• On September 30, 2025, JW Marriott Grand Hotel Bucharest will host a new edition of the Horeca Women Awards Gala, a unique event in Romania, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of women in the hospitality industry.
Launched in 2020, this annual project aims to highlight the professionalism, resilience and innovative spirit of women working in this dynamic sector, highlighting success stories and models of authentic leadership.
The gala brings together professionals from all segments of the hospitality industry, from entrepreneurs and managers of hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars, to chefs, pastry chefs, representatives of professional associations, educational institutions and HoReCa suppliers. The event is not only an awards ceremony, but also an inspirational platform, where distinguished guests – leaders in the hospitality industry and related fields – will share business visions, leadership strategies and concrete examples of contributions to the development of this challenging sector.
A prestigious jury for a balanced evaluation
The selection of finalists and winners is carried out by a mixed jury, consisting of renowned professionals from the hospitality industry and related fields. To ensure an objective and fair evaluation, jury members do not vote in categories where representatives of the companies or organizations they belong to are involved, and the ladies on the jury are not nominated in any category. The composition of the jury for the 2025 edition includes:
- Otilia Demian, Member of the FIHR Board of Directors and Director of Business Development Bacolux Hotels Romania;
- Oana Coantă, Chef & Co-owner Bistro de l'Arte;
- Nico Lontras, Executive Chef Casa Timiș Wellness & Spa Resort;
- Simona Constantinescu, President of the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation;
- Ana Consulea, Pastry Chef and Gelateria Owner;
- Radu Savopol, President of HORA Romania & Co-founder of 5 to go;
- Cezar Munteanu, President of the Association of Chefs and Confectioners in Tourism in Romania;
- Daniel Mischie, CEO City Grill & Member of the Board of Directors of HORA Romania;
- Lucian Marinescu, Managing Partner Premier Hospitality;
- Mihai Toader, Chef & Owner Soro Lume;
- Cristina van der Schaaf, Founder of Horeca Culinary School;
- Mirela Cață, Pastry Chef & Trainer, Innovation Manager Ana Pan;
- Dragoș Panait, Founder & CEO of Next Root Management Systems;
- Camelia Malahov, Tax Services Director, Deloitte Romania;
- Adriana Sohodoleanu, Gastronomist and Doctor in Sociology;
- Alexandra and Cătălin Cincu, Content creators Travels and Plates;
- Cosmin Dragomir, Culinary Journalist & Founder of GastroArt;
- Carmen Filote Ionescu, Editor in Chief TrendsHRB.
An evening dedicated to excellence and inspiration
The gala program, which will take place between 18:00 and 22:00, will include networking moments, inspirational speeches and the award ceremony. The event is supported by partners such as Dr. Oetker Professional, Macromex Horeca and Salesianer, along with prestigious institutional partners: the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation (FIHR), Skal International Bucharest, the Romanian Hotel and Restaurant Employers' Organization (TIME) and Women in Transport & Tourism Association (WTTA).
For additional details about the event concept, the jury, participation methods, the full program and information about previous editions, those interested are invited to access the official website. Horeca WomenThe organizers promise to return soon with news about special guests and the list of finalists for the Horeca Women Awards 2025.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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