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September 25, 2026 |
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Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors |
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CFHLA Board of Directors Plans for 2027 and Beyond |
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This week, the CFHLA Board of Directors gathered for its Annual Board Retreat to reflect on the association’s progress, discuss our strategic plan, and chart the course for 2027 and beyond. We sincerely appreciate our Board Chair and Area General Manager Jon McGavin and the entire team at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for graciously hosting this year’s retreat.
As part of the day, Board members had the opportunity to hear from Amanda Livermore and Courtney Hand of Cristo Rey Orlando High School. Since opening its doors in August 2025, Cristo Rey Orlando has brought a unique college-preparatory model to Central Florida, combining rigorous academics with a Corporate Work Study Program designed to prepare students for future success.
Additionally, the retreat provided an important opportunity for our Board Members to engage in thoughtful discussions on the key priorities for the association’s future, as well as aligning our partnerships, and initiatives that will continue moving CFHLA forward. |
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A special thank you goes to our Board of Directors Retreat sponsor for their generous support in making this critical retreat possible: |
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Lastly, following the retreat, CFHLA hosted more than 150 CFHLA members for our final After-Hours Reception of the year.
We extend our sincere thanks to our After-Hours sponsor: |
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Boost Your Visibility with CFHLA Sponsorship Opportunities |
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There is still time to showcase your company in 2026! CFHLA has a variety of events, publications, and digital sponsorship opportunities still available, providing valuable exposure to CFHLA Members and Central Florida’s hospitality community.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: CFHLA Gives Luncheon – Corporate Sponsor | $2,000 Support an inspiring luncheon where CFHLA will distribute our 2026 hospitality student scholarships, family member scholarships, and community grants. Get your company noticed by more than 200 golfers at one of CFHLA’s most popular networking events of the year. Take center stage at CFHLA’s signature end-of-year celebration, bringing together more than 1,000 CFHLA Members, partners, and community leaders.
CLICK HERE for additional information & benefits.
PUBLICATION & DIGITAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: CFHLA Explore & Engage Events Newsletter – 4th Quarter | $1,500 Promote your company in CFHLA’s quarterly events newsletter, distributed to the entire membership (2,000+ people).
Featured Member Spotlight – November or December | $1,000 / month Receive prominent exposure on the front page of the CFHLA website and on our in-house lobby PowerPoint display.
Back of the House Newsletter Reach 2,000+ CFHLA members and hospitality professionals through advertising in our monthly newsletter.
CLICK HERE for additional information & benefits.
Whether you are looking for exposure at a major CFHLA event or ongoing visibility through our publications and digital platforms, these opportunities are a great way to promote your company and connect with CFHLA membership.
For questions, please contact Kim Gordon at kim.gordon@cfhla.org. |
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Celebrate the Power of Giving at the annual CFHLA Gives Luncheon |
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Please join us on Wednesday, October 14, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, for our annual CFHLA GIVES Scholarship Luncheon, presented by Experience Kissimmee.
More than a luncheon, CFHLA GIVES is an opportunity to invest in the people and communities that make Central Florida’s hospitality industry stronger. This special afternoon will shine a spotlight on the partnerships, programs, and individuals creating opportunities today while helping shape the future of our industry.
During the luncheon, CFHLA will recognize our Adopt-A-School partners and distribute more than $250,000 in community grants, educational grants, family member scholarships, and hospitality student scholarships to support students, families, and future hospitality professionals.
Every scholarship and grant represents more than financial support—it represents an investment in education, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders who will carry our industry forward.
Attendees can also make a difference by participating in the CFHLA Cares Collection Drive, benefiting local students in need.
Together, we can give, invest, and create opportunities that make a lasting difference! |
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For questions, please contact Kim Gordon at kim.gordon@cfhla.org. |
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Hospitality and Tourism Leaders Join OEP Executive Leadership Mission |
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This week, several CFHLA leaders, members, and tourism partners participated in the Orlando Economic Partnership’s 2026 Executive Leadership Mission, held in Austin, Texas. The mission brought together more than 100 business, civic, and elected leaders for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s fastest-growing innovation hubs through site visits, leadership discussions, and peer-to-peer engagement.
For CFHLA, it was important that Central Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry had a seat at the table and was represented in these important conversations about Central Florida’s future. Tourism remains the number one economic driver for our region and the decisions being made today around economic development, workforce, transportation, infrastructure and innovation will directly influence the future of our hotels, team members and future visitors.
As our region works to attract new investment and industries, hospitality and tourism must remain part of the economic development strategy. Not just because of the industry’s existing economic impact, but because our hotels, meeting facilities, attractions and hospitality workforce help provide the infrastructure and experiences that allow Central Florida to welcome businesses, talent, conventions and investment from around the world.
The Executive Leadership Mission reinforced an important message: Central Florida’s future economic success will be strongest when tourism, technology, education, government and the broader business community grow and collaborate together. CFHLA looks forward to continuing to be part of those conversations and ensuring our hospitality industry remains a leading partner in shaping the region’s future. |
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Hotel Beauden Welcomes Jones High School Teachers Back to School |
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A new school year brings new opportunities, and Hotel Beauden helped make the start of the year a little more special for the educators at Jones High School.
As part of their CFHLA Adopt-A-School partnership, Hotel Beauden provided breakfast for the school’s Back-to-School Welcome Breakfast, giving teachers an opportunity to gather, reconnect, and prepare for the year ahead.
While breakfast was a simple gesture, the message behind it was meaningful: our educators are valued, appreciated, and supported.
Teachers play an important role in shaping the future of their students and strengthening the communities they serve, and partnerships like this help remind them that they are not doing that work alone.
CFHLA’s Adopt-A-School program creates opportunities for hospitality businesses to build meaningful relationships with local schools and support the people who make a difference every day.
We thank Hotel Beauden for helping welcome Jones High School’s teachers back and starting the school year with a meaningful show of appreciation. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEPTEMBER MEMBERS OF THE MONTH |
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CFHLA is thrilled to recognize Clint Sode of Hilton Grand Vacations Aqua Sol Orlando as our Lodging Member of the Month for September 2026! Clint’s recognition reflects his outstanding engagement with CFHLA and his consistent willingness to contribute his time and leadership to support our association and the broader hospitality industry.
As a dedicated member of our Security & Safety Council, Clint regularly lends his expertise wherever it is needed including providing security support during the 2026 CFHLA Hospitality Tradeshow, and continuing to show up and contribute at CFHLA’s signature events. Additionally, Clint's involvement has also included serving on our CFHLA PAC and participating in our recent candidate interviews.
Furthermore, Clint’s commitment to building relationships, championing CFHLA’s advocacy efforts, and his willingness to step forward, get involved, and support his fellow hospitality professionals is why we are proud to recognize him as our Lodging Member of the Month!
CFHLA is also excited to recognize Joe Argyle of Busy Bean Coffee of Central Florida as our Allied Member of the Month for September 2026! Joe has been a longtime supporter of CFHLA and has become a familiar and welcome presence throughout our association. His generosity has even helped keep the CFHLA team fueled, providing complimentary Busy Bean Coffee for our staff and office guests each day.
In 2026, Joe further demonstrated his commitment to CFHLA by increasing his involvement as a new Silver Partner Member and continuing to support our community-wide initiatives. Beyond his generous contributions, Joe also consistently shows up for CFHLA, by participating in our annual signature events and finding meaningful ways to stay connected to our hospitality community. All in all, we are truly grateful for Joe’s continued partnership, enthusiasm, and dedication to CFHLA!
Once again, we are honored to recognize and celebrate Clint and Joe as our September Members of the Month! |
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Meet Our Silver Partners: Propark Mobility & Grunau Fire Protection |
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At Propark Mobility, we believe hospitality extends far beyond the front drive. Through our CARMA initiative, we encourage our teams to serve and support the communities where we operate through volunteerism, environmental stewardship, and local partnerships. Supporting CFHLA aligns with that mission, as the organization brings the hospitality community together to create meaningful impact across Central Florida.
Company Snapshot: Propark Mobility is a 40+ year national parking and mobility management company serving hospitality, healthcare, residential, and mixed-use properties. With a focus on service, technology, and culture, Propark helps properties enhance the guest experience while improving operational performance and revenue. Its solutions are designed to create seamless, efficient mobility experiences while supporting the unique needs of each property and its guests. Through experienced teams, innovative technology, and a commitment to service excellence, Propark Mobility partners with clients to deliver parking and mobility solutions that add value to properties, guests, and the communities they serve. |
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is proud to support CFHLA and its commitment to strengthening Central Florida’s hospitality industry. CFHLA provides valuable opportunities for industry professionals and partners to connect, share knowledge, and advance initiatives that promote safety, education, and operational excellence. Grunau values being part of a community focused on protecting guests, employees, and properties while supporting the continued success of the hospitality industry.
Company Snapshot: Grunau Fire Protection’s Orlando office specializes in high-quality fire protection solutions for hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues. From system design and installation to inspections, maintenance, and 24/7 emergency service, Grunau helps ensure life safety systems operate reliably to protect guests, staff, and property. Backed by a legacy dating to the 1920s and supported by the Davis-Ulmer family and APi Group, Grunau combines national resources with responsive local expertise. Its experienced team delivers comprehensive fire protection services designed to help hospitality properties maintain compliance, reduce risk, and provide safe environments for guests and employees. |
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CONNECT WITH CFHLA |
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About CFHLA
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. |