Register yourself and your management team today!
Register yourself and your management team today!
Full
Registration
Includes admission to all conference functions,
including educational sessions, meals and any events both days.
Full
Registration
Full
Registration
Includes admission to all conference functions,
including educational sessions, meals and any events both days.
Includes admission to all conference functions,
including educational sessions, meals and any events both days.
Single-Day
Registration
Includes admission to conference functions, including educational sessions, meals and any events for one day only.
Single-Day
Registration
Includes admission to conference functions, including educational sessions, meals and any events for one day only.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Educational Programming
Learn new things to inspire your work in these 2024 educational sessions.
GENERAL SESSIONS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Cascade EFGHI
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
State of the Hospitality Industry:
Data, Trends, & Forecast
Chad Moutray, National Restaurant Association
What are the key trends driving the hospitality industry's recovery and growth? The labor market and concerns with rising costs, inflation, and spending create both challenges and uncertainties for operators. Chad will provide an economic overview and industry outlook, diving into data on jobs, income, demographics, consumer confidence and much more.
Sponsored by
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
9:00 - 9:20 p.m. | Cascade EFGHI
GENERAL SESSION
ORLA Member Meeting
Jason Brandt, Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association
ORLA continues to build on our successes in advocacy, providing products and services of value to members, curating industry intelligence, and developing our workforce. Hear a briefing on the state of the Association and participate in the election of the ORLA, ORLAMS, and Oregon Hospitality Foundation Boards of Directors.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. | Cascade EFGHI
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Oregon Tourism Initiatives to Sustain a Healthy Hospitality Industry
Todd Davidson, Travel Oregon
With Jaime Eder, Hannah Hicks and Javier Parada Torres
Travel Oregon speakers will share how their industry-leading programs inspire and drive travel that uplifts Oregon communities. In a state where visitors spent $14 billion in 2023, there is a responsibility to advance the state of the industry alongside local, regional and national partners. Learn how research and workforce programs will lead to industry success and deeper collaborations.
Sponsored by
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
1:15 - 2:15 p.m. | Cascade EFGHI
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Beyond Tomorrow:
Leading the Workplace of the Future
Summer Jelinek
What do the lightbulb, internet, and AI have in common? Each has revolutionized the workforce. Sometimes, it can feel like the workplace is entirely unrecognizable from when today's hospitality leaders entered it. Technology is rolling out faster than we can keep up with it, employee expectations are escalating, and company standards are soaring. How are some leaders thriving while others are barely surviving? Is it magic? Drawing from decades of diverse experience with renowned organizations like Walt Disney World, the Disney Institute, H-E-B, Central Market, and even a dude ranch, Summer will provide invaluable insights into the transformative power of adaptive leadership. This session will also explore the dynamics of the three distinct work environments and arm you with actionable leadership techniques to thrive in each setting.
Sponsored by
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
2:25-3:25 p.m. | Cascade C
BREAKOUT SESSION
Roadmap for the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session
Greg Astley, ORLA
Bill Perry, Balance Point Strategies
Building on the valuable insights from this spring's Regional Meetings, this session outlines our key priorities for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session. Hear discussion on the top challenges facing hospitality businesses and our roadmap for helping improve Oregon’s business climate and strengthening the hospitality industry. Key issues include mental health resources, protecting the 70/30 local lodging tax split, expanding childcare access and affordability, and addressing labor issues.
Sponsored by Deacon Construction
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
2:25 - 3:25 p.m. | Cascade D
BREAKOUT SESSION
How to Maximize Customer Experience and Profitability by Fostering Employee Engagement
Kent Lewis, Anvil Unlimited
With the Great Resignation, Great Gloom, economic uncertainty of an election year and the general challenges of recruiting and retaining employees plaguing hospitality organizations, creating a sticky corporate culture is more important than ever. While conventional wisdom would indicate an equal investment in employee experience (EX) and customer experience (CX) would yield equal returns, research indicates otherwise. Gain an understanding of the relationship between EX and CX and how to invest effectively to maximize both customer and employee engagement and retention while developing a Culture of Caring that has proven to increase revenue and profitability.
Sponsored by Hospitality Insurance Program (HIP)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
3:35 - 4:35 p.m. | Cascade C
BREAKOUT SESSION
Demystifying Employee Benefits in Hospitality
Rob Hoover and Scott Faulkner, Risk Strategies
Discover employee benefits that resonate with hospitality workers and unlock the power of employee benefits for recruitment and retention in your organization. This session will dive into cost-effective programs and resources that provide valuable coverage for employees, while minimizing your financial burden.
Sponsored by Ubiquity Retirement + Savings
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
3:35 - 4:35 p.m. | Cascade D
BREAKOUT SESSION
Elevating the Hospitality Sector: Insights from the Critical Jobs Initiative
Rebecca Donley, Oregon Hospitality Foundation
This session delves into the vital strategies that are shaping the future of the hospitality sector on the Oregon Coast. Participants will explore the importance of active engagement and collaboration in addressing workforce challenges, with insights from the Owner/Operator and Employee Voices Surveys revealing both the challenges and successes experienced on the coast.
Sponsored by Garth T. Rouse & Associates
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. | Cascade C
BREAKOUT SESSION
The Power of Local Lodging Taxes
Greg Astley, ORLA
Bill Perry, Balance Point Strategies
Kate Baumgartner, Travel Oregon
Transient Lodging Taxes (TLTs) can have a significant impact on our local communities. This session will explore how TLT revenue fuels local economies, how these dollars can translate to tangible benefits for residents and businesses, and how TLT grants directly fund initiatives that stimulate economic growth and enhance infrastructure. We'll also share our ongoing efforts to safeguard TLT revenue and ensure it continues to support both the hospitality industry and our community's needs.
Sponsored by Oregonian Media Group
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
11:30 - 12:30 p.m. | Cascade D
BREAKOUT SESSION
Fostering a Profitable Future by Cultivating Mental Wellness
in Your Workplace
Dr. Jenn Staples, Work Wiser
The high-pressure, demanding nature of the hospitality industry contributes to high rates of mental health problems and burnout among hospitality workers, which ultimately impacts employee satisfaction and retention. This session will explore the negative impact these issues have on your business and the overall reputation of the industry. Most importantly, you will gain practical strategies to integrate mental health initiatives and enhance your workplace mental health culture.
Sponsored by SAIF
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
2:30 - 3:45 p.m. | Cascade C
BREAKOUT SESSION
Tip Pooling: Compliance & Employee Pay
Katherine Walum and Stephanie Garicia, U.S. DOL Wage and Hour Division
This session clarifies tip pooling laws and regulations along with other laws under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employers will learn best practices to ensure legal compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and correct pay for tipped employees.
Sponsored by Jordan Ramis PC
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
2:30 - 3:45 p.m. | Cascade D
BREAKOUT SESSION
Leveraging AI in Hospitality
Janell Goplen, Coltella
In this breakout session, we'll explore how AI can revolutionize the way business owners and leaders manage their companies and optimize their time. You’ll learn how AI-driven tools can enhance strategic decision-making through predictive analytics, automate routine tasks to free up your schedule, and streamline financial management with advanced AI in accounting. We'll also discuss how AI can improve customer engagement with personalized marketing and support, optimize resource allocation, and serve as a strategic partner in leadership, enabling you to focus on growth and innovation. Join us to discover actionable insights that can elevate your business operations to the next level.
Sponsored by Nick Alexander Films