OHLA Emerging Professionals

OHLA Emerging Professionals is a community open to industry professional members. Emerging Professionals offers resources, networking, and education designed to ensure young, emerging professionals have the career development opportunities to move up in the lodging industry. Our mission is to provide a community that supports emerging hotel & lodging industry professionals and cultivates the next generation of leaders.

Develop Your Craft

We strive to offer resources and build opportunities to hone the skills, knowledge and professional acumen of our emerging leaders.

Foster Discussion & Innovation

We cultivate an open space to discuss issues and developments that impact the travel and hospitality industry.

Grow Meaningful Relationships

We enable our members to grow meaningful connections through providing opportunities to engage in a social setting.

Offer Encouragement

We build up our members to strengthen and uplift the next generation of leaders.

What does Emerging Professionals do for you?

Provides education
- Leadership Skills
- Career Advancement
Facilitates Networking Opportunities
- Third Thursday events with hotel & lodging industry
- Group outings to local attractions
- Giving Back Events
Encourages Career Development
- Trainings & Certification Opportunities - Coming Soon!
- Educational Scholarships Available to you
Fostering Connections
- Exclusive Facebook Group for EP Community Members to connect
- Buddy System – Never feel alone in attending events!
Explores Mentorship
- Opportunities to connect with collegiate students

Want to join us on this journey? How to Join

1) Complete OHLA Emerging Professionals Registration Form

Must be a current OHLA member to be eligible. Any questions can be directed to michele@ohla.org.

2) Await confirmation of received form & welcome email

2023 Schedule of Events

Events details subject to change. For most up-to-date information check OHLA's Full Calendar here.

February - Third Thursday Reception February 16, 2023 5:30-7:30pm North Market - Dublin	August - Wellness Wednesday August 23, 2023 Park of Roses
March - Third Thursday Trivia Night March 16, 2023 7:00pm Taft's Brewporium Columbus	September - Third Thursday Networking Breakfast September 21, 2023 8:30am Pattycake Bakery
April - Executive Member Roundtable April 20, 2023 8:00am - 10:00am Columbus Marriott Northwest	October - Third Thursday Group Outing October 19, 2023 4:30pm Lynd's Fruit Farm
May - Third Thursday Networking Reception May 18th, 2023 4:00pm - 6:00pm Land Grant Brewing	November - Third Thursday Volunteer Outing November 16th, 2023 All Day Opportunity Local Charity - Volunteering
June - Third Thursday Networking Coffee June 15, 2023 9:15am - 10:15am Freedom a la Cart Cafe	November - OHLA Annual Conference November 20-21 All Day Hyatt Regency Columbus
July - Third Thursday Networking Lunch July 20, 2023 Lunch TBD	December - Third Thursday Group Outing December 21 7:00pm Columbus Zoo - Zoo Lights

Meet the EP Committee!

	Bailey Laverty, Chair Columbus Marriott Northwest Hi! I'm Bailey Laverty and I am a Catering Sales Manager at the Marriott Northwest in Dublin! I began my career in hospitality 5 years ago as a front desk agent at the Westin Downtown. I worked my way through the operations side of things, and eventually made it to my position today! I love hospitality because it gives me the chance to create exceptional, memorable experiences for people on a daily basis!
	Sarah Weekman, Vice Chair Aloft Columbus University District My name is Sarah and I am the Food & Beverage Supervisor at the Aloft Columbus University Hotel. I love hospitality because there are endless opportunities and something new happens every day!
	Heaven Spurlock, Second Vice Chair The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center My name is Heaven Spurlock and I work as a Sales Manager at The Ohio State University’s on campus hotel, The Blackwell Inn & Pfahl Conference Center. I enjoy exploring the city and networking with my fellow OHLA EP members.
	Lauren Butterfield, Committee Member SpringHill & TownePlace Suites Columbus Easton Area Lauren is a Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at the SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites Columbus Easton Area. As a seasoned hotel/hospitality professional in both operations and sales, she is proudly effective in capturing new business opportunities and building relationships with clientele.
	Rachel Hissam, Committee Member Visit Cincy Rachel is the Sales Administrator for Visit Cincy, representing the Cincinnati Region of Ohio. She specializes in executive business management, with her strength in navigating complex initiatives and assessing cross-functional impact while ensuring agility. In her time out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and exploring the city!
	Thomas Mount, Committee Member The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center Thomas works Night Audit at the Blackwell. He is currently Junior in school at Ohio State and studying Hospitality Management.
	Rosalyn Ransaw, Committee Member Red Roof Rosalyn Ransaw is a Digital Marketing Manager at Red Roof, specializing in paid media and social media content strategy. She has a B.A. from Columbia University in Political Science and currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she is a children’s author, avid reader and social media addict.

Interested in getting more involved? The Emerging Professionals Committee wants YOU!

We are looking for individuals who want to get involved on a deeper level with OHLA and who have a passion for developing meeting content, helping others climb the ladder, and offer their skills & knowledge to be a part of the Emerging Professionals Committee. If you are interested email, intent of participation to michele@ohla.org. Interested parties will be reviewed by the existing committee before decision is made.