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July 17, 2026

 

Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors

 

Last Chance to Register for Allied Members to Participate in the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow

Calling all CFHLA Allied Members! Limited exhibitor booths are still available for the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow. Register by the end of the day today, Friday, July 17, to be included in the printed programFinal registration deadline: Friday, July 24. 
 
Booth Fee Includes - $1,500 
* 10’ x 10’ booth 
* 3 Complimentary Exhibitor Badges 
* (1) 6’ Skirted Table 
* (2) Chairs 
* Company ID Sign 
* Wastebasket 

 

Why Exhibit?
1. Meet hotel decision makers and purchasing professionals.
2. Showcase your products and services to a targeted audience.
3. Generate qualified leads and new business opportunities.
4. Receive lodging attendee contact information after the event for follow-up.
 
For questions, please contact Kim Gordon at kim.gordon@cfhla.org.  

 

Make an Impact Next Tuesday at the

CFHLA CARES Collection Drive

Support our local students in need at the CFHLA CARES Collection Drive next week on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM in the CFHLA Office Parking Garage, located at 6675 Westwood Blvd, Orlando, FL 32821.

 

This collection drive will focus on gathering gently used professional attire to help students in Orange and Osceola Counties prepare for interviews, internships, career fairs, and future employment opportunities. A professional outfit can make a lasting first impression and provide students with the confidence they need as they enter the workforce. Whether you have a single item to donate or an entire collection of professional clothing, your contribution will make a meaningful impact on students throughout our community.

 

Join us next week and help ensure local students have the tools and resources they need to succeed! 

 

Christmas in July at DoubleTree

by Hilton Orlando Downtown

CFHLA recently had the pleasure of attending Christmas in July at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown, where guests were treated to an evening of festive networking, creative holiday inspiration, and outstanding hospitality.

 

The event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with hospitality professionals, experience the property's versatile event spaces firsthand, and discover new resources for the upcoming holiday season. Along the way, local vendors showcased products and services designed to help organizations plan memorable holiday parties, corporate events, and seasonal gatherings.

 

A special thank you to Mark Williams, General Manager, and the entire team at DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown for their warm hospitality and for hosting such a fun and engaging event. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to celebrating many more successful events together.

 

CFHLA President/CEO Leads Advocacy

Discussion at FSAE Conference

This week, CFHLA President/CEO Robert Agrusa led a panel discussion at the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE) Annual Conference at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld.

 

The breakout session focused on "How to Elevate Your Advocacy Strategy in Florida's Evolving Political Climate" and explored Florida's changing political landscape, as well as highlighted best practices for strengthening government affairs programs, building relationships with elected officials, and increasing grassroots member engagement.

 

The panel featured several coalition partners from across the state, including Amanda White, Vice President of the Florida Apartment Association (FAA); Samantha Padgett, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA); and Andrew Wiggins, Senior Director of Political Affairs and Coalition Advocacy for the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

 

CFHLA's leadership in moderating this important discussion with other statewide trade organizations reflects the Association's continued reputation as a leader in advocacy and government affairs. By sharing its experience, strategies, and best practices with association executives from across Florida, CFHLA continues to serve as a valuable resource for organizations seeking to strengthen their advocacy efforts and ensure their members have a strong voice in the policymaking process.

 

Patriot Day Life Saving Hospitality

Award Nominations Now Open!

CFHLA is now accepting nominations from Lodging Members for the 2026 Patriot Day Life Saving Hospitality Award. If you know a team member who has demonstrated extraordinary lifesaving efforts, we encourage you to submit a nomination by completing the nomination form and emailing it to madison.haller@cfhla.org

 

Eligible nominees may serve in any department, and previous Service Award nominees are eligible to be renominated for this award.

 

The nomination deadline is Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

 
 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JULY

MEMBERS OF THE MONTH

CFHLA is honored to recognize Scott Disson of Courtyard Orlando Airport as our July Lodging Member of the Month. This recognition reflects Scott's outstanding leadership, dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to CFHLA and the Central Florida hospitality industry. Scott has actively participated in numerous CFHLA signature events over the years and has been a valued contributor to our Airport Area Lodging Leadership Meetings. He has also served on several CFHLA committees and councils, including the Adopt-A-School Committee and Membership Committee, and was recently appointed to the CFHLA Board of Directors. Scott's engagement, leadership, and willingness to share his time and expertise have strengthened both our organization and Central Florida's hospitality industry.

 

We are also proud to recognize David Torres of Common Sense Office Furniture as our Allied Member of the Month. Over the past year, David has been a tremendous partner to CFHLA, and we are incredibly grateful for his support throughout our office relocation and renovation. From assisting with multiple office moves to helping us furnish our newly renovated office, David's expertise and dedication have played a significant role in creating a workspace our team is proud to call home.

 

We are honored to recognize and celebrate Scott and David as our July Members of the Month. Their continued partnership and engagement exemplify the spirit of CFHLA, and we sincerely appreciate their contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry.

Xclusive Services

is a trusted workforce partner for leading hospitality brands nationwide, providing flexible staffing solutions for hotels, resorts, casinos, stadiums, and event venues. Supporting Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Front-of-House, Janitorial, and Special Events, Xclusive Services helps hospitality teams maintain exceptional service, consistent quality, and operational excellence. From contingent staffing and direct hire to overnight janitorial services and full department outsourcing, the company delivers reliable workforce solutions backed by hospitality expertise, local leadership, and a commitment to compliance.

 

As a proud Silver Partner of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, Xclusive Services is committed to strengthening the region's hospitality industry. By collaborating with local hospitality leaders, the company helps elevate service standards, support workforce development, and provide hotels with the talent they need to meet changing demands. Together with CFHLA, Xclusive Services is investing in a stronger, more resilient future for Central Florida's hospitality community.

Foxhole Holding Group 

is proud to support the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA) and its mission to strengthen Central Florida's hospitality industry. As a Silver Partner, we value CFHLA's commitment to workforce development and creating opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

 

Through initiatives such as the Leadership Mentoring Program, High School Outreach, Adopt-A-School, and scholarship opportunities, CFHLA is helping build a strong talent pipeline while connecting students and emerging professionals with meaningful career pathways. These programs play a vital role in attracting, developing, and retaining the talented workforce that keeps our hospitality industry thriving.

 

Since 2019, Foxhole Holding Group has proudly provided commercial cleaning services to CFHLA member properties and organizations, helping maintain the high standards of cleanliness and presentation that guests expect. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CFHLA and supporting the future success of Central Florida's hospitality community.

 

JOB OPENINGS

Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.

 

CONNECT WITH CFHLA

About CFHLA


6675 Westwood Blvd #210, Orlando, FL 32821

 

The mission of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association is to represent the Central Florida Hospitality Industry, by setting the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service.

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