Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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Celebrating CFHLA's 2026 VIP Members
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CFHLA is proud to recognize and thank our 40 esteemed VIP members for their dedication, partnership, and unwavering support throughout the year!
Our VIP Members play a vital role in the success of our Association and your impact extends beyond your individual organizations. We are grateful for your significant investment and the continued trust that you place in CFHLA. Through your leadership and active engagement, we are able to further our mission of advocacy, collaboration, education, recognition, and service while making a meaningful impact on our community where we live, work, and play.
Your partnership is essential to advancing our collective goals and ensuring Central Florida remains a premier hospitality destination.
Thank you for being more than members! You are leaders, ambassadors, and valued partners in our shared success. Together, we are building a stronger and more connected hospitality community across the Central Florida Region!
Please join us in thanking our 2026 CFHLA VIP members including:
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CFHLA Safety & Security Summit Inspires the Next Generation of Hospitality Security Professionals
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This year, nearly 100 students participated in this hands-on experience, exploring the critical role safety and security professionals play in protecting guests, employees, and visitors throughout Central Florida. From surveillance technology and emergency response to risk management and customer service de-escalation, students gained valuable insight into the skills and responsibilities required in this essential field.
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Special thanks to Mark Cartotto and the entire security team at Caribe Royale Orlando for graciously hosting this year's summit. We are also grateful to our CFHLA Security & Safety Council Members for sharing their knowledge and insights with the students, helping inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals including:
John Lombardo, Senior Security Manager,
Walt Disney World Company
David Long, Director of Security,
Hilton Vacation Club Cypress Pointe Orlando
Keith McRae, Director of Security & Guest Transportation,
Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort
Clint Sode, Security Director,
Hilton Vacation Club Aqua Sol Orlando West
Candace Raines, Assistant Director of Security,
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
& Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Laura Taylor, Security Investigations Manager,
Walt Disney World Company
We also thank the following safety and security partners for engaging with students, sharing their knowledge, and demonstrating the wide range of career paths available across the industry:
Experiences like this demonstrate the power of bringing education and industry professionals together. By connecting students with experienced professionals and exposing them to real-world career opportunities, CFHLA and its partners are helping develop the next generation of talent while reinforcing the importance of safety and security across our region.
Once again, thank you to Orange County Public Schools, the CFHLA Security & Safety Council, Caribe Royale Orlando, and all participating industry and public safety partners for investing their time and expertise in these students.
Together, we are opening doors to future careers, strengthening our workforce, and helping ensure Central Florida remains a safe and welcoming destination for all.
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LAST CHANCE: CFHLA 2026
Member of the Year Nominations
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Behind Central Florida’s thriving hospitality industry are dedicated professionals whose leadership, service, and commitment to excellence has made a lasting difference. Now is your opportunity to help recognize those who go above and beyond!
Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Lodging, Allied, and Engineer of the Year Awards. Help us shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses who strengthen our industry, support their peers, and make CFHLA’s membership community exceptional.
Award recipients will be honored at the CFHLA Hospitality Gala on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando.
Who has made a meaningful impact on you, your organization, or our industry? Take a moment to recognize their contributions and help ensure their dedication receives the recognition it deserves.
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Final HR Seminar Equips Hospitality Leaders with Critical Employment Updates
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This week, CFHLA hosted its third and final Human Resources Seminar of the year at UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, bringing hospitality professionals together to strengthen their knowledge and stay ahead of the employment issues shaping today’s workplace.
The seminar featured an informative presentation by Tasos Paindiris of Jackson Lewis, who provided timely updates on key human resources topics, including employment litigation trends, wage and hour developments, new Department of Labor opinion letters and regulatory changes, the EEOC’s updated strategic plan, managing suspicious ADA and FMLA requests, and best practices for responding to workplace complaints and conducting internal investigations.
With employment regulations and workplace challenges continually evolving, access to current information and practical guidance is essential for hospitality employers. Attendees left with valuable insights to help navigate complex situations, strengthen compliance practices, and make more informed decisions within their organizations.
CFHLA extends its sincere thanks to Tasos Paindiris and Jackson Lewis for sharing their expertise and supporting our commitment to professional development and education across Central Florida’s hospitality industry.
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Thank you again to each of our 2026 Human Resources Seminar Series sponsors, including:
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October Presenting Sponsor:
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2026 HR Series Corporate Partners:
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Holiday Cash Raffle Returns for 2026!
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Feeling lucky this holiday season, enter the CFHLA Foundation Holiday Cash Raffle today. New to this year, two lucky winners will win up to $3,000 cash while supporting programs that strengthen and advance Central Florida's hospitality industry.
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For just $50 per ticket, you'll have the opportunity to win:
- 1st Prize: $3,000
- 2nd Prize: $1,000
Proceeds from the raffle benefit the CFHLA Foundation, helping fund workforce development, educational initiatives, leadership programs, and other efforts that support the future of hospitality in our community.
Only 250 tickets will be sold and the winning tickets will be drawn on Saturday, December 12, 2026. You do not need to be present to win so don't miss this chance to support a great cause and enter to win some holiday cash!
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Hyatt House Orlando Airport and Domino’s
Team Up to Support Cheney Elementary
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Strong school communities are built when local businesses invest their time, resources, and hearts in the students and families they serve.
Hyatt House Orlando Airport, alongside Cindy Traenkner of Domino’s, helped make Cheney Elementary School’s annual Family Game Night a memorable experience through their Adopt-A-School partnership. Hyatt House team members Ally, Greg, and Vanessa served fresh pizza as students and their families came together to enjoy an evening filled with games, laughter, and quality time.
A special thank-you goes to Cindy for generously donating the pizza and helping make the evening possible. These contributions may seem simple, but they help create opportunities for families to connect, strengthen school relationships, and build lasting memories outside the classroom.
CFHLA is proud to see our members and community partners working together to support local schools in meaningful ways. When hospitality businesses show up for their schools, they help create stronger connections, more supportive communities, and brighter experiences for the next generation.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OCTOBER
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is proud to recognize Daniel Vidal of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate as our Lodging Member of the Month for October!
Daniel’s dedication to CFHLA is reflected in his leadership on our Engineers’ Council, his participation in signature events, and his consistent willingness to share his time and expertise. His engagement has helped strengthen connections among hospitality professionals and supported the collaboration that keeps our industry moving forward.
We are grateful for Daniel’s continued involvement and the leadership he brings to CFHLA and the broader hospitality community.
CFHLA is also excited to recognize Julie Schroeder of Your Environment’s Solution as our Allied Member of the Month for October!
Julie’s commitment to CFHLA goes well beyond membership. From supporting signature events and participating in the Patriot Day Adopt-A-Station Program to serving on the Engineers’ Clay Shoot Fundraising Committee, she consistently finds ways to contribute to our association and community.
Her generosity, thoughtful feedback, and willingness to lend a hand make her a valued partner and an important part of CFHLA’s hospitality network. We sincerely appreciate Julie’s continued support and the positive impact of her involvement.
Once again, we are honored to recognize and celebrate Daniel and Julie as our October Members of the Month!
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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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