Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Celebrates 2026 VIP Members
at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
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This week, we celebrated our VIP Members with a special networking breakfast! We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all 40 of our 2026 VIP Members for their unwavering support and incredible commitment to CFHLA throughout the year.
Our CFHLA VIP Members are not only among the organization's strongest supporters, but they also dedicate a tremendous amount of time, talent, and resources to advancing our mission and strengthening Central Florida's hospitality industry.
We are grateful to each of them, and a special thanks to the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando and Benjamin McCarney, General Manager and CFHLA Board Member for his hospitality and by hosting this breakfast.
Once again, we thank our 2026 VIP Members for your leadership, partnership, and continued investment in the success of CFHLA and our industry!
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CFHLA Members Recognized Among
Florida's Best Resorts by Travel+Leisure
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CFHLA proudly congratulates four of our lodging members on being recognized in Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards among the Best Resorts in Florida. The annual awards are based on votes from more than 207,000 readers who evaluate hotels and resorts on service, accommodation, amenities, location, dining, and overall guest experience.
Congratulations to our outstanding lodging member properties including:
This prestigious recognition reflects the exceptional hospitality, world-class service, and unforgettable guest experiences that continue to make Central Florida a premier travel destination. CFHLA is proud to celebrate these achievements and its commitment to excellence, which helps strengthen our region's reputation as the number one hospitality destination in the United States.
Congratulations to each of these deserving resorts on this well-earned recognition!
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CFHLA Leadership in Hospitality Series Helps Emerging Leaders Step Into Supervision
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This week, we continued our Leadership in Hospitality Series with an engaging and insightful educational session focused on how emerging leaders can navigate the transition from peer to supervisor in the workplace. Hospitality professionals learned how to establish credibility, communicate with confidence, set clear expectations, navigate difficult conversations, and foster positive team relationships while leading former coworkers effectively.
we continued our Leadership in Hospitality Series with an engaging and insightful session focused on how emerging leaders can navigate the transition from peer to supervisor in the workplace. Attendees learned how to establish credibility, communicate with confidence, set clear expectations, navigate difficult conversations, and foster positive team relationships while successfully leading former peers.
Thank you again to our presenters, Dr. Vicki Lavendol of UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management and CFHLA Board Member Erin Arpke, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando, for sharing their expertise and valuable perspectives with the hospitality professionals in attendance.
We would also like to thank Dean Mejia, Dr. Jorge Ridderstaat, and UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management for providing a welcoming venue, as well as our series sponsor, Staff Pro Workforce Solutions, for making this educational opportunity possible.
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CFHLA looks forward to continuing to educate and grow our industry professionals through the 2026 Leadership in Hospitality Series. Click below to learn more about upcoming educational seminars and professional development opportunities.
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CFHLA Engineers Council Now
Accepting Scholarship Applications
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The CFHLA Engineers Council is now accepting scholarship applications for Valencia College Accelerated Skills Training Programs, designed to help hospitality professionals advance their careers in engineering and facilities operations.
The two scholarship opportunities - that will be paid 100% by the Engineers Council - include:
Both programs are held at Valencia College, and if selected, the professional(s) will have their entire program covered with this scholarship. Additionally, the funds will be paid directly to the College.
To apply, the applicant must be employed by a CFHLA Member Property for at least six months, be 18 years of age or older, provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, and include a letter of recommendation from a supervisor.
The scholarship application deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026.
Applications should be submitted via email to Melanie Anesh, Director of Industry Relations and Community Impact, at melanie.anesh@cfhla.org.
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Orlando Hosting Four Qualifiers for the 2028 Olympics
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This week, the International Olympic Committee announced the sports program for each stop of the Olympic Q-Series, a premier qualification event on the road to the LA28 Olympic Games.
Central Florida looks forward to once again taking on the global spotlight, as Orlando has been selected as one of only four international host cities for the 2028 Olympic Q-Series. The Orlando stop will feature flag football, beach volleyball, sport climbing, and a skateboarding park. The events will take place in Orlando from June 8 – 11, 2028.
Congratulations again to our valued partners at the City of Orlando, Visit Orlando, and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission for their leadership in securing this world-class event. We look forward to welcoming these elite athletes and international fans from around the world, as we showcase the exceptional hospitality that makes Central Florida the premier international destination!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR JULY
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is honored to recognize Scott Disson of Courtyard Orlando Airport as our July Lodging Member of the Month. This recognition reflects Scott's outstanding leadership, dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to CFHLA and the Central Florida hospitality industry. Scott has actively participated in numerous CFHLA signature events over the years and has been a valued contributor to our Airport Area Lodging Leadership Meetings. He has also served on several CFHLA committees and councils, including the Adopt-A-School Committee and Membership Committee, and was recently appointed to the CFHLA Board of Directors. Scott's engagement, leadership, and willingness to share his time and expertise have strengthened both our organization and the hospitality industry.
We are also proud to recognize David Torres of Common Sense Office Furniture as our Allied Member of the Month. Over the past year, David has been a tremendous partner to CFHLA, and we are incredibly grateful for his support throughout our office relocation and renovation. From assisting with multiple office moves to helping us furnish our newly renovated office, David's expertise and dedication have played a significant role in creating a workspace our team is proud to call home.
We are honored to recognize and celebrate Scott and David as our July Members of the Month. Their continued partnership and engagement exemplify the spirit of CFHLA, and we sincerely appreciate their contributions to the Central Florida hospitality industry.
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Meet Our Silver Partners:
Ashberry Water Conditioning, Inc. & employU, Inc.
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Ashberry Water Conditioning
proudly supports the CFHLA because we believe in strengthening the hospitality community we serve. CFHLA's mission to elevate industry standards, support workforce development, and advocate for the hospitality industry aligns with our commitment to helping hotels deliver exceptional guest experiences.
For nearly 80 years, Ashberry Water Conditioning has provided high-quality water treatment solutions that improve water clarity, protect critical equipment, reduce operating costs, and enhance comfort for both guests and associates. From extending the life of water-using equipment to improving overall system efficiency, our customized solutions help hotels maintain reliable operations while creating a better experience for everyone who walks through their doors.
We value the relationships we've built with hospitality professionals throughout Central Florida and are proud to partner with CFHLA in supporting an industry that drives our region's economy. Together, we are investing in the future of Central Florida hospitality and the dedicated people who make it thrive every day.
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employU is proud to be a 2026 Silver Partner of CFHLA. We share CFHLA's commitment to strengthening Central Florida's hospitality industry by supporting workforce development and creating meaningful employment opportunities through inclusive hiring practices.
As a nonprofit disability employment organization, employU connects talented job seekers - including individuals with disabilities and other diverse backgrounds - with hospitality employers seeking skilled, dedicated team members. Through career development, job placement, and ongoing support, we help build a stronger, more inclusive workforce that benefits both employers and employees.
By partnering with CFHLA, we are helping expand the hospitality talent pipeline while creating opportunities for individuals to achieve meaningful employment and long-term career success. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CFHLA and its members to foster an inclusive, thriving hospitality community throughout Central Florida.
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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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