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| | A Warm Welcome to the New OHLA Director of Membership & Engagement
With over 20 years of hospitality experience and a deep commitment to fostering strong member relationships, Sara Tennyson-Harlan brings her expertise and enthusiasm to the OHLA team. A proud Buckeye and accomplished industry professional, she offers a people-first approach, meaningful community connections, and a proven track record in engagement and membership growth.
Sara’s career includes leadership roles in both hotel and private club settings, most recently serving 14 years as Director of Membership at The Ohio State University Faculty Club. She has also been actively involved in organizations such as Experience Columbus, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and the Professional Club Marketing Association. Her rich background and industry involvement make her a valuable asset to OHLA’s mission and membership.
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Top | | As an Allied Member of OHLA you have the unique opportunity to position your brand at the forefront of the lodging industry in a state that fuels more than $38 billion annually in travel revenue.
Opportunities Available
- Regional & Statewide Event Sponsorship
- Annual Conference Exhibiting
- Digital & Print Branding
- E-Newsletter Spotlights
- Direct Marketing Access
Click “Read More” to see how you can engage and what each involvement can do for your company.
Click here to view all available opportunities.
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Top | | Thank you for your nominations!
Your submissions are the heart of how we recognize and celebrate the incredible work your team does every day. By nominating, you're helping us shine a spotlight on the stories that deserve to be heard.
Mark your calendar now—don’t miss the celebration for your lodging council!
- Greater Dayton - August 28, 2025
- Greater Cleveland - September 4, 2025
- Greater Columbus - September 11, 2025
- Greater Cincinnati - September 18, 2025
Statewide Nominations - Keep 'em coming
Deadline for Ohio Stars: September 29
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Top | | Experience a fresh approach to staying informed and involved
Held five times a year across the state—in Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Central Ohio—these regional meetings offer valuable, location-specific insights tailored to your area. Each event features timely industry updates from OHLA, expert perspectives from local Convention & Visitors Bureaus, and focused content designed for hotel associates, as well as ownership and management professionals. It’s your chance to connect, learn, and lead—right in your own region.
Up Next
Northeast Ohio Regional Summit
📅 July 22 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
📍John S. Knight Center
🌐Click here to register.
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Top | | Government Affairs Update
This Government Affairs Update covers the latest legislative developments impacting Ohio’s hospitality industry. Key concerns include the diversion of lodging tax dollars, the stacking of new local taxes, and the potential impact on tourism marketing efforts. OHLA continues to advocate for policies that protect hotel funding, including opposing tax measures that undermine local marketing initiatives and supporting the expansion of the state’s tourism budget. Wins include preserving the Motion Picture Tax Credit and securing federal provisions that support hotel businesses, such as small business tax benefits and workforce incentives.
🌐Click here to read the full Government Affairs Update.
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Top | | Let’s keep the momentum going
Renew your membership and continue building a stronger hospitality industry together.
Your OHLA membership gives you access to powerful tools, trusted advocacy, and a statewide network committed to your success. From navigating industry regulations and recognizing top talent to expanding your professional connections, membership helps you stay informed, engaged, and ahead of the curve.
🌐Click here to see if your membership is up to date.
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Top | | 🌟 Looking to take the next step in your hospitality career?🌟
This dynamic network is created for young professionals who are ready to make an impact, expand their horizons, and shape the future of hospitality. Whether you're seeking mentorship, industry insights, or exclusive opportunities to connect and lead, you'll find the tools and support you need to succeed.
Upcoming Events with EP
Sip & Soar: An EP Third Thursday Event in Cleveland
📅 July 17 | 4 - 6 p.m.
📍International Women’s Air & Space Museum
Connect with fellow emerging professionals in hospitality at an unforgettable networking event at the International Women’s Air & Space Museum, to be followed by a cocktail hour at 1330 on the River.
Mingle, sip, and soar as you build valuable industry relationships in a setting that celebrates trailblazing women and bold ambition. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to elevate your career and expand your network in a space that inspires sky-high potential.
🌐Click here to register.
Brew & Bond: Coffee Conversations for Rising Hospitality Leaders - EP Third Thursday Event
📅 August 21 | 8:30 - 10 a.m.
📍Black Kahawa Coffee: roastery + bar
Join fellow emerging professionals for a morning of networking over locally roasted brews at a vibrant Black-owned coffee shop. We'll spark meaningful conversation around community, culture, and entrepreneurship in hospitality with the owner, Douglas Buckley.
🌐Click here to register.
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| | Thank You for Joining Us at the 2025 WIL Luncheon
It was an incredible afternoon of bold ideas, inspiring conversations, and fearless leadership.
For highlights and photos from the event, click the "read more" button.
Shake Up Your Evening at the WIL Cocktail Connection 🍸
Join us on September 9 for a fresh twist on networking and creativity at the Women in Lodging Cocktail Connection! This year’s interactive experience features renowned food stylist Mary Seguin, who will lead a hands-on exploration of art, design, and leadership—through salad. Yes, salad. Come for the wine pairing, stay for the inspiration.
🌐Click here to register.
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Top | | Sedgwick Safety Services
In fast-paced work environments, employees often fall into routines that lead to complacency—doing the same task for so long without issue that they assume nothing will go wrong. While familiarity can feel comfortable, it can also increase safety risks. Complacency affects employees of all ages and experience levels, so it’s essential to train everyone to recognize it in themselves and others.
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| | What Cogwheel’s saying: smart takes worth reading
OTAs vs. Metasearch: The Hotel Marketing Dating Game
Trying to decode the difference between OTAs and Metasearch? This clever blog from Cogwheel Marketing compares hotel marketing strategies to the dating world—OTAs as the fast-paced matchmakers and Metasearch as the reliable wingman. Learn where each fits in your marketing funnel, how they impact cost and brand control, and why understanding both is key to boosting direct bookings.
🌐Click here to read the full article
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| | Staffing Solutions That Make a Difference
In today’s hospitality industry, immigration policy shifts are creating real challenges for both workers and hotels.
HotelPro’s latest article highlights how temporary staffing solutions can help hotels stay fully operational while supporting affected employees with care and compassion.
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| | 🌿Introducing Greenluxe’s Youtube Channel: The first Sustainability Education Hub for Hotels
Sustainability is no longer a trend: it’s a business imperative. The Greenluxe YouTube Channel is your go-to destination for hospitality professionals looking to lead with purpose and stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.
Subscribe for expert-led insights, practical tools, and fresh inspiration to help you turn sustainability into your hotel’s strongest competitive edge.
🌐Click here to subscribe now.
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Top | | On the Road with OHLA: Empowering Hospitality Students
OHLA is hitting the road this fall to visit hospitality programs across Ohio, building stronger connections with students and educators. See which colleges and regions are on the itinerary—and how you can get involved!
Next Committee Meeting
📅 August 21 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.
📍OHLA office
Want to get more involved with the Education & Workforce Development Committee? Contact Amanda Peltier at amanda@ohla.org to learn more!
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| | Take your hospitality career to the next level with STR’s CAHTA course—scholarships bring this $595 course down to just $295 for the first 25 to register.
📅 Course Dates: Tuesdays, July 22 – August 19
🕐 Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm (EDT)
💻 Format: Online
📩 Reserve your spot today by emailing sharecenter@str.com
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Top | | Time’s running out! Swing into action and register today for the inaugural OHLEF Golf Classic. Don’t miss your chance to hit the green while making a lasting impact on education, training, and career development for Ohio’s future hospitality leaders.
🌐Click here to sign up.
We're still looking for items for our raffle at the outing. If you're interested in donating something, please reach out to amanda@ohla.org.
OHLEF was established in late 2023 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity specifically for the benefit of Ohio’s hotels, the professionals that work in them and the individuals interested in entering our industry.
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Upcoming Events
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July 15, 2025 | OHLA x STR Certification Course |
| July 17, 2025
4:00PM - 6:00PM | International Women’s Air & Space Museum1501 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44114 |
| July 22, 2025
9:00AM - 12:00PM | John S. Knight Center77 E Mill St, Akron, OH 44308 |
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