Annual Conference
Celebrating Vermont Hospitality
We are excited to announce that our 2026 VLA Annual Conference & Business Meeting will be held 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 a chance 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 over the coming months for programming announcements and event sponsorship opportunities. And don't forget to mark your calendars!
"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."
