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Educational Programming

Learn new things to inspire your work in these 2025 educational sessions.

GENERAL SESSIONS

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Sponsored by
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Pacific 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

 

Think Like A DifferenceMaker Leader: Discover how to Unlock your Personal & Team Potential

Austin J. Franklin

 

As leaders, we each have the ability to make a meaningful difference. Despite disruptions and uncertainties, we can still flourish. When we make a meaningful difference, lives become inspired, situations positively shift, and desired results are often achieved. Austin will lead a discussion that invites hospitality professionals to explore research-based ideas that will position their organizations for a future-ready and thriving workplace. 

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

12:45 - 1:30 p.m. | Pacific

GENERAL SESSION

 

Federal Advocacy for Lodging & Tourism

Chirag Shah, American Hotel & Lodging Association

 

This session will explore key federal advocacy priorities shaping the lodging industry, including workforce development, short-term rental regulations, and tax policy. Learn how national efforts are influencing legislation and protecting the industry's future. 

Sponsored by
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

8:25 - 8:55 p.m. | Pacific

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 15

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Pacific

GENERAL SESSION

Essential AI Tools for Hospitality

Janell Goplen, Coltella

 

Discover five must-have AI tools transforming hospitality operations—from text-to-reservation systems to smart front desk communication. This interactive session will showcase real-world examples and live demos to help you identify and apply the right tech for your business. 

Sponsored by
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BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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BREAKOUT SESSION 1

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

2:15-3:15 pm • Riverside A

State and Local Advocacy in Action

Greg Astley, ORLA

ORLA’s government affairs team leads a panel discussion on key outcomes from the 2025 legislative session and share insights on what’s ahead for 2026. This session will also cover state and local advocacy priorities and how members can stay engaged on the issues that matter most. 

Sponsored by Deacon

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BREAKOUT SESSION 2

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

2:15-3:15 pm • Riverside B

Navigating Opportunities: Balancing Privacy and Data Protection with Growth

Josh Piper and Eva Novick, Miller Nash LLP

This session will explore growth strategies through licensing and franchising, outlining the benefits and risks of each model. It will also cover privacy and data security challenges in franchising, offering best practices for protecting sensitive information and ensuring legal compliance. 

Sponsored by Baker Tilly

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BREAKOUT SESSION 3

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

3:25-4:25 pm • Riverside A

Conversion-Focused Marketing for Off-Season

Travel Oregon and Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Discover how statewide lodging tax dollars fuel off-season tourism. Travel Oregon and OCVA will share current and future strategies for investing these funds to boost demand, with a focus on maximizing returns and driving visitation during Oregon’s off-peak seasons.

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BREAKOUT SESSION 4

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

3:25-4:25pm • Riverside B

Healthcare Benefits Through AI

David Sanders, MD, CodyMD

Upward Curve

BREAKOUT SESSION 5

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

11:00-12:00 pm • Riverside A

Successful Restaurant Service Models

Panel of Oregon restaurant operators, including Israel Morales of Kachka; Chad Mackay, Fire & Vine Hospitality; Darrell Bennett, ChefStable

 

Hear from a panel of restaurant operators as they share real-world insights, best practices, and lessons learned from evolving service and compensation models. Walk away with practical takeaways you can apply immediately to improve efficiency, guest experience, and team performance.

Sponsored by Hospitality Insurance Program (HIP)

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BREAKOUT SESSION 6

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

11:00-12:00 pm • Riverside B

Staying Compliant: Employment Law Essentials

Barran Liebman LLP

From hiring practices to wage laws, Oregon’s lodging and restaurant operators face a complex employment law landscape. This session covers key compliance updates and practical strategies to help businesses navigate evolving state and federal requirements with confidence. 

Sponsored by SAIF

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BREAKOUT SESSION 7

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

12:10-1:10 pm • Riverside A

Tapping Into the Workforce: How to Find Skilled and Dedicated Employees Through CBO Partnerships 

Rebecca Donley and Ella Sturdevant, Oregon Hospitality Foundation

Panelists from Opportunity Oregon, IRCO, and Vocational Rehabilitation

A Community-Based Organization (CBO) is a non-profit entity dedicated to providing support, services, and resources to a designated community. Several Oregon-based organizations are actively seeking hospitality pipelines for their job-seeking clients. This panel talks about the unique benefits of working with the organization's client group and discussing the training, skills, and support employees receive during the job-seeking process. Learn how CBOs utilize these qualities to find the right applicants for you. 

Sponsored by Garth T. Rouse & Associates

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BREAKOUT SESSION 8

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

12:10-1:10pm • Riverside B

No Tax on Tips and Oregon Impacts

Bob Johnson, Baker Tilly​

This session will discuss the impact of No Tax on Tips legislation for Oregon’s industry workforce. Will federal tax changes directly impact Oregon income tax collections? What are the implications for our businesses, our workers, and Oregon’s general fund revenue projections? Leave this session with newfound expertise on the historic changes impacting industry tax collections which went into effect retroactively on January 1, 2025.

Sponsored by Jordan Ramis PC

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Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association

8565 SW Salish Lane, Suite 120

Wilsonville, OR 97070-9633

Phone: 800.462.0619

Info@OregonRLA.org | OregonRLA.org

Copyright 2025

Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association.

All Rights Reserved.

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