Event: FAVES Leeds Hospitality Conference '26
Day: Empowering Women
Panel: Fabulous Femininity Documentary
Venue: Howard Assembly Room, Leeds
Insta: @hospoconf

What can hospitality and the wider nighttime economy learn from burlesque communities about safety, inclusion and belonging?

Dr Jacki Wilson, Professor in Performance and Gender at the University of Leeds, presents Bold Bodies: Grassroots Approaches to Safer Spaces. Drawing upon workshops and conversations with burlesque, drag, queer, sex-positive and kink communities, the film explores how marginalised people create spaces where they feel protected, represented and able to express themselves authentically.

The film and accompanying discussion examine visible codes of conduct, enthusiastic consent, accessibility, diverse representation, safeguarding and community support. The conversation also considers costume as a form of confidence and political expression, alongside practical lessons that bars, clubs, promoters and hospitality teams can apply within their own venues.

The session concludes with a powerful audience contribution about sobriety, rediscovering dance through burlesque and the importance of alcohol-free options, accessible venues and safeguarding that is actively enforced.

Recorded at FAVES Leeds Hospitality Conference March '26: A Legacy served in Hospitality

A 3 Day Conference that isn’t just another event.

It’s Peer-Led, Not Corporate-Driven. This isn’t a top-down industry event. It’s built by hospitality workers, for hospitality workers - offering a rare, authentic perspective to trust.

Each day is for, with, and led by the demographic it's built around - Women (Mon), Pride (Tue), Men (Wed) to help create safe and empowering spaces rooted in shared experience.

This conference is designed specifically for the people on the floor, behind the bar, in the kitchen, at the door but also for all facets and areas within our industry. It’s a reset. A reckoning. A rally. Join us. Champion it. Be part of it.

WHY WE’RE DOING IT

We believe in hospitality - and the people who power it. But the facts speak for themselves:
• 170,000 trained staff short - chefs, FOH, senior roles
• 77% of venues struggling to recruit
• 34% cutting training budgets
• 30% of workers feel undervalued
• 35% see no clear path to progress

We’ve felt the pressure but we also see the potential...we’re not here to just point out the problems. We’re here to gather, talk honestly, and build what’s next all together. This isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about real progress, shared knowledge, and unlocking potential.

Empowering Women - A day built to honour, uplift and connect Women across hospitality with every panel led by Women for Women. This space offers a rare chance to speak freely, be understood, and feel the strength that comes from shared experience. From safety to leadership, Motherhood to ambition - nothing’s off the table.
Expect insight, solidarity and inspiration you can carry forward. Founders share how they built their own venues and brands and the lessons learned turning big ideas into lasting spaces.

Why It Matters - hear and be inspired from those who’ve been where you are - and gone further. Speak openly without having to explain or soften your truth. Build networks grounded in respect, relatability and empowerment

FAVES Leeds Hospitality Conference  'A Legacy served in Hospitality'