Broward Hospitality Connect: Special Edition

Mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections at the October Hospitality Connect: Special Edition – A conversation with the Broward County Administrator.

Join us for a special edition of Hospitality Connect featuring County Administrator Monica Cepero. Connect with hospitality professionals, hear fresh perspectives on issues shaping Broward County, and enjoy an evening of meaningful conversation, new ideas, and networking. Bring your business cards and your best vibe—it’s time to mix, mingle, and make some unforgettable connections.

Event Details: 
Monday, October 26, 2026
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport at Dania Pointe
166 N. Compass Way Dania Beach

Registration:
Members: $20
Future Members: $40

Click Here to Register 

SPACE IS LIMITED.

Showcase Your Brand Front and Center

Purchase a tabletop to display your products, feature signage, share samples, and get your logo spotlighted in our event email blast.
Few Spots available—reserve yours today!

Tabletop $150
* Price includes (1) admission
FRLA Broward Members Only

Call Rozeta Mahboubi at (954) 270-5814

 

Lee – Culinary Showcase Slider Cook-off

Culinary Showcase & Ribbon Cutting 

Join FRLA for a culinary showcase celebrating the next generation of hospitality talent and the 100 years of Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs! Local high school culinary programs will fire up the grills for a spirited slider cook-off, showcasing their creativity and skills as they compete for top honors.

Event Details: 
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Shangri-La Springs
27750 Old 41 Rd. Bonita Springs, FL 34135

View Event Flyer 

 

Click Here to Register 

 

Competing schools:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dessert Prepared by:

 

Northwest Florida – Annual Golf Classic

FRLA Northwest Florida Chapter Annual Golf Classic

• December 3, 2026 •
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 Thursday, December 3, 2026. This event promises a memorable day of golf on the beautiful Emerald Bay Golf Course!

Enjoy 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 an unforgettable 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 of Four: $650

Individual (1 Player): $165

Deadline to Register: November 27, 2026

Northeast – Platform Reset: What’s Actually Working on Social Media in 2026

Platform Reset: What’s Actually Working on Social Media in 2026

Restaurants and hotels are still treating Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok like the same platform — and it’s costing them. Facebook’s organic reach has nearly disappeared, yet it’s still where guests check you out before booking or walking in, while TikTok engagement is up nearly 50% year over year. This session breaks down what each platform is actually good for right now, plus the practical tools (editing, AI tools, scheduling apps) to execute a smarter strategy.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Culhane’s Irish Pub
9720 Deer Lake Ct
Jacksonville, FL 32246

Cost: Free

Click Here to RSVP

 

Collier – Hops & Hospitality Happy Hour

Join us for a chill evening of great brews and good vibes at the Collier Chapter happy hour on September 30th! Connect with fellow members, expand your network, and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation following our board meeting.

Event Details:
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:30PM 
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
400 South Collier Boulevard Marco Island, FL 34145

Tickets: $10

Click Here to Register 

 

Miami-Dade: Legislative Panel & Reception

Where Hospitality Leaders Meet the Leaders Who Shape Our Future

What happens when the people shaping Florida’s policies sit down with the people who power its hospitality industry?

Join FRLA Miami-Dade for our exclusive Annual Legislative & Hospitality Panel, where members of the Miami-Dade County Delegation will sit down with South Florida’s hospitality leaders for an engaging conversation about the issues, opportunities, and priorities shaping the upcoming legislative session.

This distinguished gathering brings industry and government leaders together for candid conversation, meaningful dialogue, and a firsthand look at the issues and opportunities that will define the future.

FRLA is the voice of Florida’s hospitality industry—recognized, respected, and at the table when it matters most. Through our powerful advocacy network and longstanding relationships with policymakers, FRLA turns the priorities of our industry into meaningful action.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect directly with the leaders who help shape the policies impacting your business, your employees, and our industry.

Come prepared to listen, ask questions, engage in the discussion, and connect with fellow hospitality leaders.

Space is limited, so reserve your seat early. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Special Guest Speakers: 

  • Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez 
  • Representative Kevin Chambliss
  • Representative Omar Blanco
  • Representative Mike Redondo

Event Details:
Thursday, October 8, 2026
3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Panel Discussion (reception immediately following the meeting)
$10 per person
Rusty Pelican, 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne

Click Here to Register

FRLA Members Only, Space is limited and Pre-Registration is required.

Northeast – Qualities of a Leader: A Conversation with Greg Cook

Qualities of a Leader: A Conversation with Greg Cook 

Leadership lessons from one of Florida hospitality’s most respected industry leaders

Join us for a special FRLA monthly meeting featuring an engaging conversation on what it truly takes to lead in today’s hospitality industry. What separates a good manager from a great leader? How do you build a strong culture, inspire your team, navigate challenges, and develop the next generation of hospitality leaders?

Join us as Craig Smith, Owner of the Alhambra Theatre & Dining and St. Johns Food Service, sits down with Greg Cook, 2026 FRLA Chairman of the Board and General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, for a candid conversation about leadership, hospitality and the lessons Greg has learned throughout more than four decades in the industry.

From beginning his career as a bellman to leading one of Florida’s premier luxury resorts, Greg has built his career around exceptional guest experiences, strong teams and developing people.

During this interactive conversation, we’ll explore:

  • The qualities Greg believes define a great leader
  • Building a culture employees want to be part of
  • Leading through change and challenging situations
  • Motivating and developing the next generation
  • The future of leadership in hospitality

Whether you lead, are an inspiring industry leader of a hotel, restaurant, attraction or hospitality team, you’ll leave with practical leadership insights you can take back to your organization.

Come ready to learn, connect and be inspired by two Northeast Florida hospitality leaders!

Event Details:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
9:00 – 10:30 AM
Alhambra Theatre & Dining
12000 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL

Breakfast provided by St. Johns Food Service

FREE to Attend! 

Click Here to RSVP

Lee – Hops and Hospitality Happy Hour

Join the FRLA Lee Chapter on Tuesday, September 1st for Hops and Hospitality Happy Hour! Connect with fellow members, expand your network, and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation following our board meeting.

Event Details:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
5:00 – 6:30 PM 
Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
5951 Silver King Boulevard Cape Coral, FL 33914

Tickets: $10

Click Here to Register 

Miami-Dade: End of Summer Hospitality Connect

Let’s End Summer in Style! Join your FRLA Miami-Dade hospitality family for an unforgettable evening of Hospitality Connect at the fabulous The Miami Beach EDITION! As we celebrate the end of summer, we’ll celebrate something even more important—the strength of our industry and the important role FRLA plays in advocating for, connecting, and advancing Florida’s hospitality community. After our Board meeting, join us for great networking and meaningful engagement with some of Miami-Dade’s leading hospitality executives, along with fun games, exciting raffle giveaways, and plenty of surprises. Come connect, collaborate, celebrate—and enjoy an evening with the people who make our industry so extraordinary!

Event Details: 
Thursday, September 3, 2026
5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Th Miami Beach EDITION
2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

Event Cost: 
FRLA Members $20
FRLA Non-Member Guests: $30
FRLA Member Discount for 2: Only $35

Register Now!