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| | The nominations may be complete, but the excitement is just beginning. Join us this fall as we recognize the exceptional people who make Ohio's hospitality industry thrive at the 2026 Regional Stars of the Industry Luncheons.
Hosted in Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, these gatherings are an opportunity to honor excellence, reconnect with colleagues, and celebrate the individuals whose dedication leaves a lasting impact on our industry every day.
Whether you're supporting a nominee, applauding a coworker, or simply looking to celebrate the remarkable people who define our industry, we hope you'll join us for an inspiring afternoon of recognition, connection, and celebration.
To register for your city click "Read More"!
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| | Did you know? If you are not located in the Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati Lodging Councils you could still be nominating your associates!
From associates who consistently go above and beyond for guests to leaders who inspire excellence across their property, the OHLA Stars of the Industry Awards celebrate the people who elevate Ohio's hospitality industry every day.
Take a moment to consider the team members who make a lasting impact on your guests, colleagues, and operations. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment deserve to be recognized.
Deadline is September 28. To nominate, click "Read More"! |
| | The Unique Lodging of Ohio (ULO) community is a sector of OHLA. ULOs are independent properties of all kinds – truly, unique lodging. We have members from hotels & inns to cabins & yurts!
Does this sound like you? Make sure you are self-nominating for our Unique Lodging of Ohio (ULO) Property of the Year award!
This award celebrates an exceptional member of the ULO Community whose property exemplifies uniqueness and excellence, setting a new standard within the industry.
Deadline is September 28. To nominate, click "Read More"! |
Top | | Save the date for the Annual Conference, bringing together industry leaders for education, networking, and insights that help shape the future of hospitality.
2026 OHLA Annual Conference & Gala
November 23 & 24, 2026
Hyatt Regency Columbus
Interested in Volunteering? Please contact Committee Chair, Holly Hollingsworth at holly@cogwheelmarketing.com. |
Top | | OHLA is excited to announce a new and elevated partnership with one of the premier solution providers in the area of employee benefits and human resources management.
OPOC.us (One Point of Care) is a firm that specializes in employee benefits, retirement plan administration, and human resources solutions providing services to thousands of employer-clients across Ohio and throughout the country. OHLA knows that benefits administration is one of the biggest pain points in operating a business, and that hotel & lodging enterprises want to offer their associates the very best quality and highest level of service possible for this important aspect of their operations. |
Top | | Why do Ohio Supreme Court races matter? Find out as we approach the important November 3 elections. Also, see the proclamation issued by the Governor and Lt. Governor recognizing hotel employees, and access resource information about changes to immigration status rules in the full update. |
Top | | Looking to advertise your hotel without the cash expense? What if you could put that money toward other expenditures? Become a trading partner in the IMS Barter network. Afford advertising without using up your cash reserves. All you need is the cost of your empty rooms to spend! Attract new customers while utilizing your IMS account as a new stream of revenue to obtain your advertising.
Generate awareness and conserve your cash budget. Give yourself a competitive advantage with IMS Barter.
Connect with Regional Manager Mark Lindeman today and turn your unsold room nights into powerful advertising that drives new cash-paying guests, without the cash outlay.
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| | Akron/Canton Mixer is October 15 at Caston & Main Brew Yard, Akron.
Join us for an OHLA happy hour mixer designed to reconnect, reenergize, and grow our hospitality community. The Akron/Canton 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. Whether you’re a longtime member or exploring what OHLA has to offer, enjoy networking, sharing ideas, and building valuable industry relationships. |
| | As a member you gain access to essential resources, expert advocacy and a dynamic statewide network dedicated to your success. Whether it’s staying ahead of regulatory changes, celebrating industry excellence, or growing your professional connections, your membership ensures you remain informed, empowered and positioned for continued growth in an ever-evolving industry. |
| | 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.
Membership Committee is open to all OHLA members. 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 |
| | Has your team grown or recently changed? Have you welcomed new managers, sales professionals, or department leaders to your property?
Help us keep our membership database current so your team receives the latest OHLA news, event invitations, educational opportunities, and member benefits. |
Top | | Each year, OHLA celebrates the front-line stars who define hospitality excellence with our Stars of the Industry Regional Award Luncheons. Align your brand with a meaningful event that shines a light on the true heart of the industry: its people. These are OHLA’s second largest events with the most diverse audiences. Sponsorship includes all four regions (Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati).
Contact Sara Tennyson-Harlan at Sara@ohla.org to sign up! Click “Read More” to see how you can engage and what each involvement can do for your company. |
Top | | Emerging Professionals Third Thursday Networking
Join fellow emerging professionals in the hotel and lodging industry for a fun, hands-on cooking event where you'll sharpen your culinary skills, connect with peers, and enjoy great food together. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just getting started, this relaxed experience is the perfect opportunity to learn, network, and unwind. Come hungry, leave inspired, and build new connections that extend beyond the kitchen.
September 24, 2026
3-5PM
Hilton Columbus at Easton
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Top | | Workers' Compensation & Safety Updates
This month, Sedgwick’s Risk Services Newsletter highlights important workplace safety topics and timely resources to help employers protect their teams. The September issue covers carbon monoxide awareness and prevention, concussion prevention and fall safety, and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, offering practical guidance for recognizing hazards, responding to potential injuries, and supporting employee well-being.
Together, these resources provide valuable information to help employers strengthen workplace safety, prevent injuries, recognize potential risks, and create a safer and more supportive work environment. |
| | What Cogwheel’s Saying: Smart Takes Worth Reading
Cogwheel explores the future of Google Ads for hotels in “Google, Take the Wheel (And the Budget): Navigating Ads’ Hands-Off Future for Hotels.” The article breaks down Google’s new AI Max and Performance Max capabilities, including how AI-powered search term matching, ad copy, and landing page optimization could impact individually branded hotels. |
| | The Meeting Business Advantage Most Ohio Hotels Aren’t Selling
What Gets Your Hotel Shortlisted?
Rate, location, meeting space, and service may get your hotel considered. They may not get it shortlisted—because the property down the road can make many of the same claims.
At Connect Marketplace in Tampa, one message came through clearly: meeting professionals need better information earlier and stronger ways to show decision-makers why a property deserves to move forward.
Sustainability can provide that differentiation. Cvent’s 2026 Planner Sourcing Report found that attendee engagement is now the leading measure of event success, while 78% of planners consider a venue’s sustainability efforts when sourcing.
For Ohio hotels, this means turning practical sustainability efforts into meeting value. |
| | 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. |
Top | | Step away from your daily routine and join fellow hospitality professionals for a Women in Lodging Cocktail Connection networking event. These informal gatherings foster authentic connections, professional growth, and meaningful conversations among women across the industry. Come connect, collaborate, and celebrate the strength of women in hospitality. |
| | The WIL Advisory Council is kicking off their collection drive for students transitioning into the workplace by collecting small items that can help them walk into their first interviews and first days with confidence.
Collections will be held at the Regional Stars of the Industry Awards and Annual Conference. Click "Read More" for a list of our collection items. |
Top | | Please join us in welcoming Carrie Richards to the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association team! Today is Carrie’s first day as our new Director of Education, Workforce & Foundation, and we are thrilled to have her on board. |
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Upcoming Events
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September 17, 2026
11:00AM - 2:30PM | Columbus Airport Marriott1375 N Cassady Ave, Columbus, OH 43219 |
| September 22, 2026
11:00AM - 2:30PM | First Financial Convention Center525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| September 24, 2026 | Hilton Columbus at Easton3900 Chagrin Dr, Columbus, OH 43219 |
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