VLA 2026 Annual Conference & Business Meeting
November 17, Essex Resort & Spa. Our attendees represent the backbone of Vermont’s hospitality industry — from boutique inns to large resorts to long-established B&Bs.
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Annual Conference
Celebrating Vermont Hospitality
REGISTER NOW for the 2026 VLA Annual Conference & Business Meeting on November 17, 2026 at The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex, VT. This annual event brings together Vermont’s most engaged and influential lodging professionals, attracting lodging property owners, managers, and industry stakeholders from across the state. Our attendees represent the backbone of Vermont’s hospitality industry — from boutique inns and resorts to long-established B&Bs.
One of the values of an industry conference like ours featuring hospitality professionals is that you get to ask questions of the decision-makers and thought leaders in our field, and make personal contacts over a meal or a drink that you can follow up later.
It's an opportunity to gain valuable insights and new contacts. To discover more efficient tools by exploring the latest products and innovations. To build community by sharing with old friends and making new ones. And to support VLA's state-wide mission of education, advocacy, and networking.
We're lucky that in a small state like Vermont, community like this is possible.
Stay tuned for updated programming announcements and event sponsorship opportunities. And don't forget to mark your calendars!
Conference Fee: $100 ($125 non-members), lunch included
Reception/Dinner Fee: $100
Essex Resort room rate: $119++ (reservation link)
Conference Schedule
Tuesday, Nov. 17
7:30 -9:30 a.m. Breakfast on own
8:30 -11 a.m. Sponsor setup & registration open
9:30-10:30 a.m. Annual Member Business mtg w/ updates from AHLA
10:30-11 a.m. Break and Visit w/ Sponsors
11 a.m.-12 p.m. Kick-off and Q&A w/ Vermont Attorney General, Charity Clark
12-12:15 p.m. Break and Visit w/ Sponsors
12:15 -1:15 p.m. Buffet Lunch with Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing: Branding updates & the State Destination Management Plan
1:15-1:45 p.m. Break and Visit w/ Sponsors
1:45-2:30 p.m. ADA/Accessibility Discussion w/ Vermont Division of Fire Safety
2:30-3:15 p.m. Transportation Panel w/ Q&A: How can we make it easier for guests to get here and get around once they’ve arrived.
3:15-4 p.m. Marketing Panel w/ Q&A: How to present your property to the broadest audience
4-4:15 p.m. Break and Visit w/ Sponsors
4:15-5:00 p.m. ACCD w/ Q&A: How to take advantage of our State partners and their toolkit of resources
5 p.m. Group photo
5:15 p.m. Reception
6:15 p.m. Buffet Dinner
8-11 p.m. After Hours/Bar Open
Wed. Nov. 18
7:30 – 10:30 a.m. Breakfast on Own/Departure
"It takes all of us working together to make Vermont stand out. I left the [2025] event with new ideas, a better understanding of the future, and new friends I can call on."
2025 Conference Attendee Feedback
"With excellent speakers sharing relatable information, sponsors and presenters offering excellent education, and many opportunities for networking, this conference is a must-attend for lodging and lodging-adjacent hospitality professionals."
"This year’s Conference offered valuable insights, strong speakers, and meaningful discussions. It was a well-organized event that highlighted the strength and collaboration within Vermont’s lodging industry."
"The VLA Conference was an excellent opportunity to meet in real time with our peers in the hospitality industry and also receive excellent updates on many key topics from the experts."
"I love Vermont and, seriously, I was a little teary-eyed. It was so well done!"
"It was a great time to visit with fellow innkeepers and share stories. This and the legislative support are both reasons I come."
"Excellent job with the speakers, overall flow, setting, and culinary offerings. Everything came together beautifully. I left feeling proud of the VLA efforts to bring everyone together to celebrate our industry."
