What does it take to build a successful career and lead with impact in hospitality?
That was the focus of our recent Her Hospo Spotlight event in Brisbane, where team members came together at Royal Nundah to hear from five of AVC’s female executives. The event was also livestreamed so team members across AVC and NZVC could join the conversation.
The panel featured:
Hosted by Tara Bonser, the panel explored the different paths that led each executive to her current role. Their stories highlighted that there is no single way to build a career in hospitality and that growth often comes from being willing to take opportunities, step outside your comfort zone and back yourself.
One of the most valuable parts of the discussion was hearing such different career experiences in one conversation. Each panelist brought her own perspective, from marketing and training to development, licensing and commercial leadership.
Together, their stories showed the importance of taking opportunities, learning from challenges and recognising that leadership does not always look the same. It can be shaped by curiosity, courage, resilience, expertise and the confidence to keep moving forward.
The panel also shared practical advice for women who are considering their next step, whether that means applying for a new role, speaking up in a meeting, taking on a new challenge or simply believing they are ready for more.
Hospitality is full of opportunity, but women are still less represented as careers progress, particularly in venue operations and kitchen leadership.
Her Hospo Circle is one way we can help change that. By creating stronger connections, sharing knowledge and making career pathways more visible, we can support more women to enter, stay and grow in hospitality.
The Circle is also about building a stronger community. We want women to feel supported, encouraged and confident to speak up, ask questions and take their next step.
Selected sessions will also welcome allies, because creating a more inclusive hospitality industry is something we all have a role in.
If you’re an AVC or NZVC team member working in, or interested in building a career in, hospitality Operations, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete the expression of interest form to join Her Hospo Circle and help shape the sessions, topics and activities that come next.
This is your opportunity to connect with others, build your confidence and be part of a community helping create a stronger future for women in hospitality.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
We are a place free from discrimination, where everyone belongs. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our communities, including people of all cultural and faith backgrounds, classes, gender or sexual identities, ages and abilities and we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all.
