Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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Championing Hospitality: Supporting Our Industry’s Future Through Political Action
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This week, more than 250 CFHLA members, proud sponsors, elected officials, and our tourism and community partners came together once again at Eagles Edge at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate for this year’s Tee It Up for Tourism CFHLA PAC fundraiser.
The net proceeds from this fundraising event will go towards the CFHLA Political Action Committee, which will fight to protect and support the interests of the Central Florida hospitality and tourism industry throughout the 2026 Election Cycle. This work includes educating and mobilizing our members to become more politically active and supporting a bipartisan slate of state and local candidates who are true “pro-tourism” and hospitality champions.
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We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this critically important fundraising event. By coming together, you helped our CFHLA PAC be better positioned to protect and advance the hospitality and tourism industry into the future and ensure the region’s hospitality and tourism sector remains strong and well represented.
We hope you enjoyed the evening, and check our social media channels next week for the full event photo album!
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Special thanks to our host:
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Thank you, once again to our Tee It Up for Tourism sponsors for their generous support of this important fundraiser including:
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Honoring Those Who Give Back: CFHLA Members Recognized at OCPS Crystal Awards
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Last week, CFHLA was proud to attend and support the Orange County Public Schools Crystal Awards, where several CFHLA Members were recognized and celebrated for their outstanding commitment to Adopt-A-School partnerships.
Through this impactful program, more than 117 Allied and Lodging members continue to foster meaningful connections with local schools, helping to create valuable opportunities that inspires students, and provides resources for students across the Central Florida Region.
Hosted by the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, this year’s Crystal Awards celebrated the 55th anniversary of Additions School Volunteers and the 45th anniversary of Partners in Education. The event honored exceptional volunteers, partners, and coordinators whose dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of OCPS students.
CFHLA was honored to stand alongside its members in supporting educational initiatives that invest in the next generation and reflect the very best of hospitality: service, leadership, and care.
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CFHLA Member Crystal Awards Cadre and District Program Honorees:
CFHLA Member Crystal Awards School-Level Honorees:
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If your business is looking for a way to give back while making a real difference, we invite you to join us. Learn more about how you can get involved in the Adopt-A-School program, CLICK HERE.
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Future Chefs Take the Spotlight at Osceola Cooks 2026
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This week, the CFHLA Foundation was proud to sponsor the 4th Annual Osceola Cooks Culinary Competition at Osceola Heritage Park, which featured more than 150 students from six (6) local high schools. This important competition gave culinary and hospitality students a chance to showcase their skills and learn from industry leaders along the way. We appreciate all the CFHLA members who helped volunteer, and congratulations to all this year’s competitors and winners!
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CFHLA Launches 2026 Leadership in Hospitality Series
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This week, CFHLA kicked off the 2026 Leadership in Hospitality Series with an engaging and insightful session focused on how leaders can successfully navigate today’s rapidly changing hospitality landscape. The discussion explored key challenges such as market volatility, workforce disruptions, and evolving guest expectations, while highlighting strategic approaches to remain agile, competitive, and forward-thinking.
Thank you to our presenters, Dr. Vicki Lavendol of UCF Rosen College and CFHLA Immediate Past Chair Chris Mueller of Hilton Orlando, for sharing their expertise and valuable perspectives with attendees. Their insights provided meaningful takeaways for leaders looking to strengthen their approach to strategy, forecasting, workforce planning, and guest experience.
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CFHLA looks forward to continuing to bring industry leaders together through the 2026 Leadership in Hospitality Series and click below to learn more about future educational seminars.
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First CARES Collection Drive of 2026 is Next Week
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Join CFHLA in making a difference by participating in the upcoming CARES Collection Drive next Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 10:00am to 2:00pm in the CFHLA office parking lot.
Each year, this initiative helps provide essential resources to students in need across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties, ensuring they are equipped for success both in and out of the classroom.
This year’s drive will focus on collecting much-needed school supplies and hygiene items, helping to ease the burden for students and families throughout Central Florida. From notebooks and pencils to everyday essentials, every donation makes a meaningful impact. A full list of requested items can be found in the event flyer.
CFHLA invites you to stop by, drop off donations, and be part of this collective effort to uplift our local students.
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Welcome Jags! NFL Announces the Jacksonville Jaguars will play in Camping World Stadium
for 2027 Season
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Big news for Central Florida! This week, the NFL announced the Jacksonville Jaguars will be bringing the energy, intensity, and their season right into the heart of Orlando in 2027.
As the nation’s leading destination for sports and tourism, this milestone moment reflects the strength and collaboration among the regional hospitality industry and our tourism partners - and the collective impact of our members, professionals, and partners who continue to create world-class experiences every single day. Together, we look forward to supporting NFL fans from across the world for an unforgettable season at Camping World Stadium that'll showcase Central Florida on a global stage.
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re:fab Brings Storytelling to Life at
Longwood Elementary
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CFHLA’s Adopt-A-School Program continues to create meaningful moments of connection, as members invest their time and talents in local classrooms. Recently, Deleila Baskett from re:fab spent time at Longwood Elementary School, reading to Mrs. Morton’s class and engaging students through storytelling.
The students’ enthusiasm and appreciation made the experience especially rewarding, highlighting the impact of simply showing up and connecting. By encouraging students to explore their favorite genres, Deleila also helped spark conversations about how their interests today can shape future career paths. Thank you to the team at re:fab for your continued support of our community’s students!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
MEMBERS OF THE MONTH
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CFHLA is proud to recognize our April Lodging Member of the Month, Sylvie Dervaux, General Manager at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. This recognition reflects her exceptional leadership, dedication, passion, and ongoing support demonstrated for CFHLA and the Central Florida Hospitality industry. Sylvie’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has actively supported and participated in several CFHLA’s signature events and shown outstanding leadership through service on the CFHLA Board of Directors and several committees including the Hospitality Gala Committee. Additionally, her outstanding leadership as Vice Chair of the Scholarship Committee has been tremendous this year. With her support, we are going to have the opportunity to support a record-breaking number of local students this year who are interested in pursuing a career in hospitality and/or culinary and achieving the American Dream!
We are equally proud to recognize our April Allied Member of the Month, Brett Iacovone, General Manager for PCPI Services, Inc. Brett’s outstanding involvement as a new 2026 CFHLA VIP Member and kind generosity is much appreciated. We also thank him for providing our CFHLA office with a new refrigerator and his continued participation and sponsorship of so many annual CFHLA signature events! Plus, his service on our CFHLA committees and ongoing support of our community-wide initiatives has been of tremendous help to the association and to the broader Central Florida Hospitality Industry.
It is through these positive contributions and continued partnership that we are eager to recognize both of them this month!
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Meet the VIP: ATMFLA, Inc.
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ATMFLA has been a proud member of CFHLA since 2001 and a VIP member since the program’s inception, earning a distinguished reputation for its commitment to the hospitality industry. This ongoing dedication has been recognized with two CFHLA Allied of the Year Awards!
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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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