In keeping with Marriott International’s commitment to develop and empower future women leaders, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel and The St Regis Macao recently brought together close to 40 senior hospitality professionals from the two hotels as well as sister properties JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz Carlton Macau.

Hosted by Janet McNab, managing director of Sheraton Grand Macao and The St Regis Macao, the networking dinner held at the Astor Ballroom at The St Regis Macao, saw industry leaders introduced to the evening’s theme of Know Your Limits & Have None.

This was delivered through an inspiring and entertaining talk by executive coach Janine Manning, a specialist in personal branding with over 15 years of global business experience and seven years of coaching and facilitating corporate clients in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and throughout Asia.

The event forms part of Marriott International’s programme of bringing women together in Asia to share experiences, challenge thinking and inspire each other to achieve their goals and aspirations.

McNab is one of the appointed ambassadors tasked with driving this initiative in Macao.

“In our industry, I don’t believe we should focus on one gender being dominant over the other as I have also worked with many fantastic men. The hospitality industry is one that is broad-scoped and presents equal opportunities for all,” said McNab.

“That said, while we see a more and more women entering the industry, the percentages at a higher level are still skewed towards male leadership. As the world’s largest hotel company, it is important that we at Marriott International encourage our female associates to assume more senior positions through the right trainings and mentorship programmes.”

Since becoming the world’s largest hotel group in September 2016, the Marriott family has grown to over half a million employees globally. Having women in leadership positions is a vital part of Marriott International’s strategy for growth and success and reflects the company’s broader commitment to enabling opportunities for women, both in and out of the workplace.

The company was named one of the Fortune 100 Best Places to Work For in 2017 and has a critical mass of women in leadership roles throughout the globe.

Editor’s note: Janet McNab is featured in TTGmice December 2017/January 2018’s cover feature, Graceful Powers, as one of the women in Asia-Pacific who has played a major role in the growth of the region’s business events industry. The cover feature also discusses the importance of gender diversity at the leadership level and how that benefits corporate performance.