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June 12, 2026 |
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Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors |
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CFHLA Connects at UCF Rosen College for |
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This week, the CFHLA Board of Directors held its most recent board meeting and After-Hours Reception at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management (Thank you, Dean Cynthia Mejia).
During the Board Meeting, we had the opportunity to hear from Dean Mejia and Michael Kepner. Michael provided an update on the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success, and shared partnership opportunities that were available to our members. The mission of this initiative is to position UCF as a military-friendly community and a recognized Center of Excellence for higher education, serving military-affiliated students through innovative best practices, supportive policies, and an inclusive culture. The program is dedicated to supporting service members, veterans, and their families while helping establish UCF as a national model for military student success.
Additionally, the board welcomed three newly appointed CFHLA Board Members, including Scott Disson of the Courtyard Orlando Airport, Majed Farah of Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, and Matthew McAlister of the Celeste Hotel Orlando, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. |
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Furthermore, we'd like to thank the 230+ allied and lodging members who came out and supported “Members Doing Business With Members.”
Lastly, CFHLA would like to thank our 2026 June Board of Directors meeting sponsor, PCPI Services, Inc. and our 2026 June After Hours Reception Sponsor, Advent Health. |
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Aloha to the Future of Hospitality at the Hospitality Tradeshow |
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Have you registered yet? Don’t miss the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow on Tuesday, August 4, at Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando.
This is the largest regional hospitality tradeshow in the Southeast and the show brings together hundreds of lodging professionals and industry suppliers for a day of networking, innovation, and business growth.
Lodging executives, managers, and key decision-makers can attend for FREE and explore the latest products, services, and technologies designed to improve operations and enhance the guest experience. Plus, enjoy the excitement of the Ultimate Chef Competition with complimentary food samples on the tradeshow floor.
Allied members may purchase a 10’x10’ booth for $1,500, which includes a 6’ skirted table, 2 chairs, signage, and 3 name badges. Exhibitors will have direct access to hotel executives, managers, and key decision-makers actively seeking new solutions.
Whether you are looking to grow your business or discover the next big innovation, this is the hospitality event you won’t want to miss. Register today and say “Aloha” to new opportunities! |
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CFHLA Welcomes 11 Businesses at New Member Orientation |
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This week, CFHLA was excited to officially welcome eleven (11) Member businesses to our second New Member Orientation of the year!
These new businesses included: Belky Laureano Coaching & Consulting, Blue Coast Group, Elevated, Exclusive Landscaping, Game Show Battle Rooms, IQ Painters, Olde Hearth Bread Co., Pro Air Mechanical, Rose Paving, The Medical Concierge, and Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort - Bonnet Creek. Additionally, we’d like to thank two of our CFHLA Board of Directors including Katerina Templo, General Manager of Hampton Inn & Suites Clermont and Steve Kliamenakis of Global Sourcing International, LLC for sharing their testimonials with our newest members. During this 90-minute session, our newest CFHLA members have the opportunity to learn more about how to maximize your membership and get connected within Central Florida's hospitality industry.
Thank you to each of the businesses that joined us and we look forward to your involvement throughout 2026 and beyond! If you are interested in attending a future new member orientation, need a refresher, and/or seeking ways to maximize your membership, please contact Jonathan Watson, Member Services Manager, at jonathan.watson@cfhla.org. |
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CFHLA Announces Class V of Leadership Mentoring Program |
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We are excited to announce the selection of 16 mentees and 32 mentors, who will participate in Class V of this year’s CFHLA Leadership Mentoring Program. Each of these distinguished individuals represent the next generation of diverse and dynamic leaders in the hospitality industry across the Central Florida region.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this year's program and the largest class to date. Congratulations again to the 16 individuals who have been selected to participate in Class V! |
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Don't Miss the Orlando Soccer World Cup Celebration |
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As we prepare to welcome visitors and soccer fans from around the world this summer, our CFHLA Partner Orlando City is excited to invite you to take part in the Orlando Soccer Celebration presented by Verizon - a free, festival-style fan experience taking place at our CFHLA Member Pointe Orlando from June 11 through July 19.
During the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Orlando Soccer Celebration will transform Pointe Orlando into the ultimate soccer destination in Central Florida, featuring:
In addition to daily match viewing experiences at Sports & Social - Live! at Pointe Orlando, several marquee event days will feature enhanced programming, entertainment, and large-scale watch parties around some of the tournament’s biggest matches - including the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final on Sunday, July 19.
The event is free to attend with RSVP by CLICKING HERE. |
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CFHLA Joins Community Leaders for UCF & Coca-Cola Coach’s Luncheon |
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We’d like to extend a sincere thank you to our CFHLA member Coca-Cola Beverages Florida for the invitation to attend the recent UCF and Coca-Cola Coach’s Luncheon with new UCF Football Head Coach Scott Frost.
The luncheon presenters shared exciting updates on a historic year for UCF Athletics, including continued growth in ticket revenue, progress on the Roth Tower project funded by Orange County TDT collections, and preparations for an exciting upcoming season at the Bounce House.
Coach Frost spoke about the importance of teamwork, leadership, and building a culture of success both on and off the field. As he enters his first full year leading the program, he expressed enthusiasm about the future of UCF Football and his vision for developing a championship-caliber team.
Thank you again to Coca-Cola Beverages Florida for providing this opportunity to connect with fellow community and business leaders while learning more about the continued growth and success of UCF Athletics. |
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Wekiva High School Students Explore Hospitality Careers at Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld |
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As part of CFHLA’s Adopt-A-School Program, Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld recently welcomed students from Wekiva High School for an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the hospitality industry.
The visit began with breakfast bites and introductions to the resort’s leadership team, providing students with the opportunity to meet hospitality professionals and learn about their career journeys. Representatives from various departments shared insights into their roles and highlighted the importance of teamwork in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Students then participated in an interactive 2.5-hour property tour, visiting multiple departments throughout the resort. Along the way, they took part in hands-on activities designed to showcase real-world hospitality operations. During a guest room inspection exercise, students identified intentionally placed issues and learned the steps required to correct them, while other stops featured engaging team-building games and recreational activities.
The experience concluded with lunch and a special sendoff, as each student received a backpack filled with goodies to take home. Through experiences like these, Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld continues to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals while strengthening its partnership with Wekiva High School through the Adopt-A-School Program. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JUNE MEMBERS OF THE MONTH |
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CFHLA is proud to recognize our June Lodging Member of the Month, Steven Hollis of Vacation Villas at Fantasy World. This recognition reflects his exceptional leadership, dedication, passion, and ongoing support that he has demonstrated for CFHLA and the Central Florida Hospitality industry. Steven’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has actively supported and participated in several CFHLA signature events, shown outstanding leadership through his service on the CFHLA Board of Directors, and served on several of CFHLA committees and councils including the Vacation Ownership Council and the newly formed Talent and Learning Council. Furthermore, his engagement, insight, and willingness to contribute his time and expertise has played an important role in helping move our organization and industry forward.
We are equally proud to recognize our June Allied Member of the Month, Greg Wiley of GX Solutions. We are extremely grateful for Greg’s outstanding involvement as a Silver Partner Member of CFHLA! We also appreciate Greg’s continued participation in our annual CFHLA signature events, his leadership on the Allied Relations Council Board, and for his incredible support as a mentor in both Class IV and Class V of the Leadership Mentoring Program. Lastly, Greg’s ongoing support of our community-wide initiatives has been tremendous help to the association and to the broader Central Florida Hospitality Industry.
It’s because of these positive contributions and his continued partnership, that we are excited to recognize and celebrate both Steven and Greg as our Members of the Month! |
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Orlando Health is proud to support CFHLA because we share a commitment to strengthening the well‑being of Central Florida’s hospitality workforce and the growing community they serve. As our community expands, Orlando Health continues to invest in accessible, high‑quality healthcare, community partnerships, and programs that support the people who make Central Florida thrive. |
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JOB OPENINGS |
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Check out the latest hospitality employment opportunities in Central Florida. |
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CONNECT WITH CFHLA |
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About CFHLA
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. |