2026 Tourism Outlook: What’s Ahead for Northeast Florida Tourism
Tourism remains one of Florida’s most powerful economic drivers. Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with FRLA at the Northeast Florida Tourism Outlook Panel. Join us on May 7, 2026, and hear from regional tourism leaders on the economic outlook for travel, visitor trends, and the marketing strategies driving leisure, business, and group travel to Northeast Florida in 2026. Learn how visitors are choosing Northeast Florida and what your hospitality business can do to align with current campaigns and initiatives to attract more guests. The discussion will also highlight ways hospitality partners can connect with the local tourism agencies, leverage valuable resources, and capitalize on tourism momentum in the year ahead.
Event Details:
Thursday, May 7, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Delta Hotels by Marriott Jacksonville Deerwood
4700 Salisbury Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Panelists:
• Paul Beirnes, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Michael Corrigan, Visit Jacksonville
• Susan Phillips, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau
Moderator:
Brenna Dacks, VISIT FLORIDA
For Florida’s hospitality industry, tourism is the lifeblood of our success. Staying ahead of travel trends and understanding where visitors are coming from is key to keeping our hotels, restaurants, and attractions thriving. Come gain valuable insight into the economic and tourism trends shaping our region in 2026 and learn how we can work together to keep Northeast Florida a top destination for visitors. RSVP Today!
Sponsored by:
Happy Hour & Hors d’oeuvres!
The FRLA Treasure Coast invites you to our April Hospitality Networking Event at American Icon Brewery on April 23rd! Grab a brew and make a friend or two – this is your chance to meet local professionals, share ideas, and grow your network in a laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the fun and opportunities — see you there!
Ready to mix, mingle, and make lasting connections with local industry professionals? Register Today!
Event Details:
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
5:00-7:00 PM
American Icon Brewery
1133 19th Place
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Members: $25
Future Members: $40
Please Bring Your Business Card for Two Free Drinks (Beer/Wine) & Hors d’oeuvres.
Advanced registration required!
Registration Deadline: April 17, 2026
Sponsored By:
Join the FRLA Volusia Chapter for an informative session featuring industry and public safety leaders on April 1, 2026, at the Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club. The event will include an overview of the 2026 Florida legislative session and key takeaways for industry professionals. We will also hear from local officials on tourism and economic initiatives, hurricane preparedness, and receive insights into the new rip current simulator designed to strengthen ocean safety education.
Featured Speakers:
- Samantha Padgett, Vice President of Government Relations and General Counsel, FRLA
- Matt Reinhart, Vice Chair, Volusia County Council (District 2)
- Clint Mecham, Director of Emergency Management, Volusia County
- Randa Matusiak, Director of Public Protection, Volusia County
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from experts on policy, emergency management, and public safety innovations!
PLUS: 🎉 iPad Giveaway! 1 for $10 or 3 for $20 – Join the FRLA Volusia Chapter by March 27 and receive 1 FREE raffle ticket!
Event Details:
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
8:00AM-9:00AM Breakfast & Networking
9:00AM-10:00AM Program
Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club
960 S Williamson Ave Daytona Beach, FL
Join the FRLA Palm Beach Chapter for a special evening of networking for a cause! Experience the powerful work Els for Autism is doing and how the hospitality industry can benefit. Expand your network and make connections with top industry leaders from the hospitality community. Please Bring Your Business Card for Two Free Drinks & Hors d’oeuvres. There will be raffle prizes!
Event Details:
Thursday, May 14, 2026
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Els for Autism
18370 Limestone Creek Road
Jupiter, FL 22458
FRLA Members: $25/Future Members $35/Future Members
Advanced Registration is required! Registration deadline, Friday, May 8, 2026
For questions call Jodi Cross, 561-410-0035 or [email protected]
Sponsored by:
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 have 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 Opportunities:
$150 – Event Sponsor
(includes corporate signage and two attendees)
Save the Date! The Hillsborough Chapter will host the 9th Annual Sporting Clay Tournament on September 14, 2026, at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays.
Join FRLA Palm Beach for happy hour & Hors d’oeuvres at our June Hospitality Networking Social! Enjoy a fun and relaxed evening, meet amazing people in the industry, exchange ideas, and build connections—all in person. Whether you’re new or a pro, come hang out, share stories, and grow your network over some great conversation. Don’t miss out on making new friends and opportunities!
There will be raffle prizes! Bring your business card for two free drinks and hors d’oeuvres!
Event Details:
Thursday, June 11, 2026
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Voodoo Bayou | 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Event Pricing:
FRLA Members: $25
Future Members: $35
Advanced Registration is required! Registration deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026
Sponsored by:
For questions call Jodi Cross, 561-410-0035 or [email protected]
Join the FRLA Central Florida Chapter on April 16th for an informative session on utilizing AI within your hospitality business!
Step into the next era of customer discovery with a high-impact seminar built for Central Florida’s hospitality leaders. This session breaks down how search is shifting from “let me Google that” to AI-generated answers, and what that means for your business visibility, bookings, and brand authority. You will leave with practical strategies you can use now, not theory.
What we will cover:
- From Google to Generative: Why traditional search is fading and how AI now controls what customers see and choose
- How AI Sees Florida Hospitality: What generative engines understand (and misunderstand) about your business and how to influence it
- How to Win at GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): Clear steps to position your brand as the answer, not just an option
- Real Case Studies with Results: Travel Guide Challenge: Competing for AI visibility in destination content Battle of the Bios: How small wording changes impact AI trust and selection. Hidden Gems Project: How lesser-known venues can outperform big brands in generative results.
Event Details:
Thursday, April 16, 2026
11:30 – 12:00 Registration & Networking
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch & Presentation
Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Registration deadline: April 12, 2026
Save the date!! The FRLA Suncoast Chapter will host the annual Pull for Hospitality sporting clay tournament on September 21st at Knight’s Trail Range.
For sponsorship and registration information, contact Dannette Lynch at (727) 642-3404 or [email protected].
Save the Date!! Join the FRLA Pinellas Chapter on May 21st for the annual bowling tournament at Liberty Lanes!
