Thank You to Our Back of the House Sponsors
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CFHLA Hosts April Board Meeting and
Celebrates VIP Member Partnerships
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This week, CFHLA was proud to host our second Board of Directors Meeting and VIP Member After Hours reception at the Forbes Five-Star rated Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Thank you to our Board Chair Jon McGavin for your amazing hospitality!
We'd also like to thank our CFHLA VIP member AdventHealth for sponsoring the April Board of Directors Meeting and Chris Carmody and Robert Stuart Jr. of GrayRobinson P.A. for providing a recap of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session and an update on CFHLA’s 2026 legislative priorities.
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Immediately following the CFHLA Board of Directors Meeting, we then had an opportunity to thank our 40 outstanding VIP Member Companies for their continued partnership with CFHLA and unwavering support in 2026.
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CFHLA Celebrates Grand Opening of Rebranded Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando
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This week, CFHLA was proud to celebrate the grand opening of the newly rebranded Courtyard by Marriott Across Universal Orlando, with a ribbon cutting and reception. The milestone marks the completion of a multi-million-dollar conversion and rebranding of the former Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando property.
The transformation ushers in a new era of elevated service with enhanced amenities, reimagined guest experiences and the benefits of Marriott. Moving forward, guests will now be able to embrace the style, comfort, and productivity they are seeking with fully renovated guest rooms, modernized public spaces, and the introduction of new food and beverage options. Plus, the property is now well positioned to serve both leisure and business travelers, offering more than 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
Centrally located in Orlando and in close proximity to the Universal Studios theme parks and the Orange County Convention Center, the 390-room hotel conversion brings with it a new chapter of elevated hospitality and modern design that will attract leisure, corporate and convention area guests visiting our vibrant I-Drive Business District.
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CFHLA President/CEO Robert Agrusa, along with CFHLA Board Member and General Manager Erin Arpke delivered remarks during the celebration, highlighting the significance of the project and its contribution to Central Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Congratulations once again to Erin and the entire team, from the visionary designers to the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. Cheers to many more decades to come!
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Seminole County Lodging Leaders Hear Update from Seminole County Manager
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This week, CFHLA also hosted our first Seminole County Lodging Leadership Meeting of 2026 at the Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando North. Thank you to General Manager Rick Donohue, for graciously hosting the meeting!
Lastly, CFHLA would like to thank our 2026 Seminole County Lodging Leadership meeting sponsors including:
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CFHLA CARES Collection Drive Makes an Impact for Students Across the Region
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This week, CFHLA proudly hosted our first CARES Collection Drive of 2026 - and the generousity of our Central Florida hospitality partners and members was truly impactful.
Together, we collected more than 128,760 items, including school supplies and personal hygiene products, to support our local students in need across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole County Public Schools.
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The hospitality industry continues to serve as a powerful force for good in our community. Through empathy, collaboration, and a shared dedication to giving back, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our local families and students.
Thank you to everyone who contributed - we are grateful for your continued support and dedication to our community!
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CFHLA Partners Recognized as
2026 Golden Eagle Honorees
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Congratulations to two of our incredible CFHLA partners and outstanding community leaders – Sandy Hostetter of Lift Orlando and Casandra Matej of Visit Orlando - on being recognized this week as the 2026 Golden Eagle Honorees at the 25th Anniversary Metro Orlando Scouting America Golden Eagle Dinner at the Kia Center!
Scouting continues to make a lasting difference throughout the Central Florida region, by building future leaders and combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun and adventure in the outdoors. The impact Sandy and Casandra have on our community is truly inspiring and CFHLA was honored to once again sponsor this annual event.
Thank you to all of our CFHLA Members and tourism partners who joined us to celebrate the recognition of these exceptional community leaders!
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CFHLA Members Surprise Bay Meadow and
Magnolia Students with Valentine Treats
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At Bay Meadow Elementary, the celebration didn’t stop there. Students recently participated in the school wide “Jump Rope for Heart” event, promoting heart health and teamwork. In a meaningful show of support, DoubleTree Orlando Disney Springs Area helped make the event possible by providing the jump ropes needed for students to fully participate and enjoy the experience.
These thoughtful gestures highlight the impact of CFHLA’s Adopt-A-School Program, connecting our hospitality partners with local schools in meaningful and lasting ways, whether through small acts of kindness or hands-on support for school initiatives.
Thank you to both of our incredible members and we look forward to continuing to share more moments like these as our partnerships continue through the end of the school year!
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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: Clean Tec Outsourcing
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Clean Tec Outsourcing (CTO) is a hospitality staffing leader with 10+ years of experience in Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, providing front and back-of-house, janitorial, and overnight cleaning services that integrate seamlessly with hotel brands and operations to ensure quality, efficiency, and excellent guest experiences.
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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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