Mark your calendars! We’re thrilled to host you at the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa for our annual member summit, co-presented with the NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSHTA). Prepare for an inspiring event filled with learning, networking, and fun!
Registration (through October 6): $249
October 6
2:00 pm (1:15 departure) | Wegmans Farm Tour (Limited spots available — be sure to register ahead here!)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception
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October 7
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Forecast Fluency: Learning How to Look Ahead, facilitated by Russ Webb
An interactive workshop, this session will step through a process of trend identification that can be used to look up to the horizon and focus on what will most enable mission advancement. Attendees will gain the ability to:
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a. m. | Harnessing AI in Hospitality: Foundations and Tech Trends, presented by Levi Neuland, SVP of Digital Marketing, The Martin Group; Mark Walz, Chief Tech Officer, SpotOn
Dive into the transformative world of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hospitality industry with this comprehensive education session. Start with a foundational overview of AI, presented by Levi Neuland, SVP of Digital Marketing with The Martin Group, tailored specifically for hospitality professionals. Learn the basics of generative AI and explore best practices to enhance your operations, customer service, and overall business efficiency.
In the second segment, gain insights from Mark Walz, Chief Technology Officer with SpotOn. Mark will guide you through the crucial considerations when selecting and integrating hospitality tech systems, ensuring you stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry. Join us to discover how AI can revolutionize your business and prepare you for the future of hospitality technology.
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | A Seat at the Table: Advocating for the Hospitality Industry – Insights from NYS Liquor Authority Chairwoman Lily Fan
Join NYS Liquor Authority Chairwoman Lily Fan for a presentation on the evolving landscape of New York State’s liquor regulations. In this session, Chairwoman Fan will provide key updates on compliance requirements, recent legislative changes, and enforcement trends affecting hospitality establishments. Gain valuable insights into best practices for licensing, responsible service, and how to navigate the complexities of alcohol regulation in New York.
12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Lunch and Keynote Presentation: The Business Case for Building an Inclusive Culture with Gerry Fernandez
Managing a diverse workforce is, and always has been, about dollars and cents. It’s about making money and doing right by our employees, guests, and the communities we serve. To maximize business results, we need the best people.
Today, employees want to feel respected, valued, and heard. They want to be included and feel like they belong on the team. If leaders create an inclusive culture they can attract and keep the best talent.
Gerry Fernandez, Founder of MFHA, the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance will share tips, tools, insights, and best practices backed up by data to help lodging and foodservice operators build a culture that works for all.
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | ROC Your Tastebuds: A Three-Stop Food & Drink Tour
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October 8
9:30 a.m. Annual Member and State Board Meeting
This year we will be at the iconic Woodcliff Hotel & Spa, a hotel with a rich history. While there, guests can book a treatment at the Spa at Woodcliff, enjoy a 9-hole golf course, and over 70-acres of hiking trails.
There are still a few sponsorship opportunities available for the NYSRA & NYSHTA Hospitality Summit.
