Happy New Year from CFHLA!
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On behalf of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, we extend our best wishes to our members, hospitality professionals, community partners, and their families for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year. As we welcome 2026, we look forward to another year of progress as we continue our mission to set the standard of excellence through advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service.
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Last Chance to Register for CFHLA Pickleball Challenge!
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As a reminder, we are excited to share that our CFHLA Foundation will be hosting a brand-new fundraising event on Tuesday, January 7, 2026 at Crush Yard Orlando.
This Pickleball Challenge presented by Florida Blue, is a great new way to grab a paddle and enjoy a lively mix of pickleball play, delicious appetizers, refreshing drinks, and plenty of opportunities to connect.
You do not have to be a member to participate and whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a paddle for the first time, this will be fun, high-energy and indoor event for a great cause!
Register today and we hope to see you on the courts on January 7th!
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Register Today for the January Allied Relations Council Breakfast
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Kick off the new year by joining us for an engaging Allied Relations Council Breakfast moderated by Mike Jueds of Hilton Orlando as the 2026 Engineers Council Chair. This special edition will spotlight CFHLA’s Engineers Council, featuring insights and perspectives from industry leaders shaping Central Florida’s hospitality operations.
Featured panelists include:
- Justin Bolin, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Immediate Past Council Chair
- Keith Luka, Holiday Inn Club Vacations – Orange Lake Resort, Council Board Member
- Daniel Vidal, Sheraton Orlando North, Council Board Member
- Jim Stralis, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Disney Springs Resort Area, Council Board Member
- Steven Sadeo, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, Council Board Member
Connect with peers, gain valuable industry insights, and hear firsthand how these leaders are navigating innovation, efficiency, and excellence in hotel engineering and facilities management.
Thank you to our January Allied Relations Council Breakfast sponsor, Global Sourcing International, LLC!
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Nominations are now open for the Golden Pineapple Awards!
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Nominations are now open for the annual Golden Pineapple Awards, taking place on February 12, 2026 at the Orlando World Center Marriott! This signature reception and dinner program invites CFHLA Member Properties to nominate deserving Front Line / Hourly / Non-Supervisory / Non-Management employees to be recognized for their exceptional dedication and success. Please consider nominating your deserving employees for these prestigious awards!
As a reminder, we will once again host a separate Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards reception (for Outstanding Managers and Supervisors) in the summer of 2026. The deadline to submit your nominations for the Golden Pineapple Awards is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Nominations will only be accepted through online submission.
If you have any questions about the Golden Pineapple Awards nominations process and/or the event, please contact CFHLA Senior Director of Events, Kim Gordon, at kim.gordon@cfhla.org or 407-313-5040.
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2026 Sponsorship Opportunities are still open!
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As a valued CFHLA member, start the year out right by participating as a CFHLA events, marketing, and programs sponsor. These sponsorship opportunities are available for individual events, digital marketing, or multiple programs, allowing you to align your brand with the initiatives that best support your marketing and engagement goals in 2026!
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Celebrating CFHLA's Impact in 2025
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As we reflect on 2025, we’re proud to celebrate an incredible year of accomplishments for CFHLA, our Members, and our valued partners. From advocacy and education to community impact and industry recognition, this year’s successes were made possible by the strength of our hospitality community.
We invite you to watch our CFHLA 2025 Year in Review video above and hear directly from our members and partners as they share how CFHLA continues to elevate, advocate, educate, and serve.
Together, the hospitality industry continues to make a meaningful difference for our visitors and for Central Florida families. Thank you for being part of this remarkable year - and for helping shape an even stronger future.
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Osceola Prosper program for free tuition announced as Florida Trend's Floridian of the Year!
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Photo courtesy of Florida Trend
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Please join us in congratulating Osceola County and their bold tuition-free college program, Osceola Prosper, on being named "Floridian of the Year" by Florida Trend. This program has reshaped the future for students and families across the region.
What began in 2022 as a conversation over dinner between Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington and Valencia College President Kathleen Plinske has grown into a transformative initiative. Initially using COVID-19 relief funds, the county now covers tuition and fees for every Osceola County high school graduate attending Valencia College or Osceola Technical College.
Key Stats:
- From near the bottom to the top: Osceola County’s college-going rate has seen a dramatic turnaround - rising from 61st out of Florida’s 67 counties in 2010 to ranking among the top three counties statewide for high school graduates continuing on to college or post-secondary training following the launch of Osceola Prosper.
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Nearly 3,000 degrees and certificates earned: Since the program launched, Osceola Prosper students have earned more than 2,800 associate degrees, trade certificates, and technical credentials.
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Thousands of students served: The Osceola Prosper initiative has enrolled about 10,000 students from the Classes of 2022 - 2024, with opportunities continuing for the Class of 2025.
Thanks again to the Osceola County Commission and Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske for their vision and leadership! By working together, we are supporting the future of our workforce in Central Florida!
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The Celeste Supports Riverdale Elementary Holiday Toy Drive!
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CFHLA is proud to recognize The Celeste Hotel Orlando, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel for their generosity and continued partnership with Riverdale Elementary School through our Adopt-A-School program.
The Celeste team recently supported the school’s Holiday Toy Drive, helping bring joy to students and families during the holiday season. Their thoughtful participation reflects the true spirit of hospitality and community care. Thank you to The Celeste Hotel for making a positive impact and helping create a brighter holiday for the Riverdale Elementary 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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