This week, CFHLA also hosted our first UCF Area/East Orlando Lodging Leadership Meeting of 2026 at The Celeste Hotel, Orlando A Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Thank you again to General Manager Matthew McAlister and Director of Sales Sarah Ehmke, for graciously hosting the meeting!

The meeting featured an update from Jordan Lyda from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission. Furthermore, our lodging leaders also heard valuable updates from Brandon Ragan and Larry Clifton of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

 

CFHLA would like to thank our 2026 UCF Area/East Orlando Lodging Leadership meeting sponsors including:

CFHLA is proud to announce that the Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards will be held on Thursday, May 28, at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Once again, CFHLA will host this reception to recognize lodging nominees at the supervisory and management levels and award the honorees who best symbolize quality services in our region.

 

CFHLA Lodging Members are encouraged to nominate deserving team members from their property. To qualify, an individual must hold a supervisory or management position. Director and Executive level management are only eligible for the “Executive of the Year” category.

Only CFHLA Lodging properties may nominate professionals and nominations are due by Wednesday, April 15.
 
For more information and a full list of categories, please visit CLICK HERE.

This Women’s History Month, we'd like to take a moment to recognize three remarkable women whose leadership has shaped Central Florida’s hospitality industry.

 

First, Pat Engfer’s 40-year career set the standard for excellence, from serving as General Manager at various Hyatt Hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, and most notably as Area Vice President and General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. She served as Board Chairman in 2002 and 2006 and was recognized as the CFHLA Lodging Member of the Year in 1998. Pat was inducted into our CFHLA Legends Hall of Fame in 2018 and her legacy continues to inspire leaders across our region.

 

Secondly, Carolyn Fennell’s four decades as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Community Relations at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority helped transform the Orlando International Airport into a global gateway, championing tourism and community impact along the way. She also generously volunteered her time and expertise on the CFHLA’s Board of Directors from 2016 - 2024 and was the recipient of the 2023 CFHLA Charles Andrews Memorial Hospitality Award, which is the highest hospitality award given by CFHLA. Her work ensured that Central Florida’s first impression for millions of visitors reflected the strength of our destination.

Lastly, Barb Bowden’s journey from front desk clerk to overseeing operations at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando is inspiring. As Area Managing Director, Barb oversees some of the most iconic Central Florida properties. Additionally, Barb served as our 2024 CFHLA Board Chair and her impact has extended far beyond operations, playing a vital role in strengthening our industry’s voice through advocacy, expanding membership engagement, and deepening community partnerships. Also, a two-time Lodging Member of the Month and the 2025 Lodging Member of the Year, Barb’s commitment to excellence continues to set the standard for our industry. Furthermore, her leadership continues to guide our industry forward, as the current Chair of the Visit Orlando Board of Directors, while remaining a champion for hospitality, community, and the next generation of leaders.

 

Together, these women represent the strength, leadership, dedication, and community spirit that continues to move our industry forward. We thank all of them for their lasting contributions and for setting the example for our industry and our community.

Join CFHLA this Sunday, March 29th when the Orlando Storm kick off their inaugural season at 8 pm at Inter&Co Stadium. Also, Florida’s own DJ Khaled is coming home and performing LIVE at halftime.

 

With professional football officially returning to Central Florida, this is the first kickoff in Orlando Storm history, and it’ll be a full-scale Storm experience.

CFHLA Members can take advantage of discounted tickets (35% off tickets!) by CLICKING HERE.

 

🎟 Don’t miss the moment the Storm officially makes landfall!  

CFHLA is proud to recognize Hampton Inn & Suites at Gateway Village and Hyatt House Orlando Airport for their partnership with Cheney Elementary School through our Adopt-A-School program.

 

In support of the school’s Resiliency Day, the hotel teams donated granola bars and thoughtfully curated self-care bags for teachers and staff, with items such as herbal tea, sleep masks, and ear plugs to encourage rest and relaxation. The initiative also supported Procurement Impact, helping provide job opportunities for refugees while giving back to the school community. Staff were invited to enjoy snacks, refreshments, and a special “Zen Den” space designed to help them unwind and recharge.

 

Thank you to the teams at Hampton Inn & Suites at Gateway Village and Hyatt House Orlando Airport for prioritizing wellness and showing appreciation for the incredible educators at Cheney Elementary School!

CFHLA is proud to recognize our March Lodging Member of the Month, John Power, Managing Director at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. This recognition reflects John's exceptional leadership, dedication, passion, and ongoing support for CFHLA and the Central Florida Hospitality Industry. John’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has actively supported and participated in several CFHLA’s signature events and shown outstanding leadership through service on both the CFHLA Board of Directors and the CFHLA PAC/PC Board of Directors. Additionally, his engagement, insight, and willingness to contribute his time and expertise over the past few years has played an important role in helping move our organization and industry forward.

 

We are equally proud to recognize our March Allied Member of the Month, Angela Roach, CEO for A&E Hospitality Solutions LLC. Angela’s outstanding involvement as a CFHLA Silver Partner Member, active participation in CFHLA signature events, dedicated service on numerous committees, and support of community-wide initiatives exemplify her commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry.

 

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

Why we support CFHLA: We’re excited to support the CFHLA in 2026. CFHLA’s work bringing organizations together to strengthen both the industry and the local community aligns closely with our purpose to Be A Fuel For Good. At Gas South, caring for our customers, employees and community guides what we do, and it’s why we commit 5% of our annual profits to helping children in need. Serving others and doing what’s right are core values for us, and we’re proud to partner with organizations that create real opportunities and build stronger communities.

 

Company Snapshot: As we celebrate 20 years of fueling good, Gas South remains focused on delivering exceptional value, service, and simplicity. That commitment has helped us become the Southeast’s leading natural gas provider. We work closely with the hospitality industry to evaluate and tailor natural gas solutions that fit specific needs through energy choice programs. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CFHLA and supporting the organizations that help this industry thrive.