Wisconsin Women in Lodging Leaders Represent at AHLA ForWard Conference 2025

The Wisconsin Women in Lodging were represented at this year’s ForWard Conference, which took place from May 5-7, 2025, in Atlanta. Monica Goeke, CAE, VP of WHLA, and Lynn Ketterhagen, GM of Lake Lawn Resort and WWIL Steering Committee leader, joined 900 women and allies to experience this dynamic lodging industry event. The conference featured inspiring speakers, interactive sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, empowering attendees to continue their leadership journeys.

The 2025 ForWard Conference delivered a high-energy lineup of speakers, thought-provoking panels, and interactive sessions designed to spark new ideas and cultivate leadership growth. In alignment with the theme “POWER,” the agenda featured a full lineup of incredible leaders, including Jennifer Hyman, CEO and co-founder of Rent the Runway; Agent Nicole Lynn, President of Football for Klutch Sports Group; and Lamiaa Laurene Daif, Worldwide Growth Strategy Leader at Apple. Topics ranged from the importance of inclusive leadership to amplifying personal impact through authenticity and mentorship.

Reflecting on the experience, Lynn Ketterhagen shared, “The ForWard Conference was unlike any conference I have attended. I connected with women who understand the highs and lows of leadership, and I left recharged, with fresh strategies I can bring back to my team and my role.”

Monica Goeke added, “Attending the ForWard Conference for the second time was an incredible experience. Not only did I meet even more inspiring women, but I also deepened connections with those I met last year.” She continued, “The insights I gained continue to shape my growth as a leader and inform the work I do at WHLA—especially when it comes to programming that supports women in lodging. The content remains fresh and relevant, and I can’t wait to attend again next year and bring even more of Wisconsin’s voices into the mix.”
​
Save the date for the 2026 Forward Conference, which will take place from April 15-17, at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta. This event promises to be another inspiring and empowering gathering for women in the hospitality industry. WWIL looks forward to continuing to grow Wisconsin’s presence at this incredible conference.

Share on LinkedIn