Women in Restaurant Leadership Networking Reception Returns to Atlanta

For the fourth year in a row, Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) is bringing back the moment the community has been waiting for: its signature networking reception at the QSR Evolution Conference in Atlanta.

From 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. on September 9, WiRL is taking over the Centennial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency for an evening designed for connection, cocktails, and authentic conversation—something deeply necessary in an increasingly digital landscape.

This reception isn’t just another networking event. This is where the original idea for the WiRL platform was born, in Atlanta, surrounded by women ready to build something bigger. Today, it continues to ignite positive change across the restaurant industry.

For longtime members and newcomers alike, this is a space where both will find their people. Everyone will leave reminded of what’s possible when women in restaurant leadership gather in a room designed specifically for them.

Pre-registration for the networking reception is required due to capacity, but spots are worth fighting for. For operators not yet registered for the QSR Evolution Conference, they can do so here and add the reception directly to their ticket. For registered attendees, more information on how to add the reception will be sent out shortly. They can also reach out to [email protected].

Additionally, from 12:15 to 2 p.m. on September 10, the WiRL Workshop kicks off with back-to-back State of the Union conversations—one featuring QSR leaders and one FSR leaders.

These aren’t typical panels. These are women who’ve been in the trenches, made the hard calls, and built cultures worth being part of. They’re sharing the real stuff: career pivots, culture-building, brand storytelling, and navigating growth. The advice they wished they had while coming up through the ranks. The strategies that worked (and the ones that didn’t). And the inspiration to help women supercharge their own careers.

Real, lasting relationships are built in moments like these. They’re built when leaders show up, share their truth, and remind each other that they are not alone in this journey. Women in restaurant leadership of all levels and backgrounds are invited to experience the #WiRLPOWER firsthand in Atlanta this September.