In the News - July 2026

CFHLA Security & Safety Council Hosts Annual Casino Night Fundraiser

The CFHLA Security & Safety Council welcomed more than 120 CFHLA members at its annual Casino Night Fundraiser. Throughout the evening, each of our members tested their luck at blackjack, craps, and poker tables while supporting initiatives that strengthen safety and security throughout the Central Florida’s region. A special thank you to Cathy Zucker, General Manager, and the incredible staff at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek for hosting us at your beautiful property, for this fundraising event!

All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the CFHLA Foundation and help to advance the ongoing initiatives of the Security & Safety Council, which includes our continued support for local law enforcement and first responders, as well as the Council’s Service Awards, which recognize hospitality security professionals who go above and beyond to ensure guest safety. Casino Night also plays a vital role in funding the annual Public Safety Summit, which introduces local high school students to career opportunities within hospitality security, law enforcement, emergency management, fire rescue, and other public safety professions. Through these educational programs, students gain valuable exposure to industry leaders and meaningful connections that can help open their horizons to a future career.

Thank you again to our event sponsors, the Security & Safety Council members, the team at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, and Casino Party USA for making this evening of networking, friendly competition, and strong community impact possible. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a cause that extends far beyond the casino floor and directly benefits our community!

CFHLA Celebrates Excellence at the Third Annual Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards

CFHLA proudly recognized a record-breaking 163 hospitality leaders - from 63 CFHLA lodging member properties across Central Florida - during the third annual Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality Awards.

Each of these outstanding hospitality leaders were recognized for their strong leadership, their ability to inspire their teams to excel, and embody the very best in hospitality as they created exceptional guest experiences for all visitors throughout the Central Florida region.

With more than 500 in attendance, eight hotel leaders were recognized and honored for their excellence in hospitality leadership, as the winners for each of the designated categories.

To learn more about the winners, please CLICK HERE.

A special thank you to our 2026 Board Chairman, Jon McGavin and the entire team at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for hosting this memorable evening!

Please join us in congratulating the
2026 Distinguished Leaders in Hospitality winners including

Distinguished Leader – Culinary
Christopher Martinez
Caribe Royale Orlando

Distinguished Leader – Emerging Hospitality Leader
Hannah Cooper
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

Distinguished Leader – Events & Meetings
Jessika Perez
Alfond Inn at Rollins

Distinguished Leader – Executive of the Year
Tiffany Pera
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Distinguished Leader – Operations – Back of House
Vivian Benavides
Hyatt House Orlando Airport

Distinguished Leader – Operations – Front of House
Nickolette Fernandez
Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Distinguished Leader – Sales, Marketing & Revenue
Sherri Harris
Hyatt Regency Orlando

Distinguished Leader – Support Services/Back Office
Phillip Morgan
Evermore Orlando Resort

Annual Hob Nob Strengthens "Members Doing Business with Members" Connections

This year’s Hob Nob featured over 60 lodging properties and more than 400 Allied and Lodging Members, creating valuable opportunities for our members to connect and build new business relationships.

This signature networking event focuses on Allied Members meeting one-on-one with multiple Lodging Members for three-minute “speed networking” meetings, allowing participants to introduce their companies, exchange ideas, and explore future partnerships in a fast-paced and engaging setting.

Thank you again to all of our sponsors and all the members who participated in this successful annual “Members Doing Business with Members” event. We appreciate your continued support in helping strengthen connections across our hospitality community.

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