Back from Las Vegas: Why Coming Together Matters

Dame Jen Greenhalgh reports back from her recent trip to the Les Dames d’Escoffier International Conference.

Thanks to the generous support of LDE London, I had the privilege of attending the LDEI International Conference 2026 in Las Vegas, and I came home with a full heart.

I returned inspired, energised and even more convinced of the extraordinary potential of our chapter and our wider global network. But honestly? What struck me most was something harder to put into words.

There is something uniquely powerful about being in a room full of women leaders from across food, drink, hospitality, media, agriculture, education and beyond. Such a diverse group of women all united by a shared conviction that we rise by lifting others. It was a reminder that Les Dames is far more than a membership organisation. It is a movement of talent, generosity and impact.

The Power of the Room

Meeting Dames from chapters across the United States, Canada and Mexico brought the scale and spirit of the organisation to life in a way that simply cannot be replicated online. Conversations sparked ideas, friendships deepened and examples of bold chapter initiatives showed what is possible when talented women come together with purpose.

On a personal level it also allowed me to meet in person people I had previously only corresponded and worked with via email, something that couldn’t have been possible without LDE London’s support, for that alone I am truly grateful.

Additionally, for me, it also reinforced something important for London: we are part of something bigger. Our local work matters, and our chapter has an opportunity to both contribute to and benefit from this remarkable international community.

Celebrating Collective Impact

One of the highlights of conference was the presentation of the inaugural Chapter Awards; a new programme recognising the extraordinary work chapters are doing in philanthropy, mentoring, fundraising, education and community leadership. And I don’t use the word highlight lightly, it was truly inspiring.

These are not small efforts. They are women showing up, year after year, to make things better for others.

For me, it also felt like a meaningful signal of where Les Dames is heading — towards honouring not just individual achievement, but the quiet, cumulative power of women working together to create real and lasting change. That feels very right.

Lessons from Inspiring Leaders

The keynote from Elizabeth Blau was unforgettable. Her reflections on leadership, mentorship and building a lasting legacy resonated deeply with me. She spoke candidly about the importance of women supporting women, and why strong networks matter in industries where leadership can still feel unequal.

Practical Ideas for London

Alongside the inspiration came hugely practical learning. Sessions on communications, social media and digital growth gave me ideas we can apply directly to LDE London as we continue to raise our profile and grow our impact.

There were also fascinating sessions on the use of AI and new technology to reduce administrative load, improve efficiency and free up more time for the work that matters most: community, creativity and connection.

Dames Kate Howell, Jen Greenhalgh and Cathy Sloman in full Vegas mode

Why It Matters for LDE London

I came home from Las Vegas with a stronger sense of what LDE London can become.

We are already a dynamic, generous and outward-looking chapter. We are supporting women through bursaries and grants, creating thoughtful events, building partnerships, and growing a warm, modern community across the UK and Ireland. But conference reminded me that when chapters are ambitious, connected and confident in their purpose, their impact can be truly transformational.

Looking Ahead

One especially exciting personal outcome from the trip was being invited to join the International Legacy Awards Committee, an opportunity I’m honoured to accept. It was wonderful to hear that applications linked to LDE London played such a strong part in this year’s success, helping contribute to record overall numbers.

That feels symbolic of where our chapter is heading: outward-facing, engaged and making a difference beyond our own borders.

Thank You

My sincere thanks to LDE London for funding my attendance and investing in professional development, connection and fresh ideas for our chapter.

I returned with practical tools, renewed confidence, new friendships and a long list of possibilities (not to mention long lists of new places and people to visit.)

Most of all, I came back proud to be part of an organisation where women come together not simply to network, but to create opportunities, champion one another and leave the industry stronger than we found it.

And that, to me, is the real power of Les Dames.