Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association Celebrates Industry Excellence at Annual Lodging Summit1/23/2026 Oklahoma City, OK – January 21, 2026 – The Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA) celebrated the state's hospitality professionals at its Annual Lodging Summit on January 20, 2026, at OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark. The premier event brought together lodging operators from across Oklahoma for networking, industry insights, and recognition of excellence in hospitality.
Event Highlights The summit featured several signature components designed to advance the industry and honor its leaders: Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting – OHLA members elected a new Board of Directors and heard from Amy Blackburn, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, who addressed opportunities in Oklahoma Tourism. Agent Kevin Connolly from the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Organized Retail Crime Ring Unit office also provided insights on fraudulent credit card incidents. OHLA Expo – Industry professionals connected with leading providers of products and services essential to successful lodging operations, discovering innovative tools and resources. 3rd Annual Heart for Hospitality Celebration – The summit's centerpiece event honored the unsung heroes of Oklahoma's lodging industry for their exceptional contributions to the state's thriving hospitality sector. Award Recipients The Heart for Hospitality Awards recognized outstanding individuals and teams for their dedication and service:
Hotels on the Hill Scholarship Recipients Three hospitality professionals received scholarships to represent Oklahoma at American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Hotels on the Hill in Washington, D.C.:
"The Lodging Summit was not only a celebration of Oklahoma's vibrant lodging industry, but also a platform for collaboration and growth," said James Leewright, CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association. "It was an opportunity to recognize the individuals and teams whose hard work and commitment shape the success of our industry. We were thrilled to bring our community together for another year of innovation, networking, and recognition." Partner Recognition OHLA extends gratitude to its partners: Visit Oklahoma City (Exclusive Presenting Partner of Distinguished Awards), Ecolab (Exclusive Partner of the Commemorative Honoree Gift), Auto-Chlor System (Grand Finale Partner), and a host of additional Heart for Hospitality Partners including 110 Events, Clearwater Enterprises, Cory's A/V, McGregor Insurance Group, OKANA Resort and Waterpark, Partners in Hospitality, Precision Linen by Spark Hospitality, Shake Rattle & Roll Audio-Visual, Total Roofing Solutions, and Versacor Managed Pest Solutions. About OHLA Incorporated in 1974, the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association is Oklahoma's trade association for the hotel and lodging industry. The OHLA actively provides pro-active advocacy, education and resources for operators and professionals in all types of lodging businesses throughout the state of Oklahoma. Hotel guest spending in our state equals $5.5 billion, and over 78,000 guest rooms exist in Oklahoma. The OHLA is a state partner of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Contact: Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association- Dawn Norton, Manager, Marketing and Communications [email protected]
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Oklahoma City, OK – January 21, 2025 – The Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA) proudly hosted its highly anticipated Annual Lodging Summit on January 21, 2025, at the Omni Hotel OKC. This premier event brought together lodging operators from across the state of Oklahoma for a day of networking, industry insights, and celebration of excellence within the hospitality sector.
 Hotel Tax Increase Passes!On behalf of Visit Oklahoma City and the nearly 35,000 locals that work in hospitality, I want to thank the citizens of OKC for voting in support of tourism and the vital role it plays in our community and economy.
Our 24 million annual visitors are the lifeblood of hotels and attractions, plus small businesses – from restaurants to retail to our many distinct districts. Visitors also generate revenue for city investments such as the convention center, coliseum, arena and premier sporting venues in all parts of OKC. Thank you for taking the time to support this campaign in big and small ways. From speaking at City Council to writing letters of support to activating your networks and ultimately casting your vote – we appreciate all you do to move our city forward. I also want to thank Mayor Holt and the OKC City Council for their understanding and support of how visitors impact our quality of life as residents. Together, we’ve built a dynamic destination and now it’s time to tell the world! Zac Craig President Visit Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, OK – In a remarkable demonstration of unity and advocacy, Hospitality Day at the Capitol and the "A Tasteful Affair" Legislative Reception have successfully brought together industry leaders from the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA), Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA), and Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA) alongside state legislators. These events underscored the significant role of the restaurant, tourism, and lodging sectors in enhancing Oklahoma’s economy.
The Day at the Capitol saw an impressive participation of 225 attendees, highlighting the dedication of our industry to engage with policymakers on critical issues. This was an exciting opportunity to discuss the contributions our sectors make in generating tax revenue, creating jobs, and supporting local communities throughout Oklahoma. Building on the day's momentum, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City Downtown/Medical Center provided a wonderful setting for the "A Tasteful Affair" Legislative Reception. Which welcomed 420 guests, facilitating invaluable interactions between members and legislators. The reception showcased the best of Oklahoma's culinary scene and craft brewing, symbolizing the vibrancy and diversity of our state's hospitality offerings. We extend our gratitude to all participants and, notably, to our partners whose support was instrumental: Presidential Partner:
### About ORA Founded in 1933, the Oklahoma Restaurant Association is the trade association of restaurants and foodservice operations, the state's largest private industry employer. Representing more than 4,500 restaurants and members, the ORA actively monitors legislation and regulatory agencies; helps foodservice owners and management develop and strengthen business operations; and inspires membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually. About OTIA Founded in 1987, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA) was formed primarily to provide tourism education and lobby on behalf of the tourism industry as well as support the efforts of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department in its funding of the State's tourism promotion campaign. OTIA now serves as the trade association for the travel and tourism industry. Representing tourism entities, operators, and members across the state, the OTIA develops the membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually. About OHLA Incorporated in 1974, the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association is Oklahoma's trade association for the hotel and lodging industry. The OHLA actively provides pro-active advocacy, education and resources for operators and professionals in all types of lodging businesses throughout the state of Oklahoma. Hotel guest spending in our state equals $5.5 billion, and over 78,000 guest rooms exist in Oklahoma. The OHLA is a state partner of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). ###  OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.,— The Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association (OHLA) announced its 2024 Board of Directors at its annual Lodging Summit on January 17, 2024, at the Skirvin Hilton Oklahoma City.
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