Vermont Lodging Association Newsletter | July 27, 2026 
Executive Director's Update | Brian Maggiotto
As an essential part of Vermont’s vibrant hospitality community, our member properties are the heartbeat of our state’s tourism economy and I, for one, can’t thank you and your staff enough for the work you put in day after day! This past week I had the opportunity to celebrate the opening of Burlington’s newest hotel, The Harborvale, and was once again reminded how truly unique each one of our member properties is. In Vermont we have such a rich history of hospitality, curating unparalleled experiences for generations. Behind each one of these experiences is a group of professionals, eager to provide guests with a warm welcome, forever reimagining how we welcome visitors to our state.
Through all of these continued efforts and contributions, I believe the role of the Vermont Lodging Association (VLA) is now more crucial than ever, and we remain dedicated to protecting, promoting, and strengthening our licensed inns, B&Bs, resorts, and hotels across the Green Mountains.
Provided in your VLA Membership is:
- A Strong Legislative Voice: We retain professional lobbying representation in Montpelier to advocate directly for policies, tax structures, and economic measures that safeguard your bottom line.
- Peer Connections: Exclusive access to regional networking events, educational resources, and our member forums allows you to share operational strategies with fellow innkeepers and hoteliers.
- Allied Partner Program: Our partners featured directly in the searchable VLA Allied Partner Directory on our website, providing you direct access to recommended vendors servicing our industry
- American Hotel & Lodging Association: Access to national programs and the ability to participate in AHLA’s national advocacy agenda throughout the year.
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to review and update your active property profile and listing on LodgingVT.com to ensure your colleagues have your most up-to-date contact info. If you have any questions regarding your membership status, upcoming events, or legislative updates, please reach out directly to Executive Director Brian Maggiotto at [email protected].
Thank you for your continued commitment to our cause!
Don't Miss This
Be sure to mark your calendars for VLA's 6th Annual Conference & Business Meeting to be held November 17 at the Essex Resort & Spa, just 20 minutes away from downtown Burlington.
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 for programming announcements and event sponsorship opportunities. Registration opens August 17.
Save the Dates!
Vermont Tourism Alliance Summer Regional Event
July 29, The Harborvale, Burlington, 2-6 p.m.
Register Here
National Hotel Employee Day
September 1
8th Annual Vermont Outdoor Economy Summit
November 12, The Barn at Fox Run, Ludlow, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
VLA Annual Conference & Business Meeting
November 17, Essex Resort & Spa, Essex
Registration opens Monday, August 17
VAWP Annual Fall Conference
December 9-11, Hotel Champlain, Burlington
More on National Hotel Employee Day
On September 1, in conjunction with AHLA and hospitality partners across the country, we will be participating in National Hotel Employee Day and hope you’ll join us in celebrating the thousands of professionals we have working right here in Vermont! National Hotel Employee Day celebrates and thanks hotel employees for their hard work and dedication. On this day, we recognize the integral role hotel employees play in American tourism and communities nationwide. 
This year’s theme, “A Place to Start. A Place to Grow” reflects the true heart of hospitality: a welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can begin their journey, grow, and build lasting careers. Participation is as easy as a post on your social media pages on Tuesday, September 1, highlighting unique positions and stories. Add photos of your team and tag AHLA or use hashtag #HotelEmployeeDay.
Onsite Activation Ideas could also include:
- Place a “guest book” in the hotel lobby inviting guests to leave notes of appreciation for hotel employees.
- Create a “Team Spotlight” display featuring photos and fun facts about team members to showcase in a high-traffic area such as the lobby.
- Plan a coworker and/or management-to-staff “thank you” event.
Join Us!
Strength in Numbers: If You're Not Yet a Member, Join Us
Our legislative voice is only as strong as the number of members we represent. Join more than 125 Vermont properties and Allied members of VLA. Click for more information and an application form.
Contact Vermont Lodging Association at [email protected]
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