Details
 

July 22, 2025
9:00AM - 12:00PM

Regional Lodging Council Summit - Northeast

John S. Knight Center

77 E Mill St, Akron, OH 44308

If you have trouble with registration, please email michele@ohla.org.

 

Register Online Here!

 


Additional Event Details -

 

Event Description

A new take on our lodging council events, these regional meetings happen five times a year and include locations in Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Central Ohio. They will include industry-specific content presented by OHLA, regional information provided by our convention & visitors bureaus, and targeted content for hotel associates and ownership & management roles.

Presenters


Gregg Mervis

Gregg M. Mervis
President & CEO
Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau
 
 
 
 
 
An Akron native, Gregg Mervis began his professional career in 1981 and joined the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau and John S. Knight Center in 1995. In 2012, he was appointed President & CEO, overseeing the organization's four business units.

Gregg is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Downtown Akron Partnership, Akron History Center, the Akron Bicentennial Commission, Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation, and IATSE Health & Pension.

 

Dan Spears

Dan Spears
Vice President of Industry Relations and Licensing
BMI

 

Dan Spears is the Vice President of Industry Relations and Licensing at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). In his capacity as Vice President, he works closely with BMI’s Licensing Management Team to create strategic, value-driven sponsorships and customer events. He serves as a pivotal bridge between the company’s Licensing, Creative and Business Affairs Teams and supports BMI’s Legal and Government Relations Department to promote synergies at the state legislative levels.

In this role, Mr. Spears continues to develop new customer initiatives and strategic partnerships that feature BMI songwriter performances and help educate key accounts while providing new sources of revenue for affiliates and licensees. He also remains instrumental to BMI’s close work with the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Restaurant Association, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Council of State Restaurant Associations, the Brewers Association, and the International Society of Hotel Associations.

 

Amy Wald

Amy Wald
Founder & President
Greenluxe

 

 

 

Amy Wald, founder and president of Greenluxe Inc., is a visionary leader in sustainable hospitality and tourism. With a diverse background in sales, marketing, and hospitality, including experience working on cruise ships, Amy holds a degree in wildlife management and sustainable business from the Ohio State University, along with accreditations in LEED, ISSP, WELL, and GSTC.

As a trained Climate Reality Leader and host of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, Amy is dedicated to educating and empowering professionals to embrace environmental stewardship while enhancing their financial performance. Her global journey to research the world's most sustainable and innovative hotels has equipped her with a unique ability to identify gaps and opportunities for increased operational efficiency.

 

More to come!

 

Education


Breakout Session - Sound Decisions: Navigating Music Licensing in the Hospitality Industry

This education session provides an in-depth overview of music licensing requirements for hotels, covering public performance rights, background music, and live entertainment. Attendees will gain practical guidance on compliance to avoid legal risks and enhance guest experiences through properly licensed music.

 

Roundtable Breakout Session

Join this breakout session to hear from experts on sustainability, risk management, and technology. Explore how lodging organizations can own their sustainability efforts, manage environmental and technological risks, and leverage emerging technologies for long-term resilience. Gain actionable insights to drive responsible growth and future-proof your organization.

 

Agenda 


9:00am - 12:00pm

8:30 a.m. - Registration Opens
9:00 - Welcome + OHLA Business Updates
9:45 - CVB Partner Update
10:15 - Break (15 min.)
10:30 - Choose Your Breakout
11:30 - Volunteer/Membership Networking
12:00 p.m. - Adjourn

 

Registration


Members - $50
Non-Members - $75

 

Nearby Parking


Broadway Deck Parking w/skywalk to venue
120 S Broadway St
Akron, OH 44308

More information on parking found here.

 

Food & Beverage


Light breakfast refreshments will be available.

 

Recommended Attire


Business Casual

Relating to or denoting a style of clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression.

 

Cancellation Policy


No refunds after July 15. No shows will be billed.

 

 

Interested in Sponsoring an event like this one? Contact OHLA at info@ohla.org.

 

 

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