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| | National Human Trafficking Prevention Month highlights the critical role hotels play in protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting safe communities. As front-line service providers, hoteliers and staff are uniquely positioned to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately. Through training, clear protocols, and partnerships with local organizations and law enforcement, hotels can help prevent exploitation before it escalates. Active hotelier involvement not only saves lives but also reinforces the industry’s commitment to responsibility, trust, and guest safety.
Click "Read More" below to find out how you and your property can make an impact!
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Top | | OHLA is partnering with Alliance Against Human Trafficking (AAHT) and the Ashtabula County Action Against Human Trafficking (ACAAHT) along with Homesafe, Madison Village PD, & the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to present two days of Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Training specifically designed for hotel and motel environments.
Click "Read More" below to find out how you can register your team! Note: To attend both trainings please register for each separately.
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| | At the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA), we believe that professional growth drives stronger teams, better guest experiences, and a more successful industry overall.
As we plan our 2026 event calendar, we want your input to ensure our programs meet the real needs of Ohio’s lodging professionals.
By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey you’ll help guide the topics, formats, and opportunities we offer in the year ahead. Your feedback directly shapes workshops, webinars, and conference sessions that make a difference for your property and team.
🌐Complete the Survey
Thank you for sharing your voice — and for continuing to elevate Ohio hospitality through your partnership and participation. |
Top | | The 2025 OHLA Annual Conference & Gala once again brought together Ohio’s lodging professionals for two days of learning, networking, and celebration. With hoteliers, staff, vendors, educators, and aspiring professionals from around the state in attendance, the conference delivered a rich mix of education, industry insights, and community-building, all set at the Hilton Columbus at Easton on November 24–25.
The conference lived up to its promise as “the largest annual gathering of hoteliers in Ohio.” Attendees had access to a robust agenda spanning leadership, operations, hospitality industry policy, and guest-service excellence.
However, the OHLA Conference would not be complete without its cornerstone, the Ohio Stars of the Industry Gala. This awards dinner showcases outstanding individuals and teams across Ohio’s lodging sector, and this year was no different!
20 associates and teams were recognized for their exceptional contributions to our industry! To see the full list of winners, click "Read More." |
| | Thank you for joining us at the 2025 OHLA Annual Conference & Gala! We hope you enjoyed the sessions, networking, tradeshow, and celebration of our Stars of the Industry. As we begin planning for next year, we want to ensure the event continues to meet — and exceed — the expectations of Ohio’s lodging community. Your feedback is essential in helping us improve. |
Top | | Updated minimum wage notice, license renewal reminders, key issues in second year of legislative session and more – find details in the full Government Affairs Update.
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Top | | The Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP) — the national trade association serving independent lodging professionals (inns, B&Bs, boutique hotels, etc) — invites OHLA members to attend ALP Unlocked 2026, March 2–5, 2026 at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. |
| | If you love connecting with people and have ideas about how we can grow and engage our association, this is a great way to get involved. If you are interested and want to learn more, or if you have a suggestion of potential committee member, please reach out to Sara@ohla.org |
Top | | You’re invited to join nearly 1,000 women in hospitality (and allies!) for two immersive days of leadership development, authentic connection, and conversations you won’t find anywhere else, taking place on April 16-17, 2026, in Atlanta, GA at Signia by Hilton Atlanta.
It’s an experience designed especially for hospitality leaders who are serious about solving one of our industry's most critical challenges: attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional women talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. |
Top | | Kick off the new year by stepping confidently into your future with OHLA’s Emerging Professionals (EP) program—an energizing pathway to meaningful connections, career growth, and leadership opportunities designed for rising talent in Ohio’s lodging industry. There’s no better time than now to set bold goals, expand your network, and invest in your professional journey.
This dynamic community unites ambitious young professionals eager to make an impact, build new skills, and help shape the future of hospitality.
Save the Date for EP Third Thursdays in 2026: Jot down these dates in your calendar to network with us in the new year!
January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
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Effective Stress Management Tips for Hotel Managers During High-Demand Periods
Hotel managers face constant challenges navigating fluctuating occupancy and unpredictable demands, which can lead to significant stress and burnout.
This article offers practical strategies—such as prioritizing clear communication, leveraging checklists, encouraging breaks, delegating tasks, and securing reliable staffing support—that help managers maintain focus, reduce pressure, and lead their teams more effectively.
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| | How Eco-Friendly Practices Are Driving Guest Expectations and Boosting Ohio’s Hospitality Industry
As travelers become increasingly eco-conscious, sustainable lodging has evolved from a trend to a business necessity in the hospitality industry. Across generations, guests now expect hotels to implement visible, effective green practices such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and local sourcing. In Ohio, this shift presents a significant opportunity for hotels to gain a competitive edge by adopting environmentally responsible measures, improving guest loyalty, and supporting the state’s booming tourism economy.
Keep Ohio Beautiful highlights the crucial role of sustainability in attracting today’s mindful travelers and offers resources to help Ohio’s lodging sector lead the way in green hospitality.
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| | I’m honored to share that I’ve joined the OHLA Board of Directors! As the founder of Greenluxe and a passionate advocate for sustainable hospitality, I’m excited to help shape resources that reflect the unique needs and strengths of our Ohio and Midwest region.
From our local biodiversity to the expectations of today’s travelers, our market has distinct opportunities—and I’m committed to tailoring support that’s both relevant and actionable. |
| | What Cogwheel’s Saying: Smart Takes Worth Reading
Google’s Performance Max (PMax) campaign type offers a highly automated way to reach customers across all of Google’s channels, including Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discovery, and Maps.
What is Performance Max (PMax)?
PMAX is a separate Google Ads campaign type that uses Google’s AI to optimize ad delivery across nearly every part of the Google ecosystem. Unlike traditional campaigns, PMax operates without needing keywords.
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| | January Workers' Compensation & Safety Updates
This month, Sedgwick is spotlighting cost-saving opportunities and critical compliance deadlines for employers heading into 2026. Their latest articles cover Group Retrospective Rating as an alternative premium recovery option for employers who missed Group Rating enrollment, along with a detailed guide to OSHA and PERRP recordkeeping requirements, exemptions, and upcoming reporting deadlines. Review these updates to help maximize potential savings and stay compliant in the new year.
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Top | | On the Road with OHLA: Empowering Hospitality Students
In an effort to build stronger connections to the colleges and universities in Ohio with hospitality programs, OHLA began visits to the programs this Fall, meeting with Baldwin Wallace and Lorain County Community College in November. At the meetings, the schools shared that their priorities are increasing enrollment, developing and strengthening relationships with industry partners, and training career-ready students.
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Top | | Save the date for the 2nd Annual OHLEF Golf Classic, taking place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the beautiful Golf Club of Dublin.
Join industry colleagues, partners, and supporters for a day of friendly competition, networking, and community impact as we come together to support OHLEF’s mission. More details, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, will be shared soon! |
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Upcoming Events
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January 13, 2026
9:30AM - 12:00PM | Wingate by Wyndham Geneva at SPIRE Academy1715 S. Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041 |
| January 15, 2026
8:30AM - 10:00AM | Einstein Bros. Bagels41 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| February 19, 2026
8:30AM - 10:00AM | Playa Bowls (OSU)1952 North High St. Columbus, OH 43201 |
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