: Connect + Refresh
Grand Terrace

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Strengthening Team Culture: Bridging the Gap Between Front-of-House and Back-of-House
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Lisa Holloway, Restaurant Talent Strategist Organizational Growth Partner
Panelists:

Erin Vranas, Owner, Parthenon Gyros
Ranette Maurer, General Manager, AC Hotel Madison Downtown
Kristi Ebbott, Head Chef & Co-Founder, The Public House

Lecture Hall

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Super Session / Part 2
Delegation with Impact – Empowering Teams through Effective Leadership
Part 2 of 2. First part takes place at 10am
Matt Meuleners, Executive Partner & Lead Instructor, Focus Training
Hall of Ideas

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12:00 - 12:15 pm

The Marketplace: Connect + Refresh
Grand Terrace

12:15 - 1:30 pm

Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch
Awards Celebration & Luncheon
Madison Ballroom

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1:30 - 1:45 pm

The Marketplace: Connect + Refresh
Grand Terrace

1:45 - 2:30 pm

Mastering Tough Talks: Equipping Managers to Lead with Clarity & Purpose
Raisa Ramos, Founder, Human Resources Consultant & Coach, Find Joy Off the Path, LLC
Lecture Hall

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Habits That Stick: Small Daily Actions for BIG Impact
Jodi Goldbeck, Program Director & Instructor, Small Business Entrepreneurship Program, Faculty Liaison, Second Chance Pell Program (SCP), Madison College
Dr. Lynea LaVoy, Department Chair, Program Director, Hospitality Management Instructor, Madison College
Hall of Ideas

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2:30 - 2:45 pm

The Marketplace: Connect + Refresh
Grand Terrace

2:45 - 3:30 pm

Bold Moves & Brave Leadership
Panel Discussion
Moderator: Matt Meuleners, Executive Partner & Lead Instructor, Focus Training
Panelists:

Emily Darchuk, Founder and CEO, Wheyward Spirit
Marla Poytinger, President, Bars & Recreation, Inc.
Amanda (Camanda in Cheif) Miceli, Founder & CEO, The BOLD Marketing Agency & BOLD EVENTS

Lecture Hall

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The Energy to Lead: Thriving in Hospitality
Jamie Gobel, CPC ELI-MP, President Evolve Coaching & Consulting
Ellen Gifford, MBA, SCP, CPC, Founder & CEO, 4 Doors Coaching & Consulting
Hall of Ideas

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3:30 - 4:00 pm

The Marketplace: Connect + Refresh
Grand Terrace

4:00 - 4:45 pm

Closing General Session
Byte-Sized & Bossy - the restaurant podcast you didn't know you needed - LIVE ON STAGE!
Podcast Hosts: Erin Dixson-Levzow & Tammy Billings
Special Guest: Julie Fussner, CEO, Culver's
Madison Ballroom

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4:45 - 5:45 pm

Power Hour: Celebrate & Connect
Grand Terrace

September 28, 2026 | Monona Terrace, Madison

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