OHLA
June e-news

OHLA Stars of the Industry


Bright Futures Begin with Recognition - Nominate Today!

Bright Futures Begin with Recognition - Nominate Today!

Nominations for the OHLA Stars of the Industry Awards are now open! This year’s theme, Rising Stars, Bright Futures, celebrates the individuals and teams whose talent, dedication, and leadership are shaping the future of hospitality across Ohio.

From exceptional service professionals to visionary leaders and emerging talent, these awards recognize those who inspire excellence and make a lasting impact every day.

Help us shine a spotlight on the people who are elevating our industry and creating bright futures for guests, colleagues, and communities alike. Submit your nomination today and honor Ohio’s hospitality stars! ✨

Deadline: June 22

OHLA Events and Happenings


Our signature events are on the horizon!

Our signature events are on the horizon!

Mark your calendars for OHLA’s signature events celebrating and advancing Ohio’s hospitality industry. Save the date for the Stars of the Industry Luncheons, where we honor exceptional hospitality professionals, and the Annual Conference, bringing together industry leaders for education, networking, and insights that help shape the future of hospitality.

Greater Dayton Stars of the Industry Luncheon
August 27, 2026

Greater Cleveland Stars of the Industry Luncheon
September 3, 2026

Greater Columbus Stars of the Industry Luncheon
September 10, 2026

Greater Cincinnati Stars of the Industry Luncheon
September 17, 2026

2026 OHLA Annual Conference & Gala
November 23 & 24, 2026
Hyatt Regency Columbus



Regional Lodging Council Meetings Coming in Q2 & Q3!

Regional Lodging Council Meetings Coming in Q2 & Q3!

If you’re not plugged into what’s happening locally and statewide, you’re missing critical insights that can directly impact your bottom line. That’s why the OHLA Regional Lodging Councils are a must-attend for hoteliers and allied partners who want to lead—not follow.

Click Read More to see when we are coming to your city!

NEXT: Greater Dayton Lodging Council
June 11, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Day Air Ballpark - Diamond Event Center

Northwest Membership Mixer


Northwest Ohio – We Are Coming to Your Region June 25th

Northwest Ohio – We Are Coming to Your Region June 25th

Thursday, June 25th
3:00-5:00 PM

Maumee Bay Brewing Co.
27 Broadway St Toledo, OH 43604


Join us for an OHLA happy hour mixer designed to reconnect, reenergize, and grow our hospitality community. The Northwest regional Membership Mixer brings together property members and allied partners for a relaxed, engaging opportunity to build meaningful connections.

This is your chance to help shape a stronger, more connected local network—one conversation at a time. Stop by for complimentary drinks and appetizers while connecting with fellow industry professionals.

Government Affairs Update


Key Legislation & Industry Insights

Key Legislation & Industry Insights

Highlights from recent legislative activity include the rescission of a federal overtime rule that would have expanded overtime eligibility for salaried workers, restoring previous exemption thresholds for employers.

Updates also cover industry opposition to the proposed Faster Labor Contracts Act, which could allow government-appointed arbitrators to impose labor contracts when negotiations stall, as well as a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling that may lead to additional workers’ compensation refunds for some employers.

See more details in the full report.

Membership News


Member Spotlight: INSPIRE

Member Spotlight: INSPIRE

Meetings and events continue to play a significant role in hotel performance across Ohio, as properties balance evolving guest expectations, pricing pressures, and the need for consistent AV service delivery. INSPIRE partners with hotels and convention centers as their in-house audiovisual and event technology provider, supporting 155+ properties nationwide. Through a consultative, property-specific approach, INSPIRE works alongside hotel teams to align AV services with operational goals and enhance the overall guest experience.


OHLA Membership Renewal Season is Here!

OHLA Membership Renewal Season is Here!

Renewal notices for both our property and allied members have been mailed out. Continuing your membership ensures uninterrupted access to the advocacy, connections, and resources that support your business and strengthen Ohio’s hospitality industry.

Sponsorship Guide


2026 Sponsorship & Advertising Guide

2026 Sponsorship & Advertising Guide

Showcase your brand, connect with key decision-makers, and position your company as a leader in our state’s hospitality industry. Sponsorships are selling quickly, so don’t miss your chance to secure your preferred events and opportunities. Reach out today to reserve your spot and be part of a standout year ahead.

Emerging Professionals Corner


Join us in June! EP Third Thursday

Join us in June! EP Third Thursday

Emerging Professionals Third Thursday Volunteering Kickstart your morning with purpose at our Emerging Professionals gathering—enjoy fresh coffee while connecting with like-minded peers in a relaxed, energizing atmosphere. Together, we’ll write heartfelt letters of appreciation to veterans for the 'A Million Thanks' program, making a meaningful impact before the day even begins. All this leads seamlessly into the WIL Luncheon, setting the tone for a day of inspiration, connection, and community.

June 18, 2026
9:00 - 10:30AM
Embassy Suites Columbus Dublin

Allied Member Updates


Turning Experience into Impact

Turning Experience into Impact

After more than two decades in hospitality, Suzanne Via reflects on how people-first leadership and real partnership shaped her journey to HotelPro.


Cogwheel Marketing Insights

Cogwheel Marketing Insights

What Cogwheel’s Saying: Smart Takes Worth Reading

Press releases may no longer move the needle with Google, but they could play a growing role in AI discoverability. As travelers increasingly turn to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity for recommendations, the visibility of your hotel across trusted online sources matters more than ever.

While large language models aren’t reading press releases in real time, AI-powered search tools pull from fresh, indexed web content. A well-distributed press release that appears on authoritative, publicly accessible sites can increase mentions, citations, and visibility signals that help AI systems better understand and recommend your property. The broader the distribution, the greater the opportunity to influence how your hotel appears in AI-generated results.


Sedgwick Monthly News

Sedgwick Monthly News

Workers' Compensation & Safety Updates

This month, Sedgwick highlights important updates that can impact both workplace safety and workers’ compensation costs. Employers are encouraged to prepare for OSHA’s expanded Heat Emphasis Program, which increases enforcement efforts and inspections related to heat-related hazards, while also reviewing key Ohio BWC premium installment and true-up requirements as the 2025 policy year comes to a close. Together, these articles provide valuable guidance to help employers remain compliant, control costs, and protect their workforce during the summer months.


The DESIRE Framework: Turning Sustainability Into Guest Demand

The DESIRE Framework: Turning Sustainability Into Guest Demand

Greenluxe's New eBook is a field guide for hoteliers on turning the real work behind a property into the reason guests choose it, advisors recommend it, and partners trust it.



Keep Ohio Beautiful

Keep Ohio Beautiful

Ohio’s hospitality industry has made strong strides with recycling, but today’s guest expectations call for a more comprehensive, zero-waste approach that prioritizes reducing waste first, followed by composting and then recycling. By tackling high-impact areas like food waste, especially in full-service hotels, properties can significantly cut hauling costs while strengthening their sustainability story.

What's Up with WIL?


Don't Miss the Event of the Summer! 2026 WIL Annual Leadership Luncheon

Don't Miss the Event of the Summer! 2026 WIL Annual Leadership Luncheon

Modern women are breaking barriers in every direction—leading companies, raising families, supporting communities, caring for loved ones, and carrying invisible responsibilities few people ever fully see. But beyond the horizon of achievement lies a deeper question: What happens when the woman holding it all together begins to lose herself in the process?

To find out how to shed your “shoulds” join us on June 18 at our Annual Women in Lodging Leadership Luncheon!

🗓 June 18, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Embassy Suites Columbus Dublin



We Want to See You in Q2!

We Want to See You in Q2!

Our Women in Lodging (WIL) CONNECT Advisory Council has been hard at work putting together some great events & programming for 2026.

UPCOMING - COLUMBUS

Join Lindsey Hance for a hands-on charcuterie board workshop designed specifically for individuals looking to elevate their presentation and guest experience. Drawing on her expertise in creating visually stunning, fully customizable boards and grazing tables, Lindsey shares practical techniques for styling, theming, and accommodating diverse client needs. This interactive session highlights how thoughtful food presentation can enhance events, strengthen brand identity, and leave a lasting impression on guests.

Attendees will take home skills to make a wonderful food presentation and their own charcuterie board!

June 23, 2026
4:00PM - 6:00PM
Courtyard Dublin

Education & Workforce Development Updates


2nd Annual OHLEF Charity Golf Classic

2nd Annual OHLEF Charity Golf Classic

Join us for the inaugural OHLEF Golf Classic on July 23, 2026, at Golf Club of Dublin! This exciting new event supports the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation’s mission to invest in the future of hospitality, funding training programs, career development, and education initiatives across Ohio. Gather your team or register individually for a great day on the course, complete with a shotgun start, on-course contests, and an awards dinner to wrap it all up.

July 23, 2026
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Golf Club of Dublin


Upcoming Events

June 11, 2026
10:00AM - 12:00PM

Greater Dayton Lodging Council Meeting

Day Air Ballpark - Diamond Club

414 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402

June 18, 2026
9:00AM - 10:30AM

Emerging Professionals Third Thursday Networking & Activity

Embassy Suites Columbus Dublin

5100 Upper Metro Pl, Dublin, OH 43017

June 18, 2026
11:00AM - 2:00PM

2026 Women in Lodging Statewide Leadership Luncheon

Embassy Suites Columbus Dublin

5100 Upper Metro Pl, Dublin, OH 43017