RISE 2026 event to focus on women’s leadership in Thailand’s hospitality sector
The RISE 2026 event will bring hospitality leaders together at SAii Laguna Phuket on 3 September to address women’s representation in senior roles.
A new hospitality industry event in Phuket will focus on women’s representation in senior leadership and decision-making roles across Thailand’s hotel and tourism sector.
RISE 2026: Reshaping Hospitality by Empowering Women is scheduled for 3 September at SAii Laguna Phuket. The not-for-profit event is being organised by C9 Hotelworks, Mrs B Group and Delivering Asia, with speakers from hotel groups, global hospitality brands and other businesses operating in Thailand.
Women account for 51.2% of the global hospitality workforce but hold 30% of executive roles, according to industry workforce data reported by Hospitality Investor in March 2025. Organisers say Thailand’s hospitality sector reflects a similar imbalance.
The programme will cover four themes: Vision and Voice; Systems and Sectors; Emerging Leaders; and Craft, Communication and Self. Speakers include Lily Udomkunnatum, managing director of Burasiri Hotel Group; Mary Pakamard, managing director and principal designer of M2 Plus; Kate Gerits, director of operations Thailand for IHG Hotels and Resorts; Pitinut Robbins, senior director Thailand for Marriott International; Wichupan Phukaoluan Srisanya, president of the Thai Hotels Association’s Southern Chapter; and Sara D Anzeo, a sustainable finance international consultant at UN Women Asia Pacific.
The event will also address the pace of change in women’s leadership, with an emphasis on talent rather than gender. “We need to stop waiting for change and start making it happen,” Pakamard said.
Supporters include SAii Laguna Phuket, the Phuket Hotels Association, UN Women, the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, TDM and Robb Report Thailand. Advance registration is required. Tickets cost B1,000, with proceeds supporting the operation of the not-for-profit event.
