The Women in Hotels network is a testament to the power of diversity, inclusion, and collective empowerment within the hospitality industry. Together, we represent the breadth and scale of our amazing industry. From publicans that are the heart of their community, to accommodation providers that support our major events calendar, everyone is welcome at Women in Hotels. We are all united and driven by a common goal – to champion diversity and inclusion in our sector.
This year our Women in Hotels Network celebrated International Women’s Day with Victoria Racing Club CEO, Kylie Rogers.
Kylie joined the VRC in September 2024. Her future plans for the Club include remaining a world class leader in racing and events, maintaining a strong Membership base and ensuring the horse is at the heart of all the initiatives the Club undertakes.
Rogers came to VRC from the AFL where she held the role of EGM Customer and Commercial, responsible for AFL’s revenue and fan divisions including corporate partnerships, AFL’s strategic Broadcast relationships across Seven Network, Foxtel and Kayo, Newscorp, Telstra and the league’s radio partners, advertising sales, licensing and retail, Club, Stadium & AFL memberships, premium hospitality products, ticketing and events, marketing, digital media including the AFL’s website (afl.com.au) and official App, Marvel Stadium and fan growth experience.
With tourism and major events central to the success of our industry, we were pleased to share with the room that the Melbourne Cup Carnival generated its largest-ever contribution to the Victorian and Australian economy. With an uplift in national expenditure of more than $1 billion, directly attributed to the 2024 Cup Week.
Kylie is an absolute powerhouse and her candid and vulnerable chat with AHA (Vic) GM, Kimberley Malcolm, was refreshing.
“What a way to start the day! The Women in Hotels brunch was an amazing morning surrounded by inspiring, passionate and motivated women, and few very supportive guys. Kylie’s story was genuine, strong and empowering. Her insights into leadership and negotiations left me the conviction that there are no limits! Thanks for a great event. “
–Sally Gebert
Director– Macedon Village Hotel
“The opportunity to spend a morning with like-minded Women in Hotels is wonderful. The opportunity to listen to a strong, insightful Kylie Rogers was nothing short of refreshing and motivating.”
-Naomi Appleby
The Drouin Family Hotel
“International Women’s Day is a wonderful celebration of women across the world, and it was great to come together as an industry to celebrate. Thank You to the AHA for hosting the International Women’s Day brunch, it was so uplifting to spend time with women from our industry – publicans, industry leaders, venue managers, and suppliers along with the next generation of aspiring women leaders. Kylie’s very open, honest and at times raw sharing of her career, life, and what makes her achieve everyday was inspiring, and gave us all to belief in chasing our goals and put a spotlight on the great women we are lucky to work with.”
-Matt Mullins
Sand Hill Road
It’s our hope that our Women in Hotels Network continues to provide a space for women to convene, share stories, celebrate success, and offer support to one another. Born out of a genuine desire to foster connection, spark innovation, and learn from each other, we hope events like our brunch in March help nurture these powerful relationships across the industry.