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PRESENTING SPONSOR:

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Educational Programming

Learn new things to inspire your work in these 2024 educational sessions.

GENERAL SESSIONS

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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
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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
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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
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BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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 

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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

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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

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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

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