2026 Leadership in Hospitality Series
In partnership with UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, CFHLA is proud to present the 2026 Leadership in Hospitality Series. This series offers valuable educational and networking opportunities designed to keep hospitality professionals informed on the latest trends, best practices, and emerging issues impacting Central Florida's hospitality industry.
Open to all CFHLA Lodging and Allied Members, each seminar features expert speakers and practical insights to help attendees enhance their knowledge and strengthen their professional networks.
Pricing:
$30 per person, per seminar
Leadership in Hospitality Series Presenting Sponsor:
Session 1: Strategic Leadership in a Changing Hospitality Landscape
Description: This session will explore how leaders navigate rapidly shifting conditions, including market volatility, workforce disruptions, and evolving guest expectations. Participants will examine strategic decision-making approaches that help leaders remain agile, competitive, and responsive in an ever-changing environment. Ideal for leaders involved in, or looking to expand their knowledge of, strategy, forecasting, workforce planning, or guest-experience development.
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort
Speakers:
Dr. Vicki Lavendol, UCF Rosen College
Chris Mueller, Hilton Orlando
The date for this seminar has passed and registration is now closed.
Session 2: Navigating the Transition from Peer to Leader
Description: This seminar will equip emerging leaders with practical tools and strategies to successfully transition from peer to supervisor in the workplace. Attendees will learn how to establish credibility, communicate with confidence, set clear expectations, navigate difficult conversations, and foster positive team relationships while leading former coworkers effectively.
Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: UCF Rosen College - Disney Dining Room (9907 Universal Blvd. Orlando, FL 32819)
Speakers:
Dr. Vicki Lavendol, UCF Rosen College
Erin Arpke, Courtyard by Marriott across Universal Orlando
The date for this seminar has passed and registration is now closed.
Session 3: Specialized Perspectives on Leadership
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: UCF Rosen College
Registration for this seminar will open on a later date.
Session 4: Addressing Labor, Economic, and Operational Realities through Leadership
Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: UCF Rosen College
Registration for this seminar will open on a later date.
Technology in Hospitality
Description: Join us for an engaging seminar exploring the adoption of new technologies in hospitality, with a focus on practical implementation strategies and the growing role of artificial intelligence in tourism and hotel operations.
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Rosen Shingle Creek (during The Hospitality Tradeshow)
Address: 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Registration Fee: $30 per person
Speakers:
Dr. Arthur Huang, UCF Rosen College
Tyler Spaulding, Orlando World Center Marriott
IMPORTANT TRADESHOW NOTE:
Lodging Members who attend this seminar will automatically be registered to attend the Hospitality Tradeshow.
Allied Members who attend this seminar must have an exhibitor booth to attend the Hospitality Tradeshow.
Sustainability in Hospitality
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: UCF Rosen College
Registration for this seminar will open on a later date.
For more information, please contact CFHLA's Director of Industry Relations & Community Impact, Melanie Anesh, at melanie.anesh@cfhla.org.