National Hospitality DEI Week

Join us for a week of transformative learning and professional development designed to empower leaders and professionals across all levels. This comprehensive event features a rich array of interactive webinars, hands-on learning labs, and expert-led sessions, each focused on equipping you with essential skills for growth, innovation, and personal empowerment.

Throughout the week, you’ll engage in in-depth training sessions tailored to address both foundational and advanced topics, ensuring you acquire practical tools and actionable strategies. Personalized coaching will offer one-on-one guidance to help you refine your skills and overcome specific challenges, while dynamic mentoring opportunities will connect you with seasoned professionals who can provide valuable insights and support for your career development.

We will also emphasize the importance of recognition, celebrating individual and team achievements through various awards and acknowledgment programs. This focus on recognition aims to inspire and motivate, highlighting the contributions and successes of participants.

About

National Hospitality DEI Week is a premier event that brings together professionals, innovators, and thought leaders from across the field for a week of dynamic learning, networking, and collaboration. This event is designed to spotlight emerging trends, share best practices, and explore new opportunities that drive industry growth and development. Through a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights, connect with peers, and engage in meaningful conversations that shape the future of the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a rising professional, Industry Week offers a platform to learn, lead, and leverage your potential.

Mission

Our mission is to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth across the industry by bringing together professionals, thought leaders, and organizations. Through engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities, we aim to empower individuals, drive impactful discussions, and inspire transformative actions that advance both personal and professional development.

Vision

Our vision is to be the leading platform for industry-wide engagement, where diverse voices converge to shape the future of our field. We envision a collaborative environment that breaks down silos, encourages knowledge sharing, and champions inclusive practices that pave the way for sustainable growth and excellence across all sectors.

Founder’s Welcome

Welcome to National Hospitality DEI Week! As the founder of this important initiative, it is my privilege to introduce a week dedicated to celebrating the power of diversity within our industry. Our mission has always been to create a space where everyone, regardless of background, can come together to share, learn, and grow. Diversity is not just a goal—it is the foundation of innovation, creativity, and success in today’s global landscape. Throughout this week, we hope to inspire meaningful change by highlighting the unique perspectives and contributions that make our industry stronger.

This event was born out of a desire to drive real progress in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). Over the years, we’ve seen incredible leaders emerge, and companies transform as they embraced the value of inclusive cultures. However, there is still work to be done. National Hospitality DEI Week serves as a platform to connect professionals, spark new ideas, and equip you with tools to create lasting impact within your organizations. We believe that by amplifying diverse voices and encouraging open conversations, we can break down barriers and cultivate environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

I invite you to take full advantage of the sessions, networking opportunities, and resources available during this week. Whether you are here to deepen your knowledge, share your experiences, or build meaningful connections, I am confident that you will find inspiration and practical strategies to implement in your journey towards fostering a more inclusive industry. Together, we can continue to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and pave the way for a future where diversity is not just celebrated but fully integrated into the fabric of our workplaces.

Dennis Kennedy
Founder
National Hospitality DEI Week

Recognition

At National Hospitality DEI Week, we proudly honor individuals and organizations making significant strides in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. From leadership excellence to innovative programs and community impact, our awards celebrate those who are driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive environments. Join us as we recognize the leaders and rising stars who inspire us all to push boundaries and reimagine the future of our industry.

• Leadership in DEIB Excellence: Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives within their organizations or communities.
• Inclusive Workplace of the Year: Recognizes companies that have made significant strides in building a culture of inclusion, fostering belonging, and creating equitable opportunities for all employees.
• Innovative DEIB Program: Highlights organizations that have developed creative and impactful programs that address challenges related to diversity and inclusion, leading to measurable results.
• Community Impact Award: Celebrates individuals or teams who have made a difference in their local communities through DEIB efforts, mentorship, and outreach programs.

Training

Our comprehensive training sessions during National Hospitality DEI Week provide valuable tools and insights for advancing DEIB initiatives. With foundational courses, leadership workshops, and specialized topics such as microaggressions, emotional intelligence, and ERG best practices, participants will gain practical skills to create inclusive workplaces. Additionally, on-demand training options offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace, ensuring continuous development throughout the year.

• Foundational DEIB Training: Courses such as “Diversity 101,” “Equity 101,” and “Understanding Implicit Bias” to build a strong foundation of knowledge about diversity and inclusion principles.
• Leadership and Management Training: Focused sessions on “Leading with Empathy,” “Creating Inclusive Cultures,” and “Equity-Centered Leadership” to help leaders foster more inclusive teams.
• Specialized DEIB Skills: Advanced training on topics like “Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions,” “Building Psychological Safety,” and “Navigating Intersectionality in the Workplace.”
• Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: Workshops on “Emotional Intelligence for Inclusive Leaders” and “Empathy 101,” helping participants develop skills for better interpersonal connections and workplace harmony.
• On-Demand Training: Flexible, self-paced training modules available anytime, covering a variety of DEIB topics, enabling continuous learning throughout the year.
• ERG Best Practices: Training for Employee Resource Groups on governance, engagement strategies, and best practices to maximize their impact within the organization.

Schedule

Monday, October 7, 2025

• Webinar: “Innovations in Hospitality Technology: Enhancing Guest Experiences”

  Discover innovations in hospitality technology that enhance guest experiences. This session will cover smart room technologies, guest management systems, and digital concierge services.

Tuesday, October 8, 2025

• Webinar: “Sustainability in Hospitality: Implementing Green Practices”
  Learn about sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. This webinar will address energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly initiatives.

Wednesday, October 9, 2025

• Webinar: “Hospitality Marketing: Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Guests”

  Explore effective marketing strategies for the hospitality industry. This session will cover digital marketing, brand positioning, and customer engagement.

Thursday, October 10, 2025

• Webinar: “Revenue Management in Hospitality: Maximizing Profitability”

  Understand revenue management strategies for maximizing profitability in hospitality. This webinar will cover pricing strategies, demand forecasting, and inventory control.

Friday, October 11, 2025

• Webinar: “Customer Service Excellence: Training and Best Practices”
  Learn about best practices and training methods for achieving customer service excellence. This session will cover service standards, staff training, and guest satisfaction.