Palm Beach – Networking Hospitality Social for a Cause

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

 

Click Here to Register!

Advanced Registration is required! Registration deadline, Friday, May 8, 2026

For questions call Jodi Cross, 561-410-0035 or [email protected]

 

Sponsored by:

Hillsborough & Pinellas – Hospitality Forward Series: Industry Trends & Insights

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 StrategiesRevenue 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)

 

Register Now! 

Registration deadline: 3/24/2026

 

Sponsorship Opportunities:
$150 – Event Sponsor 
(includes corporate signage and two attendees)

 

Palm Beach – Hospitality Networking Social

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!

View Event Flyer

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

 

Register Now! 

 

Sponsored by: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For questions call Jodi Cross, 561-410-0035 or [email protected]

Central Florida – From Google to Generative: The New Era of Customer Discovery

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

Register Now! 

Registration deadline: April 12, 2026

 

Suncoast – Annual Pull for Hospitality

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].

Pinellas – Annual Bowling Tournament

Get ready to roll into an unforgettable afternoon because one of our most popular events is back and better than ever! Join the FRLA’s Pinellas Chapter for the 5th Annual Bowling Tournament, where the fun is “Strikingly” good! This is the perfect opportunity for team building while mingling with industry peers and colleagues. Indulge with good food, refreshing beverages and get your hands on some fabulous raffle prizes. Let’s celebrate the industry and and strike up some fun because there’s absolutely no time to “SPARE”!

Event Details:
Thursday, May 21, 2026
2:30 PM – Team Check in
3:00 – 5:00 PM – Tournament Play
Liberty Lanes, 114014 Starkey Road Largo, FL

Tournament Cost:
Team of Five: $180
Single Bowler: $55
Spectator: $25

Registration Includes: 

  • Bowling registration includes shoe rental, ball, two games,
    unlimited soda and a large pizza for each team
  • One domestic beer per player
  • Awards- 1st and 2nd Place, Team Spirit and Best Team Attire
  • Raffles throughout the afternoon

Register Now! 

Deadline: May 18, 2026

 

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Event & Tournament T-Shirt Sponsor: $750
Opening welcome at event, prominent logo on tournament t- shirt, display signage with corporate logo, plus five tournament bowlers.

Lane Sponsor: $350
LED display signage at sponsored lane, corporate logo on tournament t-shirt, plus one team of five tournament bowlers.

RAFFLE ITEM DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED!

Suncoast – Annual Bowling Tournament

Join the FRLA Suncoast Chapter on April 28th at Bowlero Gulf Gate for the 2nd annual bowling tournament! 

Get ready to roll into an unforgettable afternoon and join FRLA’s Suncoast Chapter for its 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament, where the fun is “Strikingly” good! This is the perfect opportunity for team building while mingling with industry peers and colleagues. Indulge with good food, refreshing beverages and get your hands on some fabulous raffle prizes. So, get ready to strike up some fun because there’s absolutely no time to “SPARE”!

Awards
• 1st and 2nd Place
• Team Spirit and Best Team Attire

Raffles throughout the afternoon!

Event Details: 
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
2:00 PM – Team Check In
2:30 – 4:00 PM – Tournament Play
Bowlero Gulf Gate
7221 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Tournament Cost
Team of Five: $250
Single Bowler: $75
Spectator: $25

Bowling registration includes:
Shoe rental, ball, two games, unlimited soda and a large pizza for each team and one domestic beer per player.

Register Now!

Registration Deadline: 4/24/26

Sponsorship Opportunities: 
Tournament Sponsor: $800
Opening welcome at event, prominent logo on tournament t-shirt, display signage with corporate logo, plus five tournament bowlers.

Lane Sponsor: $350
Display signage at sponsored lane, corporate logo on tournament t-shirt, plus one team of five tournament bowlers.

Raffle item donations are appreciated!!

Pinellas & Hillsborough – 3rd Annual Reverse Hotel & Restaurant Showcase

Join the FRLA Pinellas and Hillsborough Chapter on May 6th for the 3rd Annual Reverse Hotel & Restaurant Showcase!

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

2:30 PM Showcase – Connect 1 on 1 (speed dating format)

4:00 – 5:30 PM Reception (Paid attendees only)

Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater | 12600 Roosevelt Boulevard N St. Petersburg, FL

 

Hotels & Restaurants: We are excited to present a unique opportunity for Restaurant and Hotel professionals to connect with FRLA suppliers in an innovative and engaging format. We invite you to join us at the table and participate in a series of concise 4-6 minute meetings. This event is designed to facilitate meaningful exchanges of information and explore exciting opportunities, all while streamlining your experience and reducing calls. Bring along your key department heads to maximize the benefits of one-on-one interactions with suppliers. 

Suppliers: Establishing in-person connections is an invaluable opportunity for suppliers to showcase their services directly to the management teams of diverse restaurant and hotel properties. By engaging in focused discussions within a concise 4-6 minute format, suppliers can affectively communicate their unique offerings and foster meaningful relationships. This face-to-face interaction not only paves the way for potential business opportunities but also cultivates a sense of trust and collaboration that is essential in the industry. 

Who Should Attend?

Hotels/Restaurants: Owners, and General Managers, Directors of Operations, Purchasing or Procurement and Directors of Marketing or Sales. 

Allied Members: Suppliers that provide products and services to hotels, restaurants, tourism, and hospitality partners.

Benefits of the Reverse Showcase:

  • Make professional contacts in one step
  • Face-to-face introduction
  • Fun and fact-paced environment 
  • Cost effective business development 
  • Market awareness for your business 

Registrations & Sponsorships:

Must be a FRLA Pinellas or Hillsborough Chapter Member to Attend

Allied Members: $145 per person

Restaurants/Hotels: $40 per person

 

Gold Sponsors: $800 – Company logo included on all materials with recognition during event and recognition on event screen, welcome at opening of event, registration site, plus (3) admission tickets to event. 

Silver Sponsors: $600 – Company logo included on all eblasts, registration site and recognition during event plus (2) admission tickets to event. 

Bronze Reception Sponsors: $500 – Company logo on eblasts, registration site and recognition during event plus (2) admission tickets to event. 

 

Click Here to Register!

Registration Deadline: 5/3/2026

 

Thank you to our Title Sponsor!

 

EscaRosa – Hospitality Appreciation Hour

Join the FRLA EscaRosa Chapter for a relaxed hospitality appreciation hour to celebrate the people who keep our industry thriving! Come see how we’ve supported the industry for eight decades. Stick around to enjoy a beer and a slice on us. RSVP and bring a friend!

For 80 years the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has worked hard to:

  • Protect your business through grassroots advocacy
  • Ensure your voice is heard
  • Keep harmful regulations off your plate so you can focus on running your business

Celebrate with your FRLA EscaRosa Chapter! 

Event Details: 
Thursday, March 26, 2026
5:00 – 6:00PM
7:00 PM – Bingo!
Alga Beer Company | 2435 N 12th Ave

Click Here to RSVP