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Agenda

February 25-27, 2026 · Charleston, SC
Charleston Marriott

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  • February 24, 2026


  • February 25, 2026


  • February 26, 2026


  • February 27, 2026


  • Kick off WiRL 2026 with an intimate pre-event happy hour hosted by Satyne Doner. This invite-only gathering brings together our board members, speakers, and supporting partners for relaxed conversation, warm connections, and a toast to the days ahead. It’s a chance to meet, mingle, and set the tone for an inspiring WiRL Summit—one meaningful sip at a time.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Emerald One

  • Join us for a special celebration honoring the sponsors who make WiRL possible. The WiRL Partners Toast is our moment to raise a glass to your support, partnership, and belief in our mission. Enjoy a relaxed evening of connection and appreciation as we celebrate the impact we create—together.
    Where
    Emerald Three

  • Welcome to WiRL! Swing by the Registration & Info Desk to check in, ask questions, and get everything you need for an inspiring few days.
    Where
    Emerald Foyer

  • Where
    Crystal Promenade

  • Presented by:
    Where
    Crystal Promenade

  • At Vicious Biscuit, the phrase “Grow Viciously” represents a mindset forged in the unpredictable, fast-moving world of an emerging, high velocity brand. In companies like ours, structure doesn’t always come first. Systems, roles, and roadmaps evolve daily, and the opportunity to lead often arrives long before a title does.

    This panel brings together five powerhouse women who have each built their own career paths from the ground up, navigating growth in a brand still defining its playbook. They represent the heart of what it means to thrive in ambiguity: to lead when resources are stretched, to build frameworks where none exist, and to turn the lack of a defined career ladder into an open field of possibility.

    “Grow Viciously: Building a Career Inside a Brand on the Rise” is an authentic conversation about creating personal and professional growth, finding purpose in the process, resilience in the chaos, and the ability to rise alongside the brand you help build every single day.

    Session One: Vicious Biscuit

    PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

    Presented by:
    Where
    Topaz

  • Restaurant leaders are being asked to grow in environments where pressure is high, expectations are rising, and clarity is often hard to come by. Budgets are scrutinized. Store-level accountability is increasing. Marketing and operations teams are expected to make smarter decisions with fewer assumptions. This workshop focuses on how first-party customer data brings structure and confidence to growth amid that complexity. We’ll break down first-party data in practical, accessible terms and explore why it has become such a critical tool for leaders navigating expansion, new store openings, and local marketing decisions. Knowing that traffic increased is helpful. Knowing who came in, where they came from, and what motivated them changes how leaders lead. Participants will learn how capturing first-party data allows teams to move from instinct to insight—connecting marketing activity to real customer behavior at the household and neighborhood level. We’ll discuss how this visibility helps brands understand what drives first-time visits, how new locations ramp up more efficiently, and where marketing investment is actually working. The session will also examine how direct mail can serve as a measurable way to capture customer information at scale, turning high-stakes moments into long-term data assets that support repeatable growth.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Topaz

  • Most leaders believe they’re teaching effectively because they explain things clearly. But explanation isn’t learning. In this interactive session, Lindsey Halson and Kathryn Murrow reveal how Bojangles transformed leadership development by embedding pedagogy, metacognition, and measurable practice into every layer of training.

    Participants will explore how people actually learn, how leaders can coach through questioning rather than telling, and how to measure training impact—using observable behaviors, frequency of performance, and scenario-based demonstration. Through hands-on activities, attendees will experience the difference between assumption and evidence, leaving with practical tools to improve conversations, build stronger teams, and infuse this culture of leadership through education at all levels of their organization.

    Session Two: Bojangles

    PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

    Presented by:
    Where
    Topaz

  • Touching down early for WiRL? Swing by our pre-conference lunch to ease in, connect, and get those leadership vibes flowing.
    Where
    Emerald Foyer

  • Experience Charleston’s historic charm from a horse-drawn carriage as you travel 25–30 blocks through the city’s picturesque residential district. This narrated, one-hour tour winds past grand mansions, lush gardens, cobblestone streets, and iconic churches while sharing stories of Charleston’s architecture, culture, and vibrant past. It’s a scenic and relaxing way to explore the city from a unique perspective.

    Fee: $60
    Capacity: 44 Registrants
    PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
    Where
    Off-Site

  • Open to all Summit attendees (yes, everyone is welcome!), this interactive Mentorship Mixer is your chance to mix it up with the team from GLEAM Network, along with current and past mentors and mentees from their Signature Mentor Program. Whether you're seeking mentorship, looking to support someone on your team, or simply hoping to expand your circle, this high-energy session is designed to spark meaningful connections.

    While the session is open to all, space is limited, so we strongly encourage you to pre-register to secure your spot. And, a chance to win a FREE All-Access-Pass as a Mentee in the next Cohort ($250 Value; must be present to win)—the winner will be drawn live at the Mixer.

    Bonus: A second FREE All-Access-Pass as a Mentee in the Spring Cohort ($250 value; must be present to win) will be drawn during the Summit from entries collected at Registration.

    Learn More About the 6-Month WiRL x GLEAM Mentor Program
    Where
    Opal

  • We’re kicking off the 2026 WiRL Together Summit with serious energy, and who better to set the stage than Toni Ronayne? With an executive track record spanning Perkins, Little Caesars, Freshii, and Teavana, Toni knows a thing or two about building brands and breaking barriers. Get ready for a warm welcome, a few truth bombs, and the spark you need to dive headfirst into an unforgettable conference full of bold ideas, real talk, and #WiRLPower.
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom

  • Step into the Roaring Twenties as we kick off WiRL 2026 with an unforgettable night of sparkle, spirit, and celebration.

    In partnership with Olo, The Gatsby Gala invites you to slip into your finest flapper glam and art-deco elegance for an evening inspired by jazz-age energy and modern-day connection.

    Expect flowing champagne, golden-hour ambiance, and plenty of chances to mix, mingle, and start the summit in true WiRL style.

    Whether you’re here to network, dance, or simply soak in the glitz, this dazzling welcome reception sets the stage for an inspiring week ahead.

    Dress to sparkle. Arrive ready to revel. The Gatsby Gala awaits.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Courtyard

  • Enjoy the evening at your own pace. Gather with new friends or try a solo spot—it's your time to savor the local food scene.

  • Go beyond the gates on this exclusive after-dark walking tour that takes you inside one of Charleston’s oldest graveyards. As you walk among centuries-old headstones and ancient oaks, you’ll hear chilling tales of restless spirits, buried secrets, and the darker chapters of Charleston’s history. This 90-minute experience blends folklore, true stories, and eerie atmosphere in one unforgettable evening.

    Fee: $60
    Capacity: 37 Registrants
    PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

    Hotel Pick-Up at 7:15 pm
    Tour Starting Point Drop-Off at 7:25 pm
    Pick-Up at 9:00 pm
    Hotel Drop-Off at 9:10 pm

    Presented by:
    Where
    Off-Site

  • Step inside Charleston’s infamous Old City Jail, which operated from 1802 to 1939 and held everyone from pirates to Civil War prisoners. On this 45-minute walking tour, you’ll explore preserved cells and dark hallways while hearing stories of notorious inmates, paranormal claims, and the grim realities of 19th-century incarceration. The space is dimly lit and atmospheric, adding to the spine-tingling experience.


    Group 1 (7:30 pm Tour) Hotel Pick-Up at 7:10 pm
    7:20 pm Jail Drop-Off

    Group 1 Jail Pick-Up at 8:15 pm
    Group 1 Hotel Drop-Off at 8:25 pm

    Group 2 (8:00 pm Tour) Hotel Pick-Up at 7:40 pm
    7:50 pm Jail Drop-Off

    Group 2 Jail Pick-Up at 8:45 pm
    Group 2 Hotel Drop-Off at 8:55 pm

    Fee: $60
    Capacity: 36 Registrants
    PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
    Where
    Off-Site

  • Welcome to WiRL! Swing by the Registration & Info Desk to check in, ask questions, and get everything you need for an inspiring few days.
    Where
    Emerald Foyer

  • Step into your #WiRLPower with Satyne Doner, WiRL associate editor and decorated martial artist, for a bite-sized women’s self-defense class that’s all about confidence, strength, and practical skills. Learn moves you can use, boost your self-assurance, and leave feeling unstoppable. Thanks to Ziosk, every participant will also take home a goodie bag filled with treats and tools to keep your confidence—and your energy—high. All skill levels welcome.

    Fee: free
    Capacity: 40 Registrants

    Presented by:
    Where
    Topaz

  • Presented by:

  • Presented by:
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom

  • At the conclusion of breakfast, we will enter in to a fireside chat with WiRL Senior Editor Satyne Doner, Tabassum Zalotrawala reflects on her path from fine arts to executive leadership, offering WiRL attendees practical insights on leading through change, claiming space at the table, and using purpose to drive growth, culture, and long-term impact.

    Presented by:

  • Refuel, refresh, and connect! Enjoy a Networking Break designed to spark meaningful WiRL connections.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Crystal Promenade

  • Why Now: Career paths have shifted. Women are blazing new, non-linear trails.
    Why It Matters: Personal reinvention stories inspire confidence and create new templates for growth.
    Where
    Emerald Salon One

  • Why Now: Retention and team engagement are urgent business challenges.
    Why It Matters: Great cultures don’t happen by accident — this session gives leaders the tools to build them.
    Where
    Emerald Salon Two

  • Why Now: Financial decisions are shaping the future of our industry.
    Why It Matters: When more women understand the numbers, more women can lead the business.
    Where
    Emerald Salon Three

  • Refuel, refresh, and connect! Enjoy a Networking Break designed to spark meaningful WiRL connections.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Crystal Promenade

  • Why Now: Women are still underestimated, interrupted, and under-promoted.
    Why It Matters: Presence, confidence, and communication are key to influence and advancement.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Emerald Salon One

  • Why Now: Retention and performance depend on how leaders engage people, not just processes.
    Why It Matters: A human-centered approach unlocks trust, motivation, and business success.
    Where
    Emerald Salon Two

  • Why Now: Guests and employees alike expect purpose-driven brands.
    Why It Matters: Marketing leaders can drive real loyalty by integrating brand values into every guest and team touchpoint.
    Where
    Emerald Salon Three

  • Take a seat, grab a bite, and dive into a #WiRLPower Hour that brings fresh insights, meaningful conversation, and a moment to recharge together.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom

  • Back by popular demand for the third year in a row, LAMP is one of WiRL’s most interactive and energizing sessions. In this live, peer-driven forum, industry professionals gather round to tackle the toughest questions in restaurant and hospitality leadership. This year's conversation will once again be led by the ever-insightful Rachel Richal, VP of Training at Buffalo Wild Wings, and Myisha Smith, Corporate Director of Training at Pacifica Hotels. Known for their warmth, humor, and deep expertise, Rachel and Myisha will guide the group through a dynamic, real-time exchange of ideas, challenges, and crowd-sourced solutions. Presented in collaboration with CHART, this is your chance to bring your questions, your experience, and your voice to the table.
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom

  • Welcome to The WiRL Style & Studio Lounge, a beautifully crafted space for fresh portraits, content-ready snapshots, and a moment to elevate your personal brand.
    Where
    Crystal Promenade

  • Why Now: Moms in leadership face unique pressures — and unique strengths.
    Why It Matters: This session surfaces honest dialogue, support, and strategy for leading while caregiving.
    Where
    Emerald Salon One

  • Why Now: Women leaders are facing burnout and invisible labor like never before.
    Why It Matters: Practical mindset tools and personal boundaries can prevent burnout and make leadership sustainable.
    Where
    Emerald Salon Two

  • Why Now: Many leaders have ideas but lack executional support.
    Why It Matters: This panel arms attendees with proven tactics to implement change — even with limited time or resources.
    Where
    Emerald Salon Three

  • In an industry historically dominated by male leadership, Datassential has grown into a leading insights and analytics provider powered by a nearly all-female executive team and a senior leadership bench where women hold many of the most critical roles. This session will share the real strategies behind that journey—not as a checkbox DEI story, but as a deliberate approach to building the right leadership for high growth, innovation, and resilience.
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom

  • What does it really take to step into the CEO seat of a beloved, legacy brand? In this keynote, Julie Fussner shares candid lessons from leading Culver’s into its next chapter—balancing stewardship, growth, and the responsibility of what comes next.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom

  • Recharge, refresh, and get red-carpet ready at the Glow & Go WiRL Glam Break! Drybar touch-ups and a few moments to yourself will have you shining for the Awards Dinner.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Topaz

  • Glimmer & Gather: sip, mingle, and spark connections before the WiRL Awards begin.
    Where
    Crystal Promenade

  • Join us for the inaugural WiRL Awards Dinner, an evening honoring the remarkable women shaping the future of the restaurant industry. Enjoy dinner, recognition, and a night full of inspiration and connection. The WiRL Awards are proudly sponsored by Sandy Alexander.

    Learn More

    Presented by:

    Table Sponsors: Toast
    Community Award Presented By: Steritech
    Trailblazer Award Presented By: Pryze App
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom

  • Where
    Crystal Promenade

  • To close out WiRL 2026, we’ll gather for a candid, heart-forward conversation with Jennifer Dodd, CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. and WiRL Advisory Board member. From navigating personal and professional challenges to owning her unique superpowers, Jennifer shares how she continues to find inspiration within herself—and what it truly means to lead with authenticity, courage, and heart.

    Presented by:
    Where
    Crystal Ballroom