Miami-Dade: Legislative Panel & Reception

Where Hospitality Leaders Meet the Leaders Who Shape Our Future

What happens when the people shaping Florida’s policies sit down with the people who power its hospitality industry?

Join FRLA Miami-Dade for our exclusive Annual Legislative & Hospitality Panel, where members of the Miami-Dade County Delegation will sit down with South Florida’s hospitality leaders for an engaging conversation about the issues, opportunities, and priorities shaping the upcoming legislative session.

This distinguished gathering brings industry and government leaders together for candid conversation, meaningful dialogue, and a firsthand look at the issues and opportunities that will define the future.

FRLA is the voice of Florida’s hospitality industry—recognized, respected, and at the table when it matters most. Through our powerful advocacy network and longstanding relationships with policymakers, FRLA turns the priorities of our industry into meaningful action.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect directly with the leaders who help shape the policies impacting your business, your employees, and our industry.

Come prepared to listen, ask questions, engage in the discussion, and connect with fellow hospitality leaders.

Space is limited, so reserve your seat early. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Special Guest Speakers: 

  • Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez 
  • Representative Kevin Chambliss
  • Representative Omar Blanco
  • Representative Mike Redondo

Event Details:
Thursday, October 8, 2026
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Panel Discussion (reception immediately following the meeting)
$50 per person
Rusty Pelican, 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

Click Here to Register

FRLA Members Only, Space is limited and Pre-Registration is required.

Northeast – Qualities of a Leader: A Conversation with Greg Cook

Qualities of a Leader: A Conversation with Greg Cook 

Leadership lessons from one of Florida hospitality’s most respected industry leaders

Join us for a special FRLA monthly meeting featuring an engaging conversation on what it truly takes to lead in today’s hospitality industry. What separates a good manager from a great leader? How do you build a strong culture, inspire your team, navigate challenges, and develop the next generation of hospitality leaders?

Join us as Craig Smith, Owner of the Alhambra Theatre & Dining and St. Johns Food Service, sits down with Greg Cook, 2026 FRLA Chairman of the Board and General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, for a candid conversation about leadership, hospitality and the lessons Greg has learned throughout more than four decades in the industry.

From beginning his career as a bellman to leading one of Florida’s premier luxury resorts, Greg has built his career around exceptional guest experiences, strong teams and developing people.

During this interactive conversation, we’ll explore:

  • The qualities Greg believes define a great leader
  • Building a culture employees want to be part of
  • Leading through change and challenging situations
  • Motivating and developing the next generation
  • The future of leadership in hospitality

Whether you lead, are an inspiring industry leader of a hotel, restaurant, attraction or hospitality team, you’ll leave with practical leadership insights you can take back to your organization.

Come ready to learn, connect and be inspired by two Northeast Florida hospitality leaders!

Event Details:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Alhambra Theatre & Dining
12000 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL

Breakfast provided by St. Johns Food Service

FREE to Attend! 

Click Here to RSVP

Lee – Hops and Hospitality Happy Hour

Join the FRLA Lee Chapter on Tuesday, September 1st for Hops and Hospitality Happy Hour! Connect with fellow members, expand your network, and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation following our board meeting.

Event Details:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
5:00 – 6:30 PM 
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
5951 Silver King Boulevard Cape Coral, FL 33914

Tickets: $10

Click Here to Register 

Miami-Dade: End of Summer Hospitality Connect

Let’s End Summer in Style! Join your FRLA Miami-Dade hospitality family for an unforgettable evening of Hospitality Connect at the fabulous The Miami Beach EDITION! As we celebrate the end of summer, we’ll celebrate something even more important—the strength of our industry and the important role FRLA plays in advocating for, connecting, and advancing Florida’s hospitality community. After our Board meeting, join us for great networking and meaningful engagement with some of Miami-Dade’s leading hospitality executives, along with fun games, exciting raffle giveaways, and plenty of surprises. Come connect, collaborate, celebrate—and enjoy an evening with the people who make our industry so extraordinary!

Event Details: 
Thursday, September 3, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Th Miami Beach EDITION
2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Event Cost: 
FRLA Members $20
FRLA Non-Member Guests: $30
FRLA Member Discount for 2: Only $35

Register Now!

 

Pinellas – Sizzling Summer Networking Mixer

Relax, network and engage at the award-winning Hog Island Fish camp in the heart of downtown Dunedin, just minutes from Honeymoon Island. Join the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Pinellas Chapter for this sizzling summer networking mixer while you mingle with your industry peers for food, drinks and fun.

Event Details: 

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
4:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Reception
Hog Island Fish Camp
900 Broadway, Dunedin

Tickets:

FRLA Member: $20
Future Members: $25
Includes one (1) drink ticket and light appetizers

Click Here to Register 

Registration Deadline: 9/28/2026

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Reception Sponsor – $150
Welcoming at event, corporate logo signage, plus one (1) event ticket

 

Note: Parking is very convenient in downtown Dunedin. Parking is available in the restaurant lot, and there are several free public parking options nearby, including free street parking along Monroe Street, the free public parking garage just half a block east on Monroe, and the Dunedin Marina parking lot, located just one block south.

Tourism in Focus: Broward Today & Tomorrow

Join the FRLA Broward Chapter for Tourism in Focus: Broward Today & Tomorrow!

The program will feature a distinguished panel of leaders representing Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, Port Everglades, Visit Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, who will share insights on regional growth, tourism outlook and forecast.

Guests will also enjoy an exceptional lunch prepared and served by the talented culinary team at Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, our gracious host and presenting sponsor.

Event Details: 
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Omni Fort Lauderdale
1850 Southeast 17th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL

Click Here to Register 

Sponsorships Are Available!

Elevate your brand visibility, promote your business while supporting our industry.

TITLE SPONSOR $5,000

  • 5 event tickets
  • 5 minute presentation at event
  • Pull up banner display & collateral at tables
  • Company info/logo on promotional material & newsletter

GOLD SPONSOR $2,500

  • 3 event tickets
  • Company recognition during opening remarks
  • Pull up banner display
  • Company info/logo on promotional material & newsletter

SILVER SPONSOR $1,500

  • 2 event tickets
  • Company recognition during opening remarks
  • Pull up banner display
  • Company info/logo on promotional material & newsletter

TABLETOP SPONSOR $500

  • 1 event ticket
  • 6 feet table, exposed to all attendees to display product/service
  • Company logo on promotional material
  • MUST BE A BROWARD CHAPTER MEMBER

For details regarding Sponsorship options email [email protected] or call (954)270-5814

 

 

Northeast – Beyond Business Cards: The Art of Meaningful Networking

Beyond Business Cards: The Art of Meaningful Networking

Join your fellow FRLA Northeast Chapter members for an engaging professional development session designed to help you make the most of every introduction, conversation, and networking opportunity.

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional. Learn how to approach every event with confidence, create authentic conversations, and build a network that leads to referrals, partnerships, and long-term success. You will leave armed with tips and strategy to make your next networking event WORK for you.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, expand your professional circle, or simply become more confident walking into a room full of people, this session is for you!

Event Details: 

Wednesday, August 26, 9-10:30 a.m.
SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach
465 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Cost: Free to Attend

Click Here to RSVP  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Speaker: Samantha Pritchard

From welcoming guests in hotel lobbies to energizing audiences from the stage, Samantha Pritchard knows one thing to be true: relationships drive results.

As the Area Director of Sales for SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach and Fairfield Inn Jacksonville Beach, Samantha has built her career by creating meaningful connections that fuel business growth, lasting partnerships, and loyal clients. Her track record speaks for itself—proving that the right conversation can change the trajectory of a business.

Beyond the hotel world, Samantha is known online as Big Sister in a Blazer, where she equips professionals with practical networking strategies, career advice, and the confidence to walk into any room with purpose.

Blending real-world sales experience with engaging and memorable tips, Samantha delivers high-energy presentations packed with actionable tools that help people build authentic relationships, expand their influence, and turn everyday conversations into extraordinary opportunities.

EscaRosa Safety Forum: Business Security, Community Resilience, & Property Tax Update

Join the FRLA EscaRosa Chapter, local public safety leaders, and industry experts for a focused briefing on business security protocols, community preparedness, and a brief update on property tax issues affecting hospitality businesses.

Speakers include:

  • Chief Eric Winstrom, Pensacola Police Department 
  • Mayor D.C. Reeves, City of Pensacola
  • CPA Partner Chelsie O’Shields, HHM Certified Public Accountants

Event Details: 
September 1, 2026
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Seville Quarter | 130 East Goverment St at Plaza Ferdinand
Pensacola, FL 32502

Cost: FREE 

RSVP Today

 

 

 

 

Hillsborough – Bourbon Dinner Cruise

Enjoy an unforgettable night aboard Tampa’s premier dining yacht with the FRLA Hillsborough Chapter on September 24, 2026! Craft’s Executive Chef has curated an exclusive dinner prepared fresh in America’s first open-kitchen concept. Savor premium bourbon tastings, enjoy hand-selected cigars on the outdoor decks, and take in breathtaking views of the downtown Tampa skyline as you cruise the Hillsborough River.

Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues, building new relationships, or simply enjoying an evening of exceptional food, fine spirits, and meaningful conversation, this FRLA benefit dinner offers the perfect setting to celebrate an industry that brings people together every day. Join us aboard Craft for an evening of outstanding hospitality. Reserve your seat today!

Event Details:

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Boards: 6:30 PM Cruises: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Craft Tampa: 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa, 33602

Event Pricing:

Price starts at $109.95

Prices are subject to change based on timing and availability. Price does not include tax, administrative & processing fees, $3
marine fees, or gratuity. A portion of the ticket price goes back to FRLA.

Ticket Includes

  • 2-Hour Cruise
  • 3-Course Dinner
  • JC Newman gift (may be used on outer decks only)
  • Bourbon Pour included
  • Full Bar Available for Purchase

Terms & Conditions

Reservations for special events cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Should Craft cancel a cruise, you have the option to reschedule or to receive a refund to be paid in the same manner funds were received to the party on the reservation.

 

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

 

Lee – August Luncheon: Tourism Today and Tomorrow

Join the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce, and FRLA on Wednesday, August 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa for an informative luncheon featuring Lee County VCB Executive Director, Pamela Johnson. The General Membership Luncheon is the largest and most well-attended of the Chamber’s monthly programs. It is the third Wednesday of every month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The Luncheon highlights new members, welcomes a speaker to discuss current and timely topics for the business community and offers networking opportunities. We welcome Chamber members and potential new members to attend. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. These opportunities are first come, first serve and sell quickly.

Refund Policy: The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce only offers refunds on purchases of sponsorships, publications, advertising, tickets, or other services if the request was made 30 days prior to the event and the Chamber had not incurred any fees, unless they are canceled by the Chamber.

 

Click Here to Register