MAPP’s 5-year Anniversary Conference

AGENDA

Sunday, March 30th

3:30pm Registration Opens

4:30pm Cocktail Reception | Welcome & Opening Remarks

Join MAPP and WHI as we kick off the conference with reflections on the past five years for women in the industry. Hear inspiring insights from top chefs, executives, and restaurateurs shaping the future.

5:30pm Keynote Conversation & Mentorship Speed Dating

Topics Include:

• Creating Successful, Long-Term Partnerships
  Explore how chefs, restaurateurs, investors, and hoteliers can build enduring collaborations. Gain insights on fostering strong relationships and driving mutual success in the industry.

• Let’s Make a Deal: Pitching to Investors
  Join this finance-focused workshop to master the art of pitching to investors and preparing to turn your dream into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.

• Buildouts: From Design to Real Estate
  Delve into the essentials of restaurant buildouts, covering design, contracting, lease negotiations, and real estate strategies to set your business up for success.

• Marketing for Today: Standing Out in the Industry
  Discover strategies for impactful marketing, from leveraging social media influencers to effective advertising. Learn how to elevate your career and business to gain the recognition you deserve.

7:00 pm Exit to Dinner

Conclude the day with a curated dining experience at local women-led restaurants. Enjoy exclusive menus and special pricing as you celebrate the talents of female culinary leaders. A list of participating venues will be provided.

Monday, March 31st

8:30am Arrival & Welcome Coffee & Breakfast

9am Welcome Remarks
from Joanna James, founder of MAPP & Women’s Hospitality Initiative (WHI)

9:15am Power Talks

Get inspired for the day ahead with 2 brief, impactful 10-minute sessions featuring an industry expert sharing key insights.

9:45am Keynote Conversation: Inspired Leadership & Living
Elizabeth Blau and Elaine Wynn share insights on balancing professional success with personal fulfillment. Learn how to grow into the leader you aspire to be while creating a life you’re proud of and achieving the perfect mix of ambition and well-being.

10:30am Rotating Workshops

Dive deep into topics that suit your career path and industry focus.

Topics Include:

• Know Your Worth: Smart Financial Decisions
  Learn how to make savvy financial choices for yourself and your staff, whether you're just starting out or preparing to exit the business. Gain strategies for managing finances at every stage of your career.

• Advocacy and Your Business: Getting Involved with Causes That Matter
  Learn how and when to align your business with meaningful causes. Hear from MAPP representatives and chefs leading efforts in areas like childcare, paid family leave, climate change, and mental health. Discover how to choose the right issue and organization to partner with, making a lasting impact while supporting your business values.

• Creating a Productive Workplace: Mental Health Tools & Resources
  Explore strategies for fostering a thriving workplace where employees reach their full potential, supported by mental health tools and resources. Learn how to transition from being a manager to a mentor, cultivating a culture of respect, collaboration, and meaningful contributions.

• The Power of the Pivot: Adapting to Market Dynamics
  Understand when and how to restructure your business in response to market shifts. Learn strategies for pivoting from brick-and-mortar to catering, adding take-out options, or developing a product line to boost revenue. Discover how to grow, expand, and restructure your business to maximize profit and increase visibility.

12pm Lunch & Round Table Activation

1pm Main Stage Panel Discussion

Join a dynamic panel of industry leaders as they discuss the key ingredients to achieving balance between work, personal life, and community involvement. Learn how to create a sustainable business model that supports both employers and employees while avoiding burnout and fostering long-term success.

1:45pm (RE)VISION | Taking Your Ideas from Concept to Reality

Join a discussion with leaders in restaurant development as they share insights on transforming your vision into reality. Whether you're launching your first concept or reinventing an existing one to adapt to market trends, learn the strategies and creative processes behind developing something truly remarkable.

2:30pm Afternoon Snack Break (Optional Opportunities)

• Headshot Bar: Get a Complimentary Headshot
  Capture your professional image with a free headshot session, perfect for updating your portfolio or social media profiles.

• Media Interviews
  Take the opportunity to share your story through media interviews and gain exposure for your career and business.

• Social Media Consultation
  Receive personalized advice on how to elevate your social media presence and optimize your platforms for greater impact.
  
  3:55pm Seedfunding RoadMAPP Live Pitch Session

  Watch finalists pitch their ideas live to a committee of industry experts in this exciting Seedfunding RoadMAPP session. The winners will be announced at the Gala—purchase your Gala tickets to find out who takes home the prize!
  
  4:50pm Mixology Mixer With Top Las Vegas Mixologists

  Join top Vegas mixologists as they create exclusive MAPP and WHI cocktails that you can feature on your menus, with a portion of proceeds donated back to the organizations. Learn the recipes, sample the drinks, and vote live while networking with fellow attendees. Enjoy a fun and interactive atmosphere with prompts to help spark conversation and make meaningful connections!

5:30pm End

Gala Celebration

6:30 pm Wrap up the conference in style with an unforgettable evening of indulgence, celebration, and inspiration! Enjoy an abundance of gourmet food, specialty cocktails, and fine wine while dancing the night away. The RoadMAPP Seedfunding winners will be announced, marking the culmination of an incredible event. As we reflect on a successful conference, let's toast to new connections, shared knowledge, and the exciting journey ahead as we return to our businesses ready to succeed and thrive!