On October 31, 2022, TSNN News wrote:

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show 

When Hurricane Ian hit Florida in late September, hundreds of restaurants and hotels were destroyed by the catastrophic storm and severe flooding. This impact was felt throughout the restaurant and hospitality industry, including one of its biggest trade shows and conferences: the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show. Show producers Clarion Events immediately leapt into action to find ways that it, as well as exhibitors and attendees, could help support those who were impacted by the disaster. 

During the trade show and conference, which is taking place as planned Nov. 1-3 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, 100% of attendee registration fees collected, along with financial donations, food, equipment and other items, will be collected and donated to a new disaster relief fund being formed by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) and will work to help the hospitality industry’s relief and rebuilding efforts.

“Our thoughts, prayers and support remain with all those impacted by Hurricane Ian and strengthens our commitment to support Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Rita Ugianskis, vice president of the Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group. “After consultation with our association partner, the FRLA, exhibitors, attendees and our venue partner The Caribe Royale, we have made the decision to continue hosting the event next month and take this opportunity to provide direct support for the rebuilding and recovery of our industry.” 

She added, “We invite restaurateurs and professionals in the hospitality industry to register and join us in our support of FRLA’s disaster relief fund. Every registration will go a long way toward helping Florida’s restaurant and lodging community.”  

In collaboration with the FRLA, Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group will make the following changes to the show to support the industry during this difficult time:  

• All registration fees collected will be donated to FRLA’s new disaster relief fund.  
• A $50 registration donation fee will provide access to the entire event, including exhibit hall admission, F&B events including networking receptions, the entire conference program and access to both the general session and keynote address. All monies collected will be donated.
• New content will be added to help the community affected by the storm to navigate the resources needed to begin to rebuild.
• In addition to the donation of registration fees, the organizations are arranging a product donation effort for all show participants to support colleagues in the Florida hospitality industry. 

Alongside its dynamic expo hall, networking reception, awards, fundraiser and FRLA Gala that the show is known for, the event will offer crisis planning and recovery-themed education sessions, workshops, a keynote and a general session addressing recovery, growth and leadership in uncertain times, as well as disaster recovery-related courses from the FRLA and other leading experts.  

“We’ve been producing trade shows and conferences for over 27 years, and our dedicated teams at Clarion truly immerse themselves in the industries they serve, with a goal to leave the community in a better place, no matter the circumstance,” said Greg Topalian, CEO at Clarion Events North America. “Our efforts in Florida are a true representation of the mission of Clarion, where we are dedicated to those we serve by rising to the occasion and supporting those in times of need.” 

Read the full article: HERE