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Guild Hall’s ‘The Innovators’ Spotlights Four Women Shaping Luxury Travel and Hospitality
From East Hampton and Montauk to Palm Beach, Miami and Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, four influential entrepreneurs will share insights on leadership, innovation and building globally recognized brands.
Some of the most influential women in luxury travel, hospitality and lifestyle will take the stage at Guild Hall on June 29 for the second installment of The Innovators, a conversation series designed to spotlight leaders who are redefining their industries.
Hosted by communications executive Malcolm Carfrae, founder of Carfrae Consulting and former global communications chief for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, the discussion will bring together four entrepreneurs whose work has transformed hospitality experiences from East Hampton and Montauk to Palm Beach, Miami and Africa.
The evening is part of Guild Hall’s Community Pillars initiative, which supports the cultural and economic vitality of the East End while creating opportunities for meaningful conversations around business, creativity and innovation.
A Conversation About Vision and Leadership
The panel will feature Sarah Wetenhall, Jayma Cardoso, Deborah Calmeyer and Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos — four women whose careers span boutique hotels, destination travel, luxury real estate and experiential hospitality.
While each has built success in a different corner of the luxury market, they share a common thread: a talent for creating experiences that resonate far beyond the places themselves.
The discussion is expected to explore entrepreneurship, brand-building, hospitality trends and the growing influence of women-led businesses in shaping the future of travel and lifestyle.
Sarah Wetenhall: Reimagining Iconic Properties
Sarah Wetenhall has become known for breathing new life into beloved hospitality destinations while preserving their character and sense of place.
As owner and CEO of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and The Hedges Inn in East Hampton, Wetenhall has transformed both properties into design-driven gathering places that celebrate local culture and community. Her approach to hospitality focuses on storytelling and connection, creating experiences that feel deeply rooted in their surroundings.
For East End audiences, her stewardship of The Hedges Inn offers a particularly local perspective on preserving history while appealing to a new generation of travelers.
Jayma Cardoso: The Vision Behind The Surf Lodge
Few hospitality entrepreneurs have had as much impact on Montauk’s cultural identity as Jayma Cardoso.
The Brazilian-born entrepreneur founded The Surf Lodge in 2008, helping transform a modest motel into one of the most recognizable lifestyle destinations in the Hamptons. Known for blending music, art, wellness and hospitality, Cardoso has built a brand that attracts artists, entrepreneurs and cultural influencers from around the world.
She later expanded her concept with The Snow Lodge in Aspen, proving that experiential hospitality can transcend geography while maintaining a distinct sense of community.
Deborah Calmeyer: Elevating African Luxury Travel
Deborah Calmeyer has spent more than two decades redefining luxury travel across Africa.
Raised in Zimbabwe, the founder and CEO of ROAR AFRICA has built a reputation for creating highly customized journeys that immerse travelers in the continent’s landscapes, cultures and wildlife. Her company has earned international recognition for its innovative approach to luxury safaris and experiential travel.
Beyond tourism, Calmeyer is also a passionate advocate for conservation and female empowerment, championing initiatives that support African women working in tourism and wildlife preservation.
Her work reflects a growing belief that luxury travel can be both transformative and socially impactful.
Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos: Building Luxury Destinations
Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos has helped shape some of the country’s most prominent hospitality and real estate developments.
As co-founder, president and chief operating officer of Flag Luxury Group, she oversees projects ranging from luxury hotels to mixed-use developments and branded residences. Her portfolio includes The Ritz-Carlton New York, The Ritz-Carlton Residences South Beach and Orlando’s ICON Park.
In addition to her business achievements, Olarte de Kanavos has been a longtime advocate for women in business and philanthropy, helping launch initiatives focused on mentorship, leadership and community engagement.
Why It Matters to the East End
Guild Hall’s Innovators series reflects the institution’s growing role as a hub for conversations that extend beyond the arts and into business, entrepreneurship and community leadership.
For East End residents, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, the event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from women who have successfully built influential brands in highly competitive industries.
Following the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to continue the conversation during a networking reception featuring drinks and light bites from Moby’s East Hampton.
Event Details
The Innovators: Episode 2 — Women Redefining Travel, Hospitality and Lifestyle
When: Monday, June 29, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Guild Hall, East Hampton
Tickets: $20; $15 for Guild Hall members; guildhall.org
A networking reception will follow the discussion.
