UT's Department of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management will be hosting the "Women in Retailing and Hospitality Leadership Conference" on Oct. 2 in the University Center from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The conference will focus on leadership traits, career management and difficulties women may face in the work force. It will cover numerous topics that are relevant to all working women, regardless of career path.

Both men and women need to understand the challenges unique to women
-Wanda Costen, UT assistant professor

The conference will have numerous speakers from various fields of work including:

• Ann G. Bordelon, senior vice president and chief audit executive for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
• Roxanne Flanagan, operations vice president for Walgreen Co.
• Mitzi Short, vice president of multicultural marketing and strategic initiatives for PepsiCo Inc.

"This event is a series of presentations about topics relevant to women in business," Wanda Costen, UT assistant professor of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management, said. "The conference topics were based upon what Ms. Lucy Simpson and I wished we had been told or enlightened about when we were beginning our own careers."

Costen also encourages men to attend the conference.

"I feel this event is extremely important for students, both male and female," she said. "While there are certainly far more opportunities for women today, there are still challenges, especially in terms of advancement. Both men and women need to understand the challenges unique to women and be prepared to create environments where all people, regardless of gender, are able to grow."

The conference is free for students with an optional $10 lunch. Non-students will be charged $50, which includes lunch.