Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow Brings 1,000+
Industry Professionals Together
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This week, CFHLA hosted more than 1,000 members and hospitality lodging professionals from across the state at our annual Hospitality Tradeshow at the Rosen Shingle Creek. A special thank you to Martin Bonventre, General Manager, and the entire Rosen Shingle Creek team for their outstanding hospitality and partnership in hosting this year's event.
With more than 200 exhibitors and 700+ lodging leaders in attendance, our Allied Members welcomed lodging professionals to their booths, sharing products, services, and innovative solutions designed to elevate the hospitality experience.
Thank you again to all our lodging professionals and exhibitors for making this year’s Hospitality Tradeshow a record success! Your continued support, enthusiasm, and aloha spirit made for an unforgettable day of connection, collaboration, and innovation. We hope you'll join us again at the 2027 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow!
This event would not have been possible without the support of our amazing sponsors and partners. Thank you to the following companies for their support of the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow including:
Corporate Sponsors:
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Support Sponsors & Partners:
Audio Visual & Electrical Partner:
Encore
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Ultimate Chef Competition Winners:
Sponsored by
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Best Decorated Exhibitor Booths:
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Best Exhibitor Marketing Campaign:
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Three Educational Seminars Bring Industry
Insights to the Hospitality Tradeshow
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This week, CFHLA hosted the second Human Resources Seminar of our 2026 series at the Hospitality Tradeshow.
This year's Annual Legal Update featured an informative presentation by Jyllian Bradshaw of Lowndes, who shared important updates impacting employers and human resources professionals. Topics included Florida's new disclosure law, which took effect on July 1, Florida's minimum wage increase effective September 30, joint employer rule updates, artificial intelligence and legal compliance considerations, and restrictive covenants.
Jyllian also emphasized the importance of training leaders on evolving employment laws and workplace regulations to help organizations remain compliant and prepared for future changes.
Thank you to Jyllian Bradshaw and Lowndes for sharing your expertise and for your continued partnership in our annual Human Resources Seminar Series.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to our 2026 Human Resources Seminar Series sponsors, including:
August Presenting Sponsor:
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2026 HR Series Corporate Partners:
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Economic Insights & the Power of Sports Tourism
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In addition to the HR seminar, CFHLA hosted another educational session focused on "Economic Insights and the Power of Sports Tourism" during the 2026 Hospitality Tradeshow.
Attendees heard from Daryl Cronk, Senior Director of Research at Tourism Economics, who provided an overview of the current economic landscape and shared key tourism trends affecting Central Florida's hospitality industry. His presentation highlighted visitor demand, economic forecasts, and the outlook for the region's tourism economy. He also shared the results of the 2025 Central Florida Tourism Impact Calculator.
Additionally, the session featured Jason Siegel, President and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, who discussed the growing influence of sports tourism across Central Florida. Jason shared how sporting events continue to generate significant economic impact, drive hotel occupancy, and position the Orlando region as one of the nation's premier destinations for amateur and professional sporting events.
Thank you again to Daryl and Jason, for sharing your expertise and helping our members better understand the trends, opportunities, and economic drivers shaping the future of Central Florida's hospitality industry.
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Technology in Hospitality
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Lastly, the Hospitality Tradeshow featured a new Technology in Hospitality Seminar, presented by Dr. Arthur Huang of UCF Rosen College and Tyler Spaulding of Orlando World Center Marriott.
The educational seminar explored how hospitality leaders can thoughtfully approach technology and artificial intelligence by first identifying the operational challenges these tools can help solve - saving time, improving decision-making, and enhancing both the guest and team member experience.
Dr. Huang and Tyler highlighted practical use cases, including organizing guest feedback, analyzing food and beverage pricing, and managing event space operations. The interactive session also demonstrated how well-crafted AI prompts can create repeatable workflows, streamline data analysis, and enable leaders and team members to spend more time delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Thank you to Dr. Huang and Tyler for sharing your expertise and helping CFHLA members better understand how technology and AI can drive innovation and support more informed decision-making throughout the hospitality industry.
Thank you to our 2026 Technology in Hospitality Seminar Series Sponsor:
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Congratulations to the Finalists for
2026 Celebrating Women in Sports Awards
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Please join us in congratulating all 22 finalists who were recently announced for the Women in Sports Leadership and Rising Star Awards as part of the 8th Annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon and Auction presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute.
We are especially proud that several finalists represent CFHLA member organizations and community partners. Their leadership, dedication, and contributions continue to strengthen Central Florida's sports and tourism industries while helping elevate our region as the nation's premier sports destination.
Congratulations to the following nominees, including:
Women in Sports Leadership:
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Visit Orlando’s beloved Magical Dining event returns for its 21st anniversary this year! From August 14 to September 30, a record-breaking 188 Central Florida restaurants (including many of our CFHLA hotel partners) and 38 newcomers will offer exclusive three-course, prix-fixe dinners priced at $40 or $60!
Beyond the exquisite dining experiences, several of our CFHLA Hotels are also participating in Magical Nights, which features offers from top Orlando hotels and resorts.
Don’t miss this chance to experience Orlando’s culinary excellence and an overnight stay, while contributing to a greater cause.
This year's primary beneficiary is OCA (Opportunity, Community, Ability), which supports individuals with autism and developmental differences and their families.
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Orlando Selected to Host USMNT’s
First Match After FIFA World Cup 2026
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Big news this week! Upon conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Orlando has been selected to host the U.S. Men’s National Team’s first match as the USMNT takes on Peru in an international friendly on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m. at Inter.co Stadium.
The Fan Appreciation Match will mark the national team's eighth appearance at Inter.co Stadium, where the U.S. holds a perfect 7-0 record. The USMNT last played at the venue in January 2025, earning a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Hosting the team's first match following the FIFA World Cup further reinforces Orlando's reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events. The match is expected to attract soccer fans and visitors from across the country, generating additional demand for Central Florida's hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other hospitality businesses.
Tickets go on sale to the public today, August 7.
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Hyatt Regency Orlando Helps Rosemont
Elementary Start the School Year Strong
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The Hyatt Regency Orlando team provided meeting space and breakfast, creating a welcoming environment where teachers and staff could collaborate before students returned to campus. To celebrate Rosemont Elementary's outstanding achievement of earning an "A" school rating, the hotel also surprised the faculty with a celebratory cake.
The morning of giving continued with the donation of two brand-new bicycles, assembled by an engineering group during a recent hotel site inspection for an upcoming conference. In addition, Hyatt Regency Orlando generously donated five cases of bottled water to support Rosemont Elementary's students and staff.
Through these thoughtful acts of generosity and community partnership, Hyatt Regency Orlando continues to make a meaningful impact on Rosemont Elementary School, helping ensure teachers and students begin the school year feeling celebrated, supported, and prepared for success.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AUGUST
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is thrilled to recognize Martin Bonventre of Rosen Shingle Creek as our August Lodging Member of the Month! Martin's partnership and support of CFHLA has been nothing short of exceptional. Over the past two years, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership through his service on the CFHLA Board of Directors and the Membership Committee, while graciously hosting numerous meetings and signature events, including the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow.
Martin has also been a familiar face at many other CFHLA events, consistently taking the time to connect with fellow members, support our mission, and strengthen our hospitality community. We are truly grateful for his leadership, partnership, and unwavering support, and we are proud to recognize him for his outstanding contributions to CFHLA and the Central Florida hospitality industry!
Additionally, CFHLA is also honored to recognize David Saczawa of JR Hobbs Co. as our August Allied Member of the Month! We are incredibly grateful for David's outstanding involvement as a new VIP Member of CFHLA and for his continued participation in our signature events. David is a dedicated supporter of our association and the Central Florida hospitality industry, consistently attending events, actively participating in our programs, and enthusiastically engaging with fellow members.
David's commitment to building relationships, supporting our mission, and investing his time and expertise in CFHLA has made a meaningful impact. We sincerely appreciate his continued involvement, enthusiasm, and partnership, and we are proud to recognize him as our August Allied Member of the Month.
Once again, we are honored to recognize and celebrate Martin and David as our August Members of the Month!
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Meet Our Silver Partners:
Domino’s & Staff Pro Workforce
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As a locally owned Domino's franchise, we are proud to support CFHLA because of its commitment to strengthening both the hospitality industry and the Central Florida community. We believe meaningful partnerships create lasting change, and CFHLA's dedication to education, workforce development, and community engagement closely aligns with our values.
The initiative that resonates most with our team is CFHLA's investment in local schools and youth programs. We believe that supporting students today helps build stronger communities and develops the future workforce that will serve our region for years to come. Through programs like Adopt-A-School and other educational initiatives, CFHLA creates opportunities that have a meaningful and lasting impact on young people throughout Central Florida.
At Domino's, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve and helping create an environment where businesses, schools, and families thrive together. We are honored to partner with CFHLA in supporting a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant Central Florida community.
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Staff Pro Workforce Solutions
is proud to support CFHLA because we value its leadership in strengthening the hospitality industry and advocating for the businesses and professionals who make Central Florida a world-class destination. Through CFHLA's commitment to workforce development, education, and industry collaboration, the Association creates meaningful opportunities for hotels and hospitality partners to connect, grow, and succeed.
As a trusted workforce partner, Staff Pro Workforce Solutions provides compliant, scalable staffing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the hospitality industry. Our services include hourly staffing, bill-by-room labor models, and workforce strategies designed to help properties maintain exceptional guest service while adapting to changing operational demands. Backed by comprehensive workers' compensation coverage and experienced local teams with deep market knowledge, we deliver dependable support when it matters most.
As a 10-Year Clearly Rated Diamond Award recipient, we are honored to partner with hospitality leaders and proud to support CFHLA's mission of strengthening Central Florida's hospitality community.
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Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida.
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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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