Hospitality Forward: Industry Trends
Join us for the first meeting series of 2026!
Change is the only constant in the hospitality industry. With guest/patron satisfaction and experience at the core of success, businesses must stay ahead of the trends shaping the industry. The Pinellas & Hillsborough Chapters of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association in collaboration with the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator has assembled a distinguished panel of hospitality experts who will explore key hospitality trends and offer insights to provide leaders with informed ideas on people, technology, and processes. We want to help your business not only adapt, but thrive in 2026 and beyond!
Topics:
- What was/is working in 2025/2026
- Status of the market
- What consumers are drinking
- How technology is affecting the industry
- Generational behavior shifts
- Operational supply chain health and issues
Distinguished Industry Panel
- Daniel Murphy, Division of Marketing & Development, Florida Department of Agriculture
- Michelle Stencik, Director, Customer Strategic Insights, Coke
- David Boothe, Vice President, Republic National Distributing Company
- Jeremy Padilla, Region Vice President, Sysco West Florida
- Dora Fruman, Head of Client Strategies, Revenue Management Solutions
- Steve Jaeger, Director of Portfolio, Republic National Distributing Company
Q&A to follow the panel discussion!
Event Details:
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
8:30 AM – Registration
9:00 – 10:30 AM – Industry Panel and Light Breakfast
The Karol Hotel | 2675 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL
$40 – Per Meeting
(or $99 for all 3 meetings)
Registration deadline: 3/24/2026
Sponsorship Opportunties:
$150 – Event Sponsor
(includes corporate signage and two attendees)