FRLA

Northeast - AI for Hospitality: Practical Tools You Can Use Today
2026-06-11 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | 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

Northeast - Deck the Boat! A Christmas in July Sunset Cruise
2026-07-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Sabrage St. Augustine, 117 Dockside Drive, St. Augustine, 32084, United States
Set sail for an evening of festive fun, coastal views, and valuable hospitality connections!
Join the FRLA Northeast Chapter as we trade sleigh rides for sunset tides aboard our Christmas in July Sunset Cruise. Cruise through the beautiful waters of St. Augustine while networking with fellow hospitality professionals, enjoying Irish holiday-inspired bites and cocktails, and soaking in a spectacular summer sunset.
Whether you’re looking to make new industry connections, reconnect with colleagues, or simply celebrate the season a little early, this merry midsummer mixer is the perfect way to spend a summer evening on the water.
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 15
⏰ Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Boarding at 117 Dockside Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 (near Asado Life)
👕 Attire: Summer Festive – think tropical holiday vibes!
💲 Cost: Members: $75 | Future Members: $90
Meehan’s Irish Pub will be providing light bites and a cash bar will be available.
Grab your favorite holiday-inspired attire, bring your business cards, and join us as we deck the boat, toast the sunset, and celebrate Christmas in July, Florida style!
Click Here to Register

🎁 PLUS — Don’t Miss Our Online Christmas in July Auction!
This festive summer fundraiser will feature restaurant gift cards, hotel stays, and exclusive experiences. The perfect chance to start your holiday shopping early while supporting a great cause. Bid from the comfort of your smartphone. The auction runs July 15-22, and all proceeds benefit the FRLA PAC, helping us continue vital advocacy efforts that protect and promote Florida’s hospitality industry. Donate an item today to show your support.
Click Here to Donate
Let’s make spirits bright—and keep our industry strong—this Christmas in July!

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: 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 or, Ashley Gholston at agholston@frla.org.
MEET THE 2026 KEYNOTES
Ryan Minton

AGENDA
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL SPEAKERS & SESSIONS
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18TH
5:00PM-7:00PM | Welcome Reception (Sponsored by: TECO)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19TH
7:00AM-9:00AM | Sponsor Marketplace Set-up
9:00AM-5:00PM | Registration Open
10:00AM-5:00PM | Breakout Sessions & Keynote Speakers
5:00-7:00 | Sponsor Marketplace Happy Hour
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20TH
8:00AM-9:30AM | Breakfast
8:00AM-10:00AM | Registration Open
8:30AM-1:30PM | Breakout Sessions & Keynote Speakers
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ACCOMODATIONS
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL 33314
The event room block is now closed. 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

Northeast - Beyond Business Cards: The Art of Meaningful Networking
2026-08-26 09:00 - 10:30 | Springhill Suites Jacksonville Beach, 465 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250, United States
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.

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
FRLA Northeast Bust A Clay
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:
Foursome: $675
Individual: $185
Includes: Light Breakfast, Clays, Shells, Golf Cart, Lunch included
Note: you will need to provide your own equipment (shotgun)
Sponsorship Opportunities
Shell Sponsor: $1,500- SOLD!
Your company logo on each shell box and recognition at the event.
Supporting Sponsor: $500
Recognition at event and a station sign.
Turkey Shoot sponsor: $2,000
You are the host for the Turkey shoot! Greet each player and announce winners.
Refreshment/Snack break sponsor: $400
Provide a refreshment and the turn and greet each player.

Click Here to Register Today!

18th Annual Northeast ROSE Awards
2027-02-22 | Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32202, United States
SAVE THE DATE!

18th Annual Northeast ROSE Awards
Monday, February 22, 2027
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
