OHLA Emerging Professionals

OHLA Emerging Professionals is a community open to industry professional members. Emerging Professionals offers resources, networking, and education designed to ensure young, emerging professionals have the career development opportunities to move up in the lodging industry. Our mission is to provide a community that supports emerging hotel & lodging industry professionals and cultivates the next generation of leaders.

Develop Your Craft

We strive to offer resources and build opportunities to hone the skills, knowledge and professional acumen of our emerging leaders.

Foster Discussion & Innovation

We cultivate an open space to discuss issues and developments that impact the travel and hospitality industry.

Grow Meaningful Relationships

We enable our members to grow meaningful connections through providing opportunities to engage in a social setting.

Offer Encouragement

We build up our members to strengthen and uplift the next generation of leaders.

What does Emerging Professionals do for you?

Provides education
- Leadership Skills
- Career Advancement
Facilitates Networking Opportunities
- Third Thursday events with hotel & lodging industry
- Group outings to local attractions
- Giving Back Events
Encourages Career Development
- Trainings & Certification Opportunities - Coming Soon!
- Educational Scholarships Available to you
Fostering Connections
- Exclusive Facebook Group for EP Community Members to connect
- Buddy System – Never feel alone in attending events!
Explores Mentorship
- Opportunities to connect with collegiate students

Want to join us on this journey? How to Join

1) Complete OHLA Emerging Professionals Registration Form

Must be a current OHLA member to be eligible. Any questions can be directed to michele@ohla.org.

2) Await confirmation of received form & welcome email

2024 Schedule of Events

Events details subject to change. For most up-to-date information check OHLA's Full Calendar here.

February - Third Thursday Coffee & Networking February 15, 2024 8:30-9:30am Crimson Cup Clintonville	August - Third Thursday Event August 15, 2024 TBD
March - Third Thursday Happy Hour & March Madness March 21, 2024 4:00pm - 6:00pm Crooked Can Hilliard	September - Third Thursday Event September 19, 2024 TBD
April - Third Thursday Event April 18, 2023 Time: TBD Cincinnati, Ohio	October - Third Thursday Event October 17, 2024 TBD
May - Third Thursday Networking Give Back May 16, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am Canine Companions New Albany	November - Third Thursday Event November 21, 2024 TBD
June - Third Thursday Networking Coffee June 20, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am \| Prior to WIL Luncheon TBD	November - OHLA Annual Conference November 25-26
July - Third Thursday Networking July 18, 2024 TBD	December - Third Thursday Event Tentative

Meet the EP Committee!

	Bailey Laverty, Chair Columbus Marriott Northwest Bailey is currently a Catering Sales Manager at the Marriott Northwest in Dublin! She began her career in hospitality five years ago as a front desk agent at the Westin Downtown, working her way through the operations side of things to her current position. Bailey loves hospitality because it gives her the chance to create exceptional, memorable experiences for people on a daily basis!
	Sarah Weekman, Vice Chair AC Columbus Downtown Sarah is currently the Food & Beverage Manager at the AC Columbus Downtown. She loves hospitality because there are endless opportunities, and something new happens every day!
	Lauren Butterfield, Committee Member SpringHill & TownePlace Suites Columbus Easton Area Lauren is a Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at the SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites Columbus Easton Area. As a seasoned hotel/hospitality professional in operations and sales, she is proudly effective in capturing new business opportunities and building relationships with clientele.
	Rachel Hissam, Committee Member Visit Cincy Rachel is the Sales Administrator for Visit Cincy, representing the Cincinnati Region of Ohio. She specializes in executive business management, with her strength in navigating complex initiatives and assessing cross-functional impact while ensuring agility. In her time out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and exploring the city!
	Emily Maddox, Committee Member Red Roof Emily is the Design & Construction Project Administrator for Red Roof in New Albany, Ohio. With her background in entertainment, she's now bringing her skills to the hospitality industry. Emily is eager to connect with her fellow Emerging Professionals and make new friends through events and programming.
	Katie Marcussen, Committee Member Red Roof With a BFA in Communication Design, Katie brings a unique arts background to her role as an award-winning content marketer at Red Roof. She has cultivated three years of experience in the hospitality industry and currently specializes in social media strategy and content creation. Katie has found an unwavering passion for hospitality and travel marketing in today's ecosystem.
	Thomas Mount, Committee Member The Blackwell Hotel & Pfahl Conference Center Thomas works Night Audit at the Blackwell. He is a Junior at Ohio State studying Hospitality Management.

Interested in getting more involved? The Emerging Professionals Committee wants YOU!

We are looking for individuals who want to get involved on a deeper level with OHLA and who have a passion for developing meeting content, helping others climb the ladder, and offer their skills & knowledge to be a part of the Emerging Professionals Committee. If you are interested email, intent of participation to michele@ohla.org. Interested parties will be reviewed by the existing committee before decision is made.