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| | Nominations for the OHLA Stars of the Industry are now open—your chance to recognize the individuals and teams who truly elevate hospitality across Ohio.
From outstanding service professionals to innovative leaders, these awards celebrate the passion, dedication, and excellence that define our industry. Don’t miss the opportunity to spotlight those who go above and beyond every day—submit a nomination and help honor the stars who make a lasting impact. |
Top | | Registration is now open for two exciting summer events with the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association! Kick off the season at the OHLA Volleyball Tournament on May 30, then join colleagues and industry partners for a day on the course at the OHLEF Golf Classic on July 23. Don’t miss these great opportunities to connect, compete, and support Ohio’s hospitality community. 🏐⛳
OHLA 7th Annual Charity Volleyball Tournament
May 30, 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Woodland's Backyard Grandview
2nd Annual OHLEF Charity Golf Classic
July 23, 2026, 2026
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The Golf Club of Dublin |
| | If you’re not plugged into what’s happening locally and statewide, you’re missing critical insights that can directly impact your bottom line. That’s why the OHLA Regional Lodging Councils are a must-attend for hoteliers and allied partners who want to lead—not follow.
Click Read More to see when we are coming to your city!
NEXT:
April 21, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
9:45 AM - Recommended Arrival
The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard |
Top | | According to the CDC, 12.2% of the U.S. population experiences serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. That means roughly 1 in 8 of your hotel’s guests may need additional mobility support during their stay.
While many properties have addressed accessibility with elevators, mobility within the hotel itself remains a challenge. Traditional solutions like wheelchairs often fall short. They require physical stamina to self-propel or assistance from another person—limiting independence and convenience for guests.
To bridge this gap, Mobility City, has launched an innovative scooter rental program designed specifically for hotels and conference centers. This program provides guests with on-demand access to mobility scooters directly on-site.
Using a simple smartphone app, guests can rent a scooter for as little as four hours—giving them the freedom to move comfortably and independently throughout their stay. Best of all, this amenity comes at no cost to the hotel and even includes a revenue-sharing opportunity. The program is also designed to minimize staff involvement, with Mobility City managing reservations and logistics. Participating hotels simply provide access at check-in using a confirmation code. The Hyatt Regency Columbus has already joined the program, leading the way in enhancing accessibility for all guests. |
Top | | Highlights from recent legislative activity, including a new travel pass proposal, tip tax relief efforts, and updates affecting hotel operations and costs
See more details in the full report. |
Top | | Invoices for the 2026–2027 membership year will be sent via email and U.S. mail in late April. Be sure to renew promptly so you don’t miss out on our signature events, valuable educational programming, and exclusive member resources.
We look forward to another great year with you! |
Top | | The 2026 OHLA Sponsorship Guide is here! Showcase your brand, connect with key decision-makers, and position your company as a leader in our state’s hospitality industry. Sponsorships are selling quickly, so don’t miss your chance to secure your preferred events and opportunities. Reach out today to reserve your spot and be part of a standout year ahead. |
Top | | Invest in your growth this month with an inspiring Lunch N’ Learn focused on The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Join fellow hospitality professionals for a meaningful group study session designed to help you unlock your potential, strengthen your leadership skills, and grow with intention.
EP Lunch 'n Learn Webinar - The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth
April 16
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online |
Top | | The Conscious Check-In: On the Road is a limited on-location podcast series, and we're kicking off at The Palms Hotel & Spa in Miami as part of our Earth Month documentary series. Joining me and my co-host, sustainable tourism pioneer Costas Christ — National Geographic Senior Advisor, founder of Beyond Green, and one of the most honest voices in this industry. |
| | What Cogwheel’s Saying: Smart Takes Worth Reading
As AI continues to reshape how travelers search and book, hotels must rethink how they approach visibility and conversion. Traditional strategies that separate marketing and revenue management are no longer enough in an AI-driven landscape.
In this article, Stephanie Smith explores the concept of the “AI funnel,” breaking down the critical difference between discoverability and transaction readiness. From how AI determines which hotels to recommend to the growing importance of consistent digital presence and data accuracy, she highlights why being discoverable is the first, and most essential, step before investing in booking technology. |
| | April's Workers' Compensation & Safety Updates
This month, Sedgwick highlights key workplace safety and cost management strategies, including best practices for power tool safety and an overview of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Disability Relief Program. The latest articles provide practical guidance to help employers reduce risk, control claim costs, and maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
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| | It’s a scenario no hotel owner or operator wants to face: a fire, water main break, or other property disaster that disrupts guest stays, staff workflows, and revenue.
And the challenge isn’t just the damage. It is also the time and frustration of navigating a complex insurance claim.
That’s because the insurance carrier’s priority is protecting its own bottom line, not the hotel’s financial recovery.
This is what Jodi, a hotel manager in Toledo, experienced after a fire brought business at her hotel to a halt. |
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2025 was a year that proved what steady leadership and teamwork can accomplish. Across HotelPro's markets, associates strengthened client relationships, improved performance, and supported one another with consistency and accountability. As they move into 2026, they are proud to recognize those who helped set that standard.
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| | How Eco-Friendly Practices Are Driving Guest Expectations and Boosting Ohio’s Hospitality Industry
As travelers become increasingly eco-conscious, sustainable lodging has evolved from a trend to a business necessity in the hospitality industry. Across generations, guests now expect hotels to implement visible, effective green practices such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and local sourcing. In Ohio, this shift presents a significant opportunity for hotels to gain a competitive edge by adopting environmentally responsible measures, improving guest loyalty, and supporting the state’s booming tourism economy.
Keep Ohio Beautiful highlights the crucial role of sustainability in attracting today’s mindful travelers and offers resources to help Ohio’s lodging sector lead the way in green hospitality.
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Top | | OHLA has one spot available for a member to attend the AHLA Forward Conference in Atlanta, taking place April 16–17. This is a great chance to gain industry insights, connect with hospitality leaders, and represent OHLA at a premier national event.
The individual will be responsible for their own accommodation, transportation and a portion of the registration fee.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please contact michele@ohla.org. Inquiries will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis—so don’t wait!
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Top | | On the Road with OHLA: Empowering Hospitality Students
In an effort to build stronger connections to the colleges and universities in Ohio with hospitality programs, OHLA began visits to the programs this past fall, meeting with Baldwin Wallace and Lorain County Community College in November. At the meetings, the schools shared that their priorities are increasing enrollment, developing and strengthening relationships with industry partners, and training career-ready students.
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Upcoming Events
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April 1, 2026 | Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, & Dayton -- Submit your nominations on or before June 22 |
| April 16, 2026
12:00PM - 1:00PM | Online Webinar |
| April 21, 2026
10:00AM - 12:00PM | The Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard820 Goodale Blvd, Grandview Heights, OH 43212 |
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