Vermont Lodging Association Newsletter | August 17, 2026 Print

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ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN HERE!

SAVE THE DATE for VLA's 6th Annual Conference & Business Meeting to be held November 17 at the Essex Resort & Spa, just 20 minutes from downtown Burlington. REGISTER NOW HERE!

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
10:30-11:00 a.m. Break and Visit w/ Sponsors
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Kick-off and Q&A w/ Vermont Attorney General, Charity Clark
12:00-12:15 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 
4:00-4:15 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
5:00 p.m. Group photo
5:15 p.m. Reception 
6:15 p.m. Buffet Dinner  
8:00-11:00 p.m. After Hours/Bar Open

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. Stay tuned for programming updates and event sponsorship opportunities.

Registration now open HERE! 

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Save the Dates!

SEPTEMBER 1 / NATIONAL HOTEL EMPLOYEE DAY

The Vermont Lodging Association is all about the people who make it happen! From the kitchen, front desk, laundry services, housekeeping, landscaping to management and marketing, the employees of every single lodging establishment in Vermont, whether a B&B or a large resort, deserve our well-deserved respect and appreciation of their vital part in Vermont's renowned tourism industry!

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.

VLA CALENDAR

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
Register HERE!

VAWP Annual Fall Conference
December 9-11, Hotel Champlain, Burlington

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Join Us!

Strength in Numbers: If You're Not Yet a Member, WELCOME

Our legislative voice is only as strong as the number of members we represent. Join more than 125 Vermont properties and Allied Partners of VLA. Click for more information and an application form.

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.

Contact Vermont Lodging Association at [email protected]

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