ARDA REFLECTS ON THE 2025 ARDA WIN WINTER CONFERENCE
Each year, ARDA-WIN hosts its WIN Winter Conference – a meeting created by women in timeshare, for women in timeshare. The conference, which was attended by over 400 industry professionals this year, serves as both a networking opportunity and a chance to learn from female leaders inside and outside of our industry.
As the WIN Winter Conference continues to grow in attendance and prestige, we’re reflecting on how the ARDA-WIN program developed, recapping this year’s event, and sharing how members can stay connected through WIN events throughout the year.
What Is ARDA-WIN?
ARDA-WIN was created by ARDA as a resource for women in timeshare – and their allies – to form meaningful relationships with peers and mentors, learn about interesting industry trends and developments, and benefit from programming that inspires career growth.
Since its inception 20 years ago, when ARDA member Lani Kane-Hanan came to the organization with the idea to start a group for women in the industry, ARDA-WIN has grown from a 30-person meeting into a vast network of hundreds of ARDA members.
2025 ARDA WIN Winter Conference Recap
The ARDA-WIN program kicks-off each year with the WIN Winter Conference. This year’s event was held at the The Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida, and featured insights from female timeshare executives, as well as guest speakers Kay Rawlins, Club Founder, SVP & Club Ambassador of Orlando City Pride, Ann Marie Williams, VP, Financial Advisor, SR Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley, and Renie Cavallari, Award winning, global expert on leadership & innovation and best-selling author of HEADTRASH: The Leading Killer of Human Potential.
ARDA President & CEO Jason Gamel welcomed guests to the event
After a welcome from Jason Gamel, President & CEO of ARDA, the event began with a panel on embracing success from leaders within the industry.
Standing in Your Own Success: Lessons from Women Leaders Panel
Catherine Lacey, SVP of Member Experiences and Events at ARDA, moderated a discussion with Fiona Downing, CEO, FNTC, Lani Kane Hanan, CEO, ONE, and Sarah Koves, SVP, Brand Strategy, Travel+ Leisure Co. on how women can confidently achieve and navigate success in their careers.
Lori Gustafson, EVP, Chief Membership & Commercial Services Officer, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, speaks with Kay Rawlins, Club Founder, SVP & Club Ambassador of Orlando City Pride
Next, Lori Gustafson, EVP, Chief Membership & Commercial Services Officer, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, sat down with Kay Rawlins, Club Founder, SVP & Club Ambassador of Orlando City Pride, for a fireside chat about overcoming challenges to create a lasting legacy.
Ann Marie Williams, VP, Financial Advisor, SR Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley, shares financial tips with the group
Ann Marie Williams, VP, Financial Advisor, SR Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley, led a financial literacy session where she shared how to save at every stage in life.
Bree Balchunas, VP, Corporate Communications, Hilton Grand Vacations shares communications tips at every level
Bree Balchunas, VP, Corporate Communications, Hilton Grand Vacations shares communications tips at every level
The Communications 101 for Business session was presented by Bree Balchunas, VP, Corporate Communications at Hilton Grand Vacations, who shared easy tips for becoming a better communicator at any level.
Marlaine Hudgins, Associate Director, Digital Workplace Communications, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, discusses AI in the work place.
Next, Marlaine Hudgins, Associate Director, Digital Workplace Communications, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, shared insights into AI uses for different functions and roles and how to utilize AI to create value in your job.
Keynote speaker Renie Cavallari talks about shifting your mindset to be a better leader
Finally, the day of intriguing programming ended with keynote speaker Renie Cavallari – an award winning, global expert on leadership & innovation and best-selling author of HEADTRASH: The Leading Killer of Human Potential. Renie explained how mental health impacts leadership abilities, and how to manage and overcome feelings of unrest that trickle into work and life.
Attendees network and bid on items for a silent auction benefiting One Heart for Women and Children Foundation
The day concluded with a reception, sponsored by First American Title Insurance Company, that featured a silent auction benefiting One Heart for Women and Children.
The auction raised over $17,000 in a single day, and is just one of the philanthropic causes ARDA-WIN champions throughout the year.
Staying Involved With ARDA-WIN 2025
ARDA members who want to keep in touch with their fellow industry professionals and make new contacts can attend ARDA’s WIN Wednesday events, held every third Wednesday of the month, all year long. For more information about WIN Wednesdays, please contact Laurie Hansen at laurie.hansen@intervalintl.com.
To learn more about how you can get involved with ARDA-WIN, please feel free to reach out to me directly: catherine.lacey@arda.org.
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