Northeast - Hospitality Outlook
2025-05-07 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk, 1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, 32207, United States
Celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week with FRLA at the Northeast Florida Tourism Outlook!
Tourism is one of Florida’s most powerful economic drivers. In 2024, our state welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors — a 1.6% increase over 2023 and the highest annual visitation in Florida’s history. Tourism contributes an impressive $127.7 billion to Florida’s economy and generates $17.1 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Join us as we hear from our regional experts — your local tourism marketing agencies — on the latest strategies and initiatives bringing leisure, business, and group travelers to our area. Discover how to connect with these agencies, access valuable resources, and leverage their efforts to drive more guests to your hotels and restaurants.
Let’s work together to keep Florida’s tourism industry thriving!
Our session will be moderated by Brenna Dacks, Northeast Florida Representative from VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing agency. She will lead a panel discussion featuring our local Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) leaders:

Paul Beirnes, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Michael Corrigan, Visit Jacksonville
Susan Phillips, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau

Event Details:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk
1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207
9:00 – 9: 20 AM – Networking
9:20 – 9:30 AM – Welcome
9:30 – 10:30 AM – Panel
Event Cost: FREE
Register Now!

Sponsored by:

Central FL/Northeast/Broward Chapter - Webinar: Boost Your Hospitality Profits: Insider Strategies Revealed
2025-06-11 10:00 - 11:00
Boost Your Hospitality Profits: Insider Strategies Revealed
Join the FRLA Central Florida, Northeast, and Broward Chapters for this Webinar!
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
10:00 – 11:00 AM ET
➡️Register via Zoom⬅️

In today’s fast-paced hospitality landscape, making more intelligent and more timely financial decisions with the right tools at the right time can make all the difference.
Join the FRLA Central Florida, Northeast, and Broward Chapters for this exclusive digital session led by Chris Pumo, founder of Skyline Analytics, where he’ll share how FP&A is transforming hospitality operations—from real-time financial dashboards to predictive labor scheduling and cost control strategies.
Key Takeaways:

Maximize profitability through strategic pricing & COGS analysis.
Optimize labor & reduce overtime with predictive planning.
Apply FP&A for line-by-line margin improvement.
Build best-in-class forecasts & month-end packages that drive smarter growth.
Use AI-enhanced dashboards for real-time financial clarity.

Register Now

Northeast Chapter - Workshop: Smart Social Media Moves for Tight Marketing Budgets
2025-06-18 09:00 - 10:30 | Culhane’s Irish Pub Southside, 9720 Deer Lake Ct., Jacksonville, 32246, United States
Workshop: More Reach, Less Spend- Smart Social Media Moves for Tight Marketing Budgets
Presented by: Grace Stoyshich and Rachel Harris, Social Beans Creative Agency

If you’re a restaurant or hospitality business trying to grow your presence online without breaking the bank—you’re not alone. Join us for an exclusive free workshop hosted by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and led by Social Beans, a creative agency dedicated to helping hospitality brands thrive on social media.
Event Details:
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
9-9:30 a.m. Networking
9:30-10:30 a.m. Program
Culhane’s Irish Pub Southside
9720 Deer Lake Ct., Jacksonville, FL
In this fast-paced, practical session, you’ll learn how to:

Partner with local micro-influencers without paying big fees
Run community-driven giveaways that actually grow your audience
Tap into on-brand trends without feeling inauthentic
Use free content tools to create stunning visuals in minutes
Build a simple content calendar to save hours each week
And more tips to boost your reach without paid ads

Whether you’re doing your social media solo or working with a small team, this workshop will give you tools you can use immediately—no fluff, no overwhelm.
Event Cost:
FREE
RSVP Now!

Northeast - Summer Silent Auction Benefitting FRLA PAC
2025-07-14 08:00 - 2025-07-21 17:00
Christmas in July Silent Auction is OPEN!

We’re decking the halls early with our Christmas in July Online Silent Auction – it’s LIVE!
Now’s your chance to score incredible hotel stays, restaurant gift cards, and more—all while supporting the FRLA PAC.
From beach getaways to gourmet dinners, you’ll find something for everyone (including yourself)!

Bidding closes Monday, July 21 at 8 p.m.
Don’t miss out—treat yourself or get ahead on holiday gifts early!

Let’s make spirits bright—and keep our industry strong—this Christmas in July!

Start Your Bidding! Click Here!

Northeast - Christmas in July Mixer
2025-07-16 16:30 - 18:00 | Blue Bamboo, 3820 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, 32216, United States
Cool Connections in the Heat of Summer!
Join FRLA Northeast Chapter for a jolly good time at our Christmas in July Mixer—where networking meets holiday cheer (without the sweaters). Mingle with fellow hotel and restaurant leaders, enjoy festive bites and get a mid-year boost of holiday spirit.
Event Details:
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Blue Bamboo
10110 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
Attire: Summer Festive or Business Casual with a holiday twist!
Tickets:
Members: $20
Future Members $30
Register Now!

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 14-July 21, and all proceeds benefit the FRLA PAC, helping us continue vital advocacy efforts that protect and promote Florida’s hospitality industry. We will share auction link soon! CLICK HERE for more info!

Let’s make spirits bright—and keep our industry strong—this Christmas in July!

Northeast - HR Panel: How to Grow Your Career in Hospitality
2025-09-03 09:00 - 10:30 | V Pizza + Sidecar – Gate Parkway, 7510 Gate Pkwy, Jacksonville, 32256, United States
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

Northeast - FRLA Leadership Series: Qualities of a Leader
2025-10-29 09:00 - 10:30 | Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park, 4812 Deer Lake Dr W, Jacksonville, FL, 32246, United States
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!

Northeast - 2025 Bust A Clay
2025-12-01 08:00 - 13:00 | Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, 12125 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32226, United States
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: $550
Individual: $180
Includes: Light Breakfast, Clays, Shells, Golf Cart, Lunch included
Note: you will need to provide your own equipment (shotgun)
Sponsorship Opportunities:
**SOLD** Shell Sponsor: $1,000
Your company logo on each shell box and recognition at event.
Supporting Sponsor: $750
Recognition at event and a station sign.
**SOLD** Turkey Shoot sponsor: $500
You are the host for the Turkey shoot! Greet each player and announce winners.
Refreshment/Snack break sponsor: $300
Provide a refreshment at the turn and greet each player.

Register Now!

Northeast - Nights of Lights Closing Party
2026-01-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Meehan’s Irish Pub, 20 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL, United States
Nights of Lights Closing Party
Let’s wrap up another sparkling Nights of Lights and a fantastic holiday season—St. Augustine style!
Join us upstairs at Meehan’s Oyster Bar for:

Tasty appetizers
Your first drink on us
Great company, laughs, and stories from the season

Bring your team, your holiday cheer, and your best Nights of Lights memories as we toast to a successful season and look ahead to an even brighter year!
Only 50 tickets are available, once they’re gone, they’re gone! Reserve yours today!

Event Details:
Monday, January 12, 2026
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Meehan’s Irish Pub – Upstairs Oyster Bar
20 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Event Cost: $15 (includes apps and one drink)

REGISTER NOW

Northeast - Annual THE PLAYERS Championship & Golf Tourism Update
2026-01-28 09:00 - 10:30 | Sawgrass Marriott, 1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082, United States
The FRLA Northeast Chapter invites you to our annual THE PLAYERS Championship & Golf Tourism Update featuring insights from Lee Smith, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship, as he shares what’s in store for the 2026 tournament, March 10–15, 2026.
We’ll also hear from David Reese, President & CEO of Florida’s First Coast of Golf, who will share the latest golf tourism trends and data shaping travel decisions across Northeast Florida. David will share the outlook on the current and projected state of golf tourism, including insights on visitor demographics, economic impact, and marketing strategies that position our region as a premier golf destination.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to connect with industry leaders and get an inside look at what’s ahead for one of Northeast Florida’s premier sporting events. Light breakfast and refreshments provided by Sawgrass Marriott.

Event Details:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Sawgrass Marriott
1000 Tournament Players Club Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Room: Champions E

Event Cost:
FREE!
**Pre-registration is required!**
Register Now!

ABOUT: Lee Smith Executive Director, THE PLAYERS Championship
In his role as Executive Director of THE PLAYERS, Lee oversees all aspects of the PGA TOUR’s flagship event, from sales, marketing and operations to community and charitable outreach and support. In addition, he leads THE PLAYERS Council, an association of corporate and community leaders who share THE PLAYERS’ commitment to economic growth and development. Lee joined THE PLAYERS team in 2023, and prior to that served as the General Manager at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, a property managed by the PGA TOUR, where he was instrumental in helping the PGA TOUR contest THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2019 and 2021.
Smith has been a key member of the TPC Network since he joined in 2008, serving as Head Golf Professional at TPC Sugarloaf outside Atlanta; General Manager of TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas; and Regional Director of Operations for TPC Networks, a role he held concurrently with his position at Liberty National. He has been a Class A member of the PGA of America for more than 20 years.
Originally from Illinois, Smith graduated with a degree in Sports Management from Southeast Missouri State University (where he was a letterwinner on the men’s golf team) and later attended the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he earned a Masters in Sports Law & Business. Widely recognized as an outstanding golf professional, Lee has been named twice, in both 2013 & 2017, as Golf Professional of the Year for the Las Vegas Chapter PGA, and 2015 Golf Club Operator of the Year by Golf Inc. Magazine.

Northeast - 2026 Board Installation & Mixer
2026-02-03 16:30 - 18:00 | Champion Brands, 5571 Florida Mining Blvd S, Jacksonville, 32257, United States
Kick off 2026 with the FRLA Northeast Chapter at our exciting mix-and-mingle event!

Join us to kick off the new year and mix and mingle with our 2026 Board of Directors. We will highlight chapter updates for 2026 and enjoy a casual networking reception. The event will begin with the 2026 Board Installation ceremony.
To view the listing of the 2026 Board of Directors visit, https://frla.org/chapters/northeast/
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
4:30-6 p.m.
Champion Brands, 5571 Florida Mining Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32257

Event Cost:
FRLA Members: $30
Future Members: $45
Includes one drink ticket for beer or wine, in addition to appetizers. Cash bar available.
REGISTER NOW

Northeast - 17th Annual ROSE Awards
2026-02-25 17:30 - 20:30 | Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 East Coastline Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32202, United States
Join the FRLA Northeast Chapter to celebrate the 17th Annual ROSE Awards!
Please join the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Northeast Chapter at the Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards as we honor Northeast Florida frontline hospitality employees who demonstrate excellent customer service and keep our industry thriving. These industry champions showcase the region’s commitment to creating an extraordinary visitor experience!

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
225 E Coastline Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32202
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Registration/Cocktail Hour
6:15 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner/Award Program
Dress: Business/Cocktail
COST: Members: $85 per person or $670 per table (8 seats)
Future Members: $100 per person or $775 table (8 seats)
If you wish to pay with a check and receive invoice, please email nchapman@frla.org

Register Now
Sponsorship Opportunities

Click here to learn more about ROSE Awards and for the nomination information.

More details coming soon!

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.
TICKETS
*Tickets on sale soon.
MEET THE 2025 SPEAKERS
Tim Tebow
2025 AGENDA
CLICK HERE TO VIEW AGENDA
ACCOMODATIONS
*Room block coming soon. Should you have any questions please contact Ashley Gholston, Events & Industry Relations Director, agholston@frla.org.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL 33314

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 - SAVE THE DATE
2026-12-07 08:00 - 13:00 | Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, 12125 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32226, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, December 7, 2026
8 am. – 1 p.m.
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!
