EscaRosa – Smart AI-Driven Solutions for Hospitality

Smart AI-Driven Solutions for Hospitality with FastPulseAI

Running a restaurant has become more challenging than ever—missed calls, negative reviews, staff shortages, rising costs, and more. To navigate these obstacles and elevate your operations, The FRLA EscaRosa Chapter invites you to attend our upcoming seminar, “Smart AI-Driven Solutions for Hospitality,” featuring guest speakers Veronika Leal, Founder of FastPulseAI and author of the upcoming book Clockwork Kitchens (releasing October 10), and Donna Rinck, Founding Law Manager of Rinck Law Office, PLLC.

In this engaging session, Veronika will discuss how proven AI strategies can transform your restaurant’s efficiency, improve customer experience, and help you stay ahead in a competitive industry. We will also hear from Donna Rinck, a legal expert in AI governance, privacy law, intellectual property, and legal training. Donna will provide practical insights on AI privacy controls for businesses, professionals, and individuals seeking to harness AI’s capabilities while implementing appropriate privacy safeguards. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover innovative strategies that leverage AI to turn challenges into advantages.

Learn How To:
– Capture every call and booking with AI voice
– Turn 1-star reviews into 5-star opportunities
– Cut costs up to 40% with automation
– Boost revenue 30% by fixing hidden leaks
– Build systems that run like clockwork in just 90 days

Event Details:
Thursday, October 16, 2025
9:30 – 11:30 AM CT
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
8375 Gulf Blvd Navarre, FL 32566

Program:
9:30 – 10:00 AM Networking and Light Breakfast
10:00 – 11:15 AM Presentation
11:15 – 11:30 AM Q&A

Event Cost: FREE

Register Now:

Deadline to Register: October 15, 2025

About the Speakers:

Veronika Leal is an AI Strategy Consultant with over 25 years transforming organizations from independent restaurants to Fortune 500s across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. She holds a Master’s in Technology Management and is a certified PMP and CISM. She’s the author of CLOCKWORK KITCHENS (October 10, 2025)—the blueprint for restaurants that run themselves.

Donna Rinck is a licensed attorney in Florida and North Carolina. She is the founding manager of Rinck Law Office, PLLC, and also serves as a Fractional General Counsel for an AI Development Company. In both roles, she focuses on technology law, AI governance and risk assessments, AI literacy, and privacy compliance.

Light Breakfast Sponsored by:

Northeast – FRLA Leadership Series: Qualities of a Leader

Join the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Northeast Chapter for our annual Qualities of a Leader Program. Each year, FRLA spotlights an industry leader in a candid conversation about the qualities that shaped their path to success. This year, we invite you to join us for a casual discussion with Curtis Osmond as we explore the Qualities of a Leader.

This interactive conversation will explore Curtis’s journey in the hospitality industry. How he got started, the challenges he’s faced, the values that have shaped him, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

We’ll touch on his career growth, education, volunteer work, and development, and hear his advice for those pursuing leadership and success. This won’t be a speech—it’s an intimate discussion designed to inspire and engage.

Event Details:
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
9:00–10:30 a.m.
Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park
4812 W Deer Lake Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246

About Curtis Osmond:
Curtis graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Hospitality Management. He served as Proprietor of Jacksonville’s III Forks before joining the corporate office of Consolidated Restaurant Operations (CRO), which manages brands including III Forks, Cantina Laredo, El Chico, Silver Fox, Lucky’s Café, Cool River, and Black Oak Grill. Curtis specializes in fine dining steakhouses and brings a wealth of experience in leadership and growth.

Register Now!

Hillsborough – Pizza Palooza

In “knead” of a little team bonding?

Head to the Hillsborough Chapter’s Pizza Palooza for a deliciously fun and friendly pizza-making competition! Everyone on your team will work together to make pizza dough from scratch, and then creative energy will flow while you choose flavor combinations and ingredients to craft the best pizza pie. The event culminates a friendly competition that calls on each team to hone time management, collaboration, communication, and presentation skills with delicious results.

Giving Back for the Holidays!

The Hillsborough Chapter is thrilled to spread joy and make a difference in the lives of teenagers in our community! We invite all attendees to join us in this heartwarming initiative by bringing a minimum $15.00 gift card from Amazon, Target, Walmart, or others. These thoughtful gifts will be given to teenagers who often go unsupported during the holidays.

Event Details:
Thursday, November 13, 2025
2:00 – 4:30 PM
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
(Pelagia Trattoria)
4200 Jim Walter Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607

Event Cost:
Team of Four – $150
Member – $45 per person
Future Member – $50 per person

One drink ticket for wine, beer, or soda and pizza tasting

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Palooza Sponsor: $500
2 event tickets, welcoming at event and corporate signage at an event

Pizza Station Sponsor: $175
2 event tickets, corporate signage at event

Register Now!

Registration Deadline: November 7, 2025

Space Coast – Florida DBPR Sec. Melanie Griffin Presentation

Please join the FRLA Space Coast Chapter for an exclusive presentation featuring Florida DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront!

Secretary Griffin will share valuable insights on the licensing, regulation, and inspection processes that govern restaurants and hotels in the state of Florida. Her discourse will shed light on the office’s innovative strategies to streamline and modernize its operations. This event promises to be enlightening and informative, offering a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s standards and practices.

Event Details:
Thursday, October 23, 2025
1:30 PM Registration & Light Snacks
2:00 – 3:00 PM Presentation
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
1550 N Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL

Event Cost:
$20
Includes networking opportunities and light snacks

Event Sponsorship:
$200
Corporate logo on event signage, event website, and printed materials

Register Now!

Deadline to Register: October 21, 2025

Central Florida Chapter – Holiday Reception

Kick off the holiday season with FRLA Central Florida’s Holiday Reception, a special evening to honor the recipient of the prestigious President’s Award, celebrate the year’s accomplishments, and raise funds for the Central Florida Education Foundation. Join industry peers for an evening of connection, recognition, and giving back as we welcome the season together.

Event Details:

Monday, November 17, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Charley’s Steak House
8255 International Drive, Orlando

Tickets:

$125

Register Now!

Lee Chapter – Lee County Schools 2025 Taco Cook-off

A Taco Challenge for a Cause!

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Shangri-La Springs

The Lee County Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in partnership with the Lee County School District presents the 2025 Culinary Cook-Off. Local Lee County culinary high schools will compete for this year’s Culinary Cook-Off title for the best tacos in our Taco Take Down!

Guests will vote for their “Fan Favorite”. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with great food and music. Non-alcoholic drinks will be included in the ticket price. Cash bar will be available for attendees 21 and over.

Proceeds from the event will go towards Lee County’s Culinary and ProStart programs, contributing to student scholarships, classroom supplies, and equipment as well as state competitions.

TICKETS:

• Individual General Admission Ticket: $35

• Parent/Immediate Family of Culinary Student: $15

(Parent/immediate family member of participating culinary student.)

• VIP Individual Ticket: $65

(VIP Ticket Includes: Early entrance into event 30 minutes prior, receive wristband at check-in that includes two adult beverages and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. No waiting in regular line.)

Purchase Tickets!

Sponsorships Available! Contact Chris Lopez, Regional Director FRLA at [email protected].

Thank you to our sponsors:

Collier – 5th Annual Hoffmann Family of Companies-FRLA Golf Classic

5th Annual Hoffmann Family of Companies-FRLA Golf Classic

October 28, 2025

Hammock Bay Golf Club

Swing for Scholarships: Supporting the Future of Hospitality

Join us on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the prestigious Hammock Bay Golf Club in Naples, Florida, for a day of golf, fun, and giving back at the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (FRLA) 5th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament!

Experience the thrill of team scramble golf across 18 holes and exclusive access to the stunning Hammock Bay Golf Course. Take part in exciting contests, with the chance to win cash and other incredible prizes. Savor the array of delicious food samples from local hotels and restaurants. And to round off a perfect day, enjoy a post-tournament reception in the clubhouse.

Exciting Prizes and Games!

Get ready for some thrilling action with our exciting games and prizes! Try your luck at our $10,000 Hole-In-One Contest or take a shot at two other Hole-In-One Prize Contests on the par-3s. Test your power in the Long Drive Contest or test your precision in the Closest-To-The-Pin Contest. Hone your skills on the practice green with our Putting Contest.

Our ticketed prize drawings are just $5 each or scoop the pot for $20 with an arm-length. Join our 50/50 raffle for the same rates. We also offer individual mulligans for just $5 each or get five for $20. And for the ultimate advantage, tee off from the 150-yard marker on the hole 5 par 5 with our Tiger Tees, at a cost of $100 per foursome. So why wait? Get your advantage and get on the green!

Your Registration Includes:

18 holes of golf with cart
Event t-shirt
Food samples throughout the course
Post-tournament reception
One shot at each contest

Why Participate?

Your participation helps fund scholarships for promising hotel and restaurant students, ensuring a bright future for the hospitality industry in Florida.

Join us in making a difference while enjoying a fantastic day of golf at one of Florida’s premier courses!

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) is committed to supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Registration:

Titanium Sponsor: $5,000

Foursome: $800

(4 Players in any combination of men and/or women)

Platinum Sponsor: $4,000

Gold Sponsor: $2,500

Click Here to Register/Become a Sponsor!

NWFL Chapter – Annual Golf Classic

FRLA Northwest Florida Chapter Annual Golf Classic

• December 1, 2025 •
7:30 AM Registration | 9:00 AM Shotgun Start | 2:00 PM Awards & Lunch
Emerald Bay Golf Club | 4781 Clubhouse Drive| Destin, FL 32541

We are delighted to invite you to join us for the prestigious FRLA Northwest Florida Chapter Annual Golf Classic, happening on Monday, December 1, 2025. This exquisite event promises a luxurious day of golf on the beautifully Emerald Bay Golf Course, known for its elegant design and exceptional amenities.

Enjoy a sophisticated and entertaining day filled with premier golf, exceptional networking opportunities with leading hospitality industry professionals, exciting contests, gourmet food and beverages, and more. Cap off the day with our exclusive after-reception and raffle prizes in a lively atmosphere perfect for celebration and connection.

Come experience a memorable day of style, fun, and camaraderie. The perfect way to close out the year in true luxury! We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration

Team: $600

Individual (1 Player): $150

Register Now!

Deadline to Register: November 26, 2025

Sponsorship Opportunities

*SOLD OUT* ~~TITLE SPONSOR: $4,500~~

*SOLD OUT* ~~SUPPORTING SPONSOR: $3,500~~

GOLF BALL SPONSOR: $2,500

*SOLD OUT* ~~TROPHY SPONSOR: $2,000~~

*SOLD OUT* ~~GOLF CART SPONSOR: $1,500~~

*SOLD OUT* ~~GOLF TOWEL SPONSOR: $1,500~~

*SOLD OUT* ~~SWAG BAG SPONSOR: $1,300~~

BREAKFAST SPONSOR: $1,000

*SOLD OUT* ~~HOLE IN ONE SPONSOR: $750~~

BEVERAGE SPONSOR: $500

*ONLY 3 LEFT* HOLE SPONSOR: $300

Northeast – HR Panel: How to Grow Your Career in Hospitality

Join the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Northeast Chapter for our annual HR Panel: Climbing the Ladder: How to Grow Your Career in Hospitality! This engaging session is designed to inspire and equip hospitality professionals at all levels with real-world strategies for career growth. Through a dynamic panel discussion and interactive breakout groups, attendees will gain actionable insights on:

Navigating career pathways in today’s evolving hospitality industry
Developing skills and mindsets that lead to promotion
Learning from real-life success stories of industry leaders

This panel is ideal for frontline hospitality staff, mid-level managers aiming for senior roles, and HR professionals supporting career development! We encourage you to bring your staff and colleagues for a morning of learning, networking, and inspiration. It’s a great opportunity to invest in your team’s growth and connect with others in the industry.

Featuring:
Moderator: Samara Johns, One Ocean Resort
Panelists: Amy Walter, V’s Pizza | Valencia Grooms, Sawgrass Marriott

Event Details:
Wednesday, September 3 | 9:00–10:30 a.m.
V Pizza + Sidecar – Gate Parkway
7510 Gate Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Event Cost:
FREE!

Register Now

Miami-Dade – Legislative Roundtable and Hospitality Mixer

Join fellow hospitality leaders for a cordial roundtable discussion with members of the Miami-Dade County delegation, led by Chair Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez and Vice Chair Representative Kevin Chambliss.

Enjoy a fun and engaging networking mixer overlooking the gorgeous Miami skyline following the roundtable. Complimentary cocktails | light bites | door prizes & raffles!

Event Details:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Registration: 3:30 pm | Roundtable: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Hospitality Mixer: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Rusty Pelican, 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

Tickets:
FRLA Members $20
Non-FRLA Member Guests: $40
Expo Table: $100