Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
|
Celebrating the Heart of Hospitality:
International Housekeeping Week
|
As International Housekeeping Week comes to a close, CFHLA proudly celebrates the dedicated housekeeping professionals who continue to make Central Florida’s hospitality industry shine.
Every day, these hardworking team members do far more than maintain guest rooms and public spaces. Through their care, attention to detail, and commitment to cleanliness, they create the welcoming environments that make guests feel comfortable, cared for, and at home. Their work is essential to the guest experience and the success of every property.
Throughout the week, CFHLA was honored to spotlight several outstanding housekeeping professionals on our social media and celebrate the people whose contributions often happen behind the scenes but leave a lasting memories. We are grateful to all of our members who shared their team members’ stories and showcased the creative celebrations, activities, and appreciation events held in their honor.
To every housekeeping professional across Central Florida: Thank you! Your hard work, pride, and dedication makes a huge difference every single day. This week, and every week, we celebrate you!
|
Celebrating Hotel Beauden’s
New Chapter in Downtown Orlando
|
This week, CFHLA was proud to join Hotel Beauden, formerly the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, on their official rebranding and ribbon cutting this week!
This celebration marks an exciting new chapter for this iconic property in the heart of downtown Orlando. The hotel’s refreshed identity represents a new opportunity to welcome visitors, showcase and serve our local community, and contribute to downtown Orlando’s vibrant hospitality landscape.
Congratulations again to Benjamin McCarney, General Manager and CFHLA Board Member, along with his entire Hotel Beauden team on this exciting milestone! CFHLA wishes the entire team continued success as they begin this next chapter.
|
Osceola County Lodging Leaders Connect with County Officials and Tourism Leaders
|
This week, CFHLA also brought together lodging leaders for our second Osceola County Lodging Leadership Meeting of 2026, hosted at Westgate Vacation Villas. A special thank you to General Manager Brahim Ait Daoud and his team for welcoming our members and helping create an opportunity for meaningful connection and collaboration.
CFHLA would like to thank our 2026 Osceola County Lodging Leadership meeting sponsors, including:
|
Bringing Downtown Orlando Lodging Leaders and City Leadership Together
|
Additionally, CFHLA hosted our second Downtown Orlando Lodging Leadership Meeting of 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown. Thank you to Jamie Cooper, Director of Sales & Marketing, for graciously hosting the meeting.
The meeting featured City of Orlando Commissioner Bakari Burns, District 6. Commissioner Burns shared several updates on the City of Orlando and his vision of continued collaboration with our tourism and hospitality partners moving forward. Furthermore, our lodging leaders also heard valuable updates from:
Allen Johnson, Chief Venues Officer,
City of Orlando Venues
Jordan Lyda, Business Development, Orange County,
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
Kelly Allen, Marketing & Communications Manager,
Downtown Development Board
Rachel Moalli, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs,
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Lastly, CFHLA would like to thank our 2026 Downtown Orlando Lodging Leadership meeting sponsors including:
|
CFHLA Advances Sustainability Education with New Hospitality Seminar
|
This week, CFHLA presented a new seminar, Sustainability in Hospitality, featuring Dr. Forrest Ma of UCF Rosen College, J.D. Fitzsimons of Waste Management, and Jarrod Stewart of Walt Disney World, hosted at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
The educational seminar explored how hospitality businesses can advance sustainable operations through the Triple Bottom Line: balancing people, planet, and profitability while aligning sustainability efforts with environmental impact, social responsibility, and financial performance.
Dr. Ma, J.D., and Jarrod highlighted practical strategies and best practices to help hospitality professionals identify opportunities for improvement and integrate sustainability into their operations. Attendees also gained actionable tools and participated in a workshopped ways to implement sustainable decision-making while maintaining strong operational and financial performance.
Thank you again to Dr. Ma, J.D., and Jarrod for sharing your expertise and providing CFHLA members with practical strategies to help advance sustainability across the hospitality industry.
Thank you to our 2026 Leadership in Hospitality Seminar Series Sponsor:
|
Welcoming our Newest Members at Member Orientation
|
This week, CFHLA officially welcomed eighteen (18) Member businesses to our third New Member Orientation of the year!
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.
These businesses included: Addition Financial, Innova Living Group USA, Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld, Inside and Out Maintenance, Fresh Blendz, Element Services Solutions, Asure Software, Amano McGann, Soldier City Spirits, Encore, Focal Point Business Coaching, SOLID Surface Care, A&A Unlimited Design, Inc., HNM Global Logistics, LLC, Power Washing of Central Florida LLC dba Rolling Suds Orlando, T-Mobile USA, Florida Foam Factory, Vericon Construction Company.
Additionally, we’d like to thank CFHLA Board of Director Frank Dolley, General Manager of Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort - Orlando and CFHLA Silver Partner Member Eric Engel of Mallard Systems for sharing their testimonials with our newest members.
We appreciate all of all of our members 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.
|
Registration Now Open for CFHLA’s
Halloween Golf Open
|
Golfer registration for the 2026 Halloween Golf Open is still available! Join CFHLA on Thursday, October 29 at Mission Resort + Club for our annual spook-tacular golf outing.
This year’s event will be played on a double course, which gives members additional opportunities to play. Cost to participate is $375 / Golfer or $1,500 / Golf Foursome.
Allied Members – CLICK HERE to register
Lodging Members – CLICK HERE to register
Additionally, two sponsorship opportunities still remain including the Golf Cart Sponsor & Men’s Longest Drive. CLICK HERE to learn more.
For questions, please contact Kim Gordon at kim.gordon@cfhla.org.
|
CFHLA Adopt-A-Station Program Delivers
Special Thank You to Local First Responders
|
Thank you to the 84 CFHLA Members who came together last Friday, to show their appreciation for our local first responders who serve and protect Central Florida every day.
From delivering meals to fire and police stations throughout Central Florida to sharing moments of gratitude, our members demonstrated what it means to be part of a hospitality community committed to giving back.
This year, the CFHLA team proudly participated by adopting Orange County Fire Station 51 and delivering Chick-fil-A to the firefighters as a small gesture of appreciation for their dedication and service.
While a meal may seem like a simple gesture, the message behind it is powerful: we see you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful for the sacrifices you make for our communities.
Thank you to every CFHLA Member who supported our Patriot Day Adopt-A-Station Program and helped us recognize the dedicated first responders who do so much for our community. We’re proud to serve alongside you.
|
Celebrating Leadership and Excellence at Women in Sports Luncheon
|
Finally this week, the CFHLA team and members of the Board of Directors were proud to attend the 8th Annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon at UCF’s Addition Financial Arena.
This year’s event, hosted by CFHLA Member Greater Orlando Sports Commission, honored five award winners in the local sports community for the meaningful impact they have made through their leadership, service, and commitment to advancing Greater Orlando’s sports community.
The fireside chat featured three-time Olympian and key member of the iconic “Magnificent Seven,” Dominique Dawes. In 1996, Dominique made history at the 1996 Atlanta Games as the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic medal in gymnastics. Spending over a decade on the U.S. national team, she redefined what it meant to lead with both excellence and integrity.
Congratulations to this year’s award winners, and thank you again to GOSports for hosting an event that uplifts and recognizes the achievements of women making an impact in our community!
|
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEPTEMBER
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
|
CFHLA is thrilled to recognize Clint Sode of Hilton Grand Vacations Aqua Sol Orlando as our Lodging Member of the Month for September 2026!
Clint’s recognition reflects his outstanding engagement with CFHLA and his consistent willingness to contribute his time and leadership to support our association and the broader hospitality industry.
As a dedicated member of our Security & Safety Council, Clint regularly lends his expertise wherever it is needed including providing security support during the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow, and continuing to show up and contribute at CFHLA’s signature events. Additionally, Clint's involvement has also included serving on our CFHLA PAC and participating in our recent candidate interviews.
Furthermore, Clint’s commitment to building relationships, championing CFHLA’s advocacy efforts, and his willingness to step forward, get involved, and support his fellow hospitality professionals is why we are proud to recognize him as our Lodging Member of the Month!
CFHLA is also excited to recognize Joe Argyle of Busy Bean Coffee of Central Florida as our Allied Member of the Month for September 2026!
Joe has been a longtime supporter of CFHLA and has become a familiar and welcome presence throughout our association. His generosity has even helped keep the CFHLA team fueled, providing complimentary Busy Bean Coffee for our staff and office guests each day.
In 2026, Joe further demonstrated his commitment to CFHLA by increasing his involvement as a new Silver Partner Member and continuing to support our community-wide initiatives. Beyond his generous contributions, Joe also consistently shows up for CFHLA, by participating in our annual signature events and finding meaningful ways to stay connected to our hospitality community. All in all, we are truly grateful for Joe’s continued partnership, enthusiasm, and dedication to CFHLA!
Once again, we are honored to recognize and celebrate Clint and Joe as our September Members of the Month!
|
Meet Our Silver Partner:
Contraform Outdoor Furniture Source
|
At Contraform Outdoor Furniture Source, we support CFHLA because we believe strong relationships are the foundation of a thriving hospitality industry. CFHLA creates opportunities for hoteliers, suppliers, and community leaders to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another, helping elevate the guest experience across Central Florida. Its commitment to professional development and meaningful industry connections strengthens both businesses and the broader hospitality community.
Company Snapshot: Contraform is a locally owned company specializing in commercial outdoor furniture and refurbishment services for hotels, resorts, restaurants, country clubs, and multifamily communities. The company works closely with hospitality professionals, designers, and property owners to create outdoor spaces that are both attractive and durable. Contraform is committed to providing exceptional products, honest guidance, and personalized service tailored to each client’s needs. From new outdoor furnishings to refurbishment solutions, the team helps properties create inviting spaces that enhance guest experiences while providing lasting value and performance.
|
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.
|
|
