CFHLA is pleased to congratulate our CFHLA Member Orlando World Center Marriott, the world’s largest Marriott hotel under one roof, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since opening on May 15, 1986, with 1,500 guest rooms, this iconic resort has now grown into a 2,010-room destination and a cornerstone of Central Florida’s hospitality and meetings industry. Today, the property offers more than 500,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space across five ballrooms, making it one of the premier convention resorts in the region.

 

To commemorate the milestone, the resort has launched its “Pick Your Perks” offer, available for stays booked through December 23, 2026. Guests booking two nights or more receive one curated perk per night, with options including private cabanas for up to four guests, weekend poolside daybeds, championship golf with equipment rental, or a $150 dining credit redeemable at Siro Urban Italian Kitchen and Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. With its expansive amenities - including a redesigned championship golf course, full-service spa, and River Falls Water Park featuring slides, a lazy river, and splash zones - the resort continues to deliver immersive experiences for leisure, business, and group travelers.

 

On behalf of CFHLA, congratulations to General Manager Robert Bray, Hotel Manager Tyler Spaulding, and the entire Orlando World Center Marriott team on 40 remarkable years of hospitality excellence and we wish you continued success in the years ahead!

 

Your continued commitment to excellence has helped shape the property’s legacy over the past four decades and helped to keep Central Florida as the number one tourist destination in the nation!

CFHLA would also like to congratulate our CFHLA Member Coca-Cola Beverages Florida (Coke Florida) on the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art Orlando Distribution Center, marking a significant investment in the region's economic growth and infrastructure.

 

The new facility officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours on June 16, 2026. The distribution center represents Coke Florida's continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and customer service throughout Central Florida.

 

Central Florida is now home to nearly 1,000 Coke Florida associates working across sales, manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. The new facility enhances the company's ability to serve customers more efficiently while supporting future growth throughout the region.

 

The investment in advanced distribution capabilities and production facility upgrades reflects Coke Florida's dedication to being a preferred employer, a trusted community partner, and a driving force for economic development throughout Florida.

 

CFHLA is proud to celebrate the success of valued industry partners like Coke Florida and looks forward to their continued contributions to Central Florida's thriving hospitality and tourism industry.

Mark your calendar to join us for CFHLA’s premier year-end celebration! The Hospitality Gala will be held on Saturday, December 12, at the Hilton Orlando. CFHLA extends its appreciation to Chris Mueller and the Hilton Orlando team for hosting this year's event.

 

The five-month payment plan for Gala table purchases is now available. Secure your table of 10 with five monthly installments of $360, paid between July and November. This plan is available exclusively for tables and is not available for individual tickets. The total cost for a table of 10 is $1,800.

 

The Hospitality Gala is CFHLA’s annual celebration to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, recognize our Allied Member of the Year, Lodging Member of the Year, and Engineer Member of the Year, and honor the recipient of the Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award for Community Leadership, the highest recognition presented by CFHLA.
 
Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of recognition, networking, and celebration with your hospitality industry colleagues. Sign up for the payment plan today and reserve your table!
 
For additional event details, please visit our website by CLICKING HERE. For questions, please contact Kim Gordon at kim.gordon@cfhla.org.

This week, CFHLA was proud to join hospitality and tourism professionals at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center for Experience Kissimmee's Destination Update. During the update, DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, and his team provided insights into current marketing initiatives, visitor trends, and strategies designed to drive continued visitation to Osceola County and the greater Kissimmee area.

 

Another key highlight was an update on the proposed Azure Hotel & Convention Center development in Downtown Kissimmee. This $180 million project is expected to bring a new level of hospitality and convention space to the area, featuring upscale accommodations, rooftop amenities, and a nature-inspired design reflective of Central Florida. The development is anticipated to attract new visitors, generate economic activity, and further position Downtown Kissimmee as a vibrant destination for residents and travelers alike.

As part of CFHLA’s Adopt-A-School Program, CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort Orlando recently joined Meadow Woods Elementary School in commemorating a milestone that marked the end of an era while honoring a lasting legacy. 

 

The CoCo Key team had the honor of bringing Coco, the resort’s beloved parrot mascot, to the school’s closing ceremony, where former students, families, teachers, past principals, and community partners gathered to reflect on the countless memories created within the school’s walls. The event was filled with heartfelt moments as attendees celebrated the friendships, achievements, and positive impact Meadow Woods Elementary has had on generations of students and the surrounding community.

 

By participating in this meaningful occasion, the CoCo Key Orlando team demonstrated the power of community partnerships and the importance of honoring the schools that help shape future leaders. While the doors of Meadow Woods Elementary may close, its spirit and legacy will continue to live on through the many lives it has touched.

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 have 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 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 a tremendous help to the association and to the broader Central Florida hospitality industry. 

 

It’s because of these positive contributions and their continued partnership that we are excited to recognize and celebrate both Steven and Greg as our Members of the Month!