Hillsborough/Pinellas - Hospitality Forward August Meeting
2025-08-05 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL, 34236, United States
The Unseen Threat: Cyber Risks in Hospitality
Join the FRLA Hillsborough and Pinellas Chapters for the THIRD Hospitality Forward meeting – an exclusive tech empowerment event designed for hospitality leaders! Hospitality Forward is brought to you in collaboration with the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator. Our third meeting will expose the hidden dangers lurking in the digital landscape of the hospitality sector. Learn how to identify, mitigate, and respond to cyber threats that could jeopardize your business and reputation.
Secure your spot and your future. Register today and join your industry colleagues on August 5th from 8:30 – 10:30 AM at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay for The Unseen Threat: Cyber Risks in Hospitality.

Meet the Speakers:

Registration:
(Breakfast Included)
$40
Register Now!
If you registered for the whole series, you are all set!
View Event Flyer
Inquire About Sponsorships Opportunities!
Contact FRLA Regional Director, Dannette Lynch, at dannette@frla.org or 727-642-3404.

Pinellas - 26th Annual Hospitality Golf Classic
2025-08-18 07:30 - 15:00 | The Vinoy Golf Club, 600 Snell Isle Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
26th Annual Hospitality Golf Classic
August 18, 2025
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
7:30 AM Registration | 8:30 AM Shotgun Start

VIEW EVENT DETAILS
Join the FRLA Pinellas Chapter for an unforgettable day at the 26th Annual Hospitality Golf Classic! Enjoy some sun, fun, and sand traps at the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. Network with industry leaders and tee off where the pros play! Don’t miss out on your chance to support hospitality education while having a blast on the course! If you love golf, networking, and fun, this is tournament is tailor-made for you! Chip in for hospitality!
TOURNAMENT FORMAT
Scramble, putting contest, mulligans (limit two per player), closest to the pin, longest drive, unmatched players will be assigned, raffle tickets sold by package or individually at check-in.
ALL REGISTERED GOLFERS RECEIVE:
• Special Commemorative Team Photo
• Yacht Starship Dinner Cruise Ticket ($100 Value)
• Vinoy Golf Club…discounted rate at championship course
• Awesome Raffle and Live Auction Opportunities
• Great Giveaways and Surprises
• Breakfast/Awards Luncheon/Live Auction

Register Now or Become a Sponsor!
Deadline EXTENDED: August 11, 2025

“Par”take in Activities throughout the course from food and beverage samples, plus
Make a Hole in One and Win $25K Cash or Super Bowl Tickets

Thank you to our 2025 Title Sponsors:

Pinellas Chapter - 6th Annual ROSE Awards
2025-08-28 17:30 - 20:30 | Sandpearl Resort, 500 Mandaly Ave, Clearwater Beach, FL, 33767
The 6th Annual Pinellas ROSE Awards
August 28, 2025
Sandpearl Resort

The illustrious 6th Annual Pinellas ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards will celebrate the remarkable efforts of frontline hospitality professionals who consistently exceed expectations in delivering exceptional service. These individuals truly epitomize the unwavering commitment of the county to curate unforgettable experiences for each and every visitor. We cordially invite you to be a part of this prestigious event as we pay tribute to these outstanding champions who are shaping the landscape of hospitality with their dedication and passion.

Evening Itinerary:
5:30 PM – Red Carpet Arrival
6:00 PM – ROSE Awards Reception
6:20 PM – Nominee Group Photo
6:30 PM – ROSE Awards Ceremony & Dinner
Business/Cocktail Attire Requested

Purchase Tickets!

Click Here to View our 2024 ROSE Award Winners

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Pinellas & Hillsborough - Confetti Culture by James Ferguson
2025-09-17 08:30 - 10:30 | Marriott Tampa Airport, 4200 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL, 33607, United States
Join the FRLA Pinellas and Hillsborough Chapters for Confetti Culture presented by Best-selling Author & Keynote Speaker, James Ferguson! James is a visionary, employee engagement expert, culture coach, and author of bestseller The Confetti Culture Playbook: How to Boost Your Team’s Contribution & Impact!
He specializes in building cultures where employees feel seen, heard, and celebrated – every single day! With a proven record of energizing hospitality management teams, James puts the FUN back in the fundamentals of employee engagement. James’s sessions aren’t just talks – they’re transformative experiences.
Join us for this unforgettable session that’s equal parts powerful and purposeful. In this inspiring talk, James will show how to lead with impact, master resilience, time management, and reinvention, showing how you can turn hope into habits through this confetti-filled formula that builds a more positive, productive, and profitable culture!
Event Details:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
8:30 AM – Registration
9:oo AM – Presentation
Marriott Tampa International Airport
4200 George J Bean Parkway Tampa, FL
Registration:
Member – $45 per person
Future Member – $55 per person
Reserved Table of 8 – $350
Register Now

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Event Sponsor: $550
(Includes opportunity to welcome guests, corporate logo on signage, video screen and reserved table of 6)
Breakfast Sponsor: $250
(Includes recognition, signage with corporate logo and 2 event tickets)

Pinellas - Peer-to-Peer Conversations: A Growth Opportunity for Leaders
2025-11-04 08:30 - 11:00 | Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL, 33716, United States
Management comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it’s making critical decisions, staying ahead of industry changes, or solving complex problems, leaders often find themselves navigating uncharted waters. In these moments, having a trusted group of peers to turn to can make all the difference. Having peer-to-peer conversations with people who understand the pressures and realities of running a business is invaluable.
Our expert industry panel will address relevant topics such as:

How to create value
How to get the most from technology
Current Labor Market
Recovery
Guest experience
And much more!

After the panel discussion all attendees will break into round tables for peer-to-peer conversations. Please join the Pinellas Chapter for this innovative opportunity!

View Flyer
Event Details:
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
8:30 AM Registration
9:00 – 11:00 AM – Peer to Peer Conversation
Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater
12600 Roosevelt Boulevard, St. Petersburg
REGISTRATION:
Member – $15 per person
Future Member – $22 per person
SPONSORSHIP:
Event Sponsor $250
Corporate Signage and (2) Attendees

Register Now!
Registration Deadline: 11/3/2025

Pinellas - Escape the Ordinary Leadership Event
2025-11-24 14:30 - 18:00 | Escape FLA, 2480 East Bay Drive #21, Largo, 33771, United States
UPDATE: THIS EVENT IS BEING RESCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER. DETAILS COMING SOON!

Join the FRLA Pinellas Chapter for an extraordinary opportunity to engage in a dynamic leadership event that promises to strengthen communication and spark creativity! Members are invited to harness their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in an exhilarating attempt to escape the room at Escape FLA. This high-stakes escape game room experience is designed to inspire members to think, act, and solve problems together.
Event Details:
Monday, November 24, 2025
Escape FLA
2480 East Bay Drive #21 Largo, FL
Schedule of Events:
2:30 PM Check-in
3:00 – 5:00 PM Try to Escape
4:00 – 6:00 PM Reception
Note: There are two time slots to choose from when registering on Eventbrite.
First Escape: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Second Escape: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
You will choose your escape once you arrive (based on capacity):
“Operation Blackstone” or “Las Vegas Heist”
Event Pricing:
Members: $29
Limited Participation! Sign up today!
Click Here to Register!
Registration Deadline: 11/21/2025
Sponsorship Opportunity:
Reception Sponsor: $150
(Welcoming at reception, corporate logo signage, plus one entry to escape room.)

Pinellas - Holiday Social
2025-12-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Clear Sky on Cleveland, 418 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL, 33755, United States
You are cordially invited to mix, mingle, and give back this holiday season! Join us at the FRLA Pinellas Chapter Holiday Social at Clear Sky on Cleveland for a great cause.

Pinellas - Escape the Ordinary Leadership Event (Rescheduled Event)
2025-12-15 14:30 - 18:00 | Escape FLA, 2480 East Bay Drive #21, Largo, 33771, United States
Join the FRLA Pinellas Chapter for an extraordinary opportunity to engage in a dynamic leadership event that promises to strengthen communication and spark creativity! Members are invited to harness their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in an exhilarating attempt to escape the room at Escape FLA. This high-stakes escape game room experience is designed to inspire members to think, act, and solve problems together.
Event Details:
Monday, December 15, 2025
Escape FLA
2480 East Bay Drive #21 Largo, FL
Schedule of Events:
2:30 PM Check-in
3:00 – 5:00 PM Try to Escape
4:00 – 6:00 PM Reception
Note: There are two time slots to choose from when registering on Eventbrite.
First Escape: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Second Escape: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
You will choose your escape once you arrive (based on capacity):
“Operation Blackstone” or “Las Vegas Heist”
Event Pricing:
Members: $29
Limited Participation! Sign up today!
Click Here to Register!
Registration Deadline: TBD
Sponsorship Opportunity:
Reception Sponsor: $150
(Welcoming at reception, corporate logo signage, plus one entry to escape room.)

Pinellas - 2026 Board Installation Reception
2026-02-12 17:30 - 19:00 | The Sandpearl Resort, 500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
REGISTER NOW

Hillsborough & Pinellas - Hospitality Forward Series: Industry Trends & Insights
2026-03-25 08:30 - 10:30 | The Karol Hotel, 2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater, FL, 33762, United States
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 Strategies, Revenue 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)

Pinellas & Hillsborough - 3rd Annual Reverse Hotel & Restaurant Showcase
2026-05-06 14:30 - 17:30 | Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL, 33716, United States
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!

Pinellas - Annual Bowling Tournament
2026-05-21 14:30 - 17:00 | Liberty Lanes, 11401 Starkey Road, Largo, FL, 33773, United States
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!

Pinellas/Hillsborough - Hospitality Forward: Solving Hospitality's Generational Puzzle
2026-06-22 08:30 - 22:30
More Details Coming Soon!!

Pinellas - 27th Annual Hospitality Golf Classic
2026-08-10 | The Vinoy Golf Club, 600 Snell Isle Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Save the Date!
The 27th Annual FRLA Pinellas Hospitality Golf Classic
August 10, 2026
The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club

More details to follow!

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

FRLA Pinellas ROSE Awards - SAVE THE DATE
2026-09-03 17:30 - 20:30 | Sandpearl Resort, 500 Mandaly Ave, Clearwater Beach, FL, 33767
SAVE THE DATE
The 7th Annual Pinellas ROSE Awards
September 3, 2026
Sandpearl Resort Clearwater Beach

The7th Annual Pinellas ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards will celebrate the remarkable efforts of frontline hospitality professionals who consistently exceed expectations in delivering exceptional service. These individuals truly epitomize the unwavering commitment of the county to curate unforgettable experiences for each and every visitor. We cordially invite you to be a part of this prestigious event as we pay tribute to these outstanding champions who are shaping the landscape of hospitality with their dedication and passion.
For sponsorship or additional information, please contact FRLA Regional Director Dannette Lynch
727-642-3404 or dannette@frla.org

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
