As we spend time with our families and friends on this Memorial Day weekend, let's all take a moment to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and to their families. May we always remember this nation remains the home of the free, because of the brave.

 

In observance of Memorial Day, our CFHLA Office will be closed Monday, May 25th and will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, May 26th.

This year’s Hob Nob featured over 60 lodging properties and more than 400 Allied and Lodging Members, creating valuable opportunities for our members to connect and build new business relationships.

 

This signature networking event focuses on Allied Members meeting one-on-one with multiple Lodging Members for three-minute “speed networking” meetings, allowing participants to introduce their companies, exchange ideas, and explore future partnerships in a fast-paced and engaging setting.

 

Thank you again to all of our sponsors and all the members who participated in this successful annual “Members Doing Business with Members” event. We appreciate your continued support in helping strengthen connections across our hospitality community.

 

CFHLA would like to acknowledge and thank our outstanding 2026 Corporate Sponsors including: 

This week, CFHLA was thrilled to welcome more than 35 new member businesses at our annual New Member Reception. 

 

A special thank you to our CFHLA Board Member Martin Bonventre for hosting this wonderful evening of networking at the Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando.

 

We'd also like to thank our CFHLA Membership Committee Chair Frank Dolley, General Manager of the Coco Key Hotel and Water Resort - Orlando, the Membership Committee Members, leaders from our CFHLA Board of Directors, and the ARC Board Members who joined us in welcoming these new members to the association!

After nearly four years of collaborative leadership and forward-thinking, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the advancement of a proposed indoor sports complex near the Boombah Sports Complex and Orlando Sanford International Airport. This public-private partnership represents a significant investment in the County’s growing sports tourism economy and underscores Central Florida’s position as a premier destination for tournaments, competitions, and large-scale events.

 

Planned as a multi-purpose venue, this game-changing indoor complex will include up to 12 basketball courts, 22 volleyball courts, championship seating, flexible event space, and a 25-court beach volleyball complex designed to attract year-round visitation.

 

The project will also deliver lasting economic and community-wide benefits, along with improving the quality of life for Seminole County residents. Updated projections estimate the complex could generate approximately $2.4 billion in total net economic benefit, including increased spending at area hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and transportation providers. The venue is expected to attract more than 322,000 annual indoor event attendees, generate approximately 42,000 hotel room nights each year, and support an estimated 562 new jobs.

Beyond its economic impact, the proposed complex would provide long-term community value by serving local schools, families, and organizations while also offering flexible space for graduations, community gatherings, and emergency sheltering operations during hurricane events.

This is WIN-WIN for our industry and community, and this would not have been possible without the unique and coordinated partnership between the Seminole County and our visitors who pay both TDT and TID when they visit our community. Thank you again to each of the Seminole County Commissioners for their continued support of this visionary project and our local hotel operators for their collaboration! Additionally, thank you to County Manager Darren Gray and our CFHLA Honorary Board Member Gui Cunha for your incredible partnership with the hospitality industry to make this happen!

Last week, CFHLA’s AM Leads Group gathered for another productive monthly meeting focused on building connections, sharing business leads, and strengthening partnerships within Central Florida’s hospitality industry. The leads group continues to serve as a valuable platform for members to collaborate, exchange referrals, and discuss opportunities to support one another’s businesses.

 

This month’s meeting featured a special guest speaker, Frank Dolley, CFHLA Board Member and General Manager of CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort – Orlando. Frank shared his perspective as a lodging leader and highlighted the importance of strong relationships between hotels and allied members in helping create successful partnerships throughout the industry.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another engaging and collaborative Leads meeting. We look forward to continuing the conversations at next month’s gathering!

If you are interested in learning more about our CFHLA Leads Groups, please contact Jonathan Watson, CFHLA Member Services Manager at jonathan.watson@cfhla.org.

As part of the CFHLA Adopt-A-School Program, The Celeste Hotel recently showed its support for Riverdale Elementary School by providing breakfast for students and staff during end-of-year testing.

 

This thoughtful gesture helped kick off testing days with encouragement and positivity, ensuring students and educators felt supported during this important time of year. From nutritious breakfast items to smiling faces, The Celeste Hotel team helped create a welcoming and uplifting start to the school day.

 

CFHLA is grateful to The Celeste Hotel for continuing to invest in the success and well-being of Riverdale Elementary School students and staff through the Adopt-A-School Program. Their partnership and generosity continue to make a meaningful impact within the school community.

CFHLA is proud to recognize our May Lodging Member of the Month, Richard Hess, Hotel Manager at Hilton Orlando. This recognition reflects his exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion for CFHLA and the broader Central Florida Hospitality Industry. Richard’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has actively supported and participated in several CFHLA signature events and recent selection into the inaugural NextGen Leadership Council. Furthermore, his continued engagement and willingness to contribute his time and expertise have played an integral role in helping move our organization and the industry forward.

 

We are equally proud to recognize our May Allied Member of the Month, Kim Dvorscak, VP of Client Relations for Xpodigital, for her outstanding involvement as a CFHLA VIP Member! Additionally, her ongoing support of our community-wide initiatives, as well as participation and sponsorship of so many annual CFHLA signature events, has been a tremendous help to the association. She’s truly helped CFHLA reach new heights! Not to mention, we are thankful for the in-kind donation of the new digital TV’s that look fantastic in our CFHLA office!

 

It is through these positive contributions and continued partnership that we are eager to recognize both of them this month!