FRLA

Northeast - Annual Women in Hospitality Panel
2026-03-25 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | FL
Join the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association for our annual Women in Hospitality Leadership Panel Discussion. Don’t miss this dynamic panel discussion spotlighting the women shaping the future of Northeast Florida’s restaurant and lodging industry.
Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Location: Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk, 1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL
This engaging conversation will explore leadership, resilience, innovation, and the evolving opportunities for women across hospitality.
Moderator: John Shermetaro, Shermetaro Speaking
Panelists:
• Antonette Palacios, CEO, V Pizza
• Jennifer Morken, Interim General Manager, Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
• Leila Deitsch, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
Our discussion will explore:

Breaking barriers and advancing into leadership roles
Building resilient, high-performing teams
Emerging trends shaping the future of hospitality
Mentorship, advocacy, and developing the next generation of leaders

Attendees will gain practical insights, connect with peers and industry executives, and leave inspired to continue elevating hospitality across Northeast Florida.
No cost to attend, but advanced registration is required.
Click Here to RSVP

Northeast Florida - 2026 Tourism Outlook
2026-05-07 09:00 - 10:30 | Delta Hotels by Marriott Jacksonville Deerwood, 4700 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, 32256, United States
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!

FREE to Register. Click Here to Sign Up!

Sponsored by:

Northeast - AI for Hospitality: Practical Tools You Can Use Today
2026-06-11 09:00 - 10:30 | Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park, 4812 Deer Lake Dr W, Jacksonville, FL, 32246, United States
AI for Hospitality: Practical Tools You Can Use Today
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how hospitality businesses operate, from marketing and guest engagement to forecasting and operational efficiency. Join the FRLA Northeast Chapter for a practical session designed specifically for restaurant and lodging professionals. This program will showcase real-world AI tools that operators can use immediately to streamline daily operations, enhance marketing efforts, and improve decision-making. Through short demonstrations and industry examples, we will explore how AI can help in your day-to-day tasks. Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting with new tools, you’ll leave with practical ideas, recommended platforms, and simple ways to start using AI in your business.
Event Details:
Thursday, June 11
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park
Event Cost:
FREE
Click Here to Register

Summit
2026-08-18 - 2026-08-20 | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, FL, 1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL, 33314, United States
FRLA’s Summit is back for its 14th annual premier hospitality event, August 18-20, 2026 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. Join Florida’s most influential hospitality professionals and top-level executives for this two-day event. Bringing you leading industry trends, best practices, top-notch speakers, and unparalleled networking, we’ve made sure there’s a seat for everyone at our table.
REGISTER TODAY!

NOTE: Early bird pricing is available through June 30th!
Group discounts are available for parties of 8 or more.
Sponsors will be emailed a promo code with further instructions on how to get registered.
For more information please contact Ashley Jackson at ajackson@frla.org.
Meet the 2026 KEYNOTES
Ryan Minton

SPOSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ACCOMODATIONS
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL 33314
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM
Room rate: $234/night plus taxes & fees
*Should you have any questions please contact Ashley Gholston, Events & Industry Relations Director, agholston@frla.org.

Property Maps: VIEW HERE
Dinner Reservations:
If you would like to dine on property please call in advance to Customer Care at 954-316-2900 to make reservations at Cipresso Italian, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, and Kuro Japanese. Please tell the agent that you are with FRLA. Here is a link to available dining options if you would like to preview menus.

MARKETING & ALLIED MEMBER COUNCIL
CLICK HERE to view the Marketing & Allied Member Council. This event would not be possible without the input and guidance from our council. THANK YOU for investing your time and for your continued support of the FRLA! If you have interest in joining the Marketing & Allied Member Council contact Ashley Jackson.
2025 HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

The Florida Restaurant Show
2026-10-25 - 2026-10-27 | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
INTRODUCING…THE FLORIDA RESTAURANT SHOW!

Whether you’re an independent owner, quick-serve restaurant operator, chef, caterer, baker, bar or nightclub operator, hospital, hotel, or commercial foodservice personnel — join us for 3 days October 25-27, 2026, at the Florida Restaurant Show at the Orange County Convention Center.
Learn about the hottest menu trends, state-of-the-art design and decor, the best in business education within our education programming, and hundreds of the leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community — all under one roof.
Watch live culinary performances and listen in on discussions about how our chefs came to be. Emerging trends abound on the show floor with hundreds of exhibitors and in our exciting special events. Spark your creative appetite and celebrate your passion for the profession.
Thank you so much to all our partners and supporters!

LEARN MORE HERE

Questions? Contact:

Registration: FRLA restaurant and hotel members receive unlimited free badges, and will need to select the “FRLA Member” option and include their member ID . If you need assistance with registration please contact customer service at PizzaSummitFloridaRestaurant@maritz.com.
Exhibits & Sponsorships: Paul Pedrow at (484) 823-9608, paul@therestaurantevents.com or Joe Carlino joe@therestaurantevents.com
Educational Breakout Sessions: Amy Riemer at 978-502-4895 or amy@riemercommunications.com

Northeast: 2026 Bust A Clay
2026-12-01 08:00 - 13:00 | Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, 12125 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32226, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, December 1, 2026
8 am. – 1 p.m.
Jacksonville Clay Target Sports

Join us for an exciting day of sporting clay action, networking, and friendly competition with your industry colleagues! Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or trying it for the first time, bring your team and clients for a memorable experience that builds camaraderie and connections.
Your participation directly supports the FRLA Northeast Chapter, helping us empower the next generation of culinary talent from sixteen area high schools through the ProStart Culinary Training program. Funds raised will also strengthen our advocacy efforts through the FRLA PAC.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact while having fun!

Schedule:
8-8:30 a.m. Registration & Light Breakfast
8:45 a.m. Safety Briefing
9 a.m. Shoot
Lunch & Award Ceremony following play

Event Registration and Sponsorship opportunities will be open soon!
