OHLA Emerging Professionals

Emerging Professionals LogoOHLA Emerging Professionals is a community open to industry professional members. Emerging Professionals offers resources, networking, and education designed to ensure young, emerging professionals have the career development opportunities to move up in the lodging industry. Our mission is to provide a community that supports emerging hotel & lodging industry professionals and cultivates the next generation of leaders.

Develop Your Craft

We strive to offer resources and build opportunities to hone the skills, knowledge and professional acumen of our emerging leaders.

Foster Discussion & Innovation

We cultivate an open space to discuss issues and developments that impact the travel and hospitality industry.

Grow Meaningful Relationships

We enable our members to grow meaningful connections through providing opportunities to engage in a social setting.

Offer Encouragement

We build up our members to strengthen and uplift the next generation of leaders.

 

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What does Emerging Professionals do for you?

  • Provides education
    • Leadership Skills
    • Career Advancement 

  • Facilitates Networking Opportunities
    • Third Thursday events with hotel & lodging industry
    • Group outings to local attractions
    • Giving Back Events

  • Encourages Career Development
    • Trainings & Certification Opportunities - Coming Soon!
    • Educational Scholarships Available to you

  • Fostering Connections
    • Exclusive Facebook Group for EP Community Members to connect
    • Buddy System – Never feel alone in attending events!

  • Explores Mentorship 
    • Opportunities to connect with collegiate students 

 

Want to join us on this journey? How to Join

1) Complete   OHLA Emerging Professionals Registration Form

Must be a current OHLA member to be eligible. Any questions can be directed to michele@ohla.org.

2) Await confirmation of the received form & welcome email

 



2024 Schedule of Events

Event details are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information check OHLA's Full Calendar here. 

February - Third Thursday Coffee & Networking
February 15, 2024

8:30-9:30am
Crimson Cup Clintonville

August - Third Thursday Event
August 15, 2024
8:00am - 9:30am
Parable Cafe

 

March - Third Thursday Happy Hour & March Madness 
March 21, 2024

4:00pm - 6:00pm
Crooked Can Hilliard

September - Third Thursday Event
September 19, 2024
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Hyatt House OSU

April - Third Thursday Event 
April 18, 2023

Time: March First Brewing
Cincinnati, Ohio

October -  Third Thursday Event
October 17, 2024
TBD

May - Third Thursday Networking Give Back
May 16, 2024

9:00am - 10:00am
Canine Companions New Albany

November - Third Thursday Event
November 21, 2024
TBD

June - Third Thursday Networking Coffee
June 20, 2024

9:00am - 10:00am | Prior to WIL Luncheon
Connecting Grounds at Scott House OSU

November - OHLA Annual Conference
November 25-26

July - Third Thursday Networking
July 18, 2024
4:00pm -6:00pm
Goodale Station

December - Third Thursday Event
Tentative

 


Meet the EP Committee!

Bailey Laverty

Bailey Laverty, Chair
AC Columbus Downtown

Bailey is currently a Senior Sales Manager at the AC Columbus Downtown! She began her career in hospitality five years ago as a front desk agent at the Westin Downtown, working her way through the operations side of things to her current position. Bailey loves hospitality because it gives her the chance to create exceptional, memorable experiences for people on a daily basis! 

Lauren Butterfield

Lauren Butterfield, Committee Member, Vice Chair
SpringHill & TownePlace Suites Columbus Easton Area

Lauren is a Dual Director of Sales and Marketing at the SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites Columbus Easton Area. As a seasoned hotel/hospitality professional in operations and sales, she is proudly effective in capturing new business opportunities and building relationships with clientele.

Kdas Headshot

Kishen Das, Committee Member
CURO BRKG

Kishen is a commercial real estate broker specializing in hotel sales, with a deep-rooted background in owning and managing franchise hotels. He combines this experience with over a decade in corporate finance strategy, three years of professional work in Milan, Italy, and membership in various real estate and hotel-related organizations, offering a unique perspective to the OHLA Emerging Professionals Committee.

R Hissam

Rachel Hissam, Committee Member
Visit Cincy

Rachel is the Sales Administrator for Visit Cincy, representing the Cincinnati Region of Ohio.  She specializes in executive business management, with her strength in navigating complex initiatives and assessing cross-functional impact while ensuring agility.  In her time out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and exploring the city!

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Emily Maddox, Committee Member
Red Roof

Emily is the Design & Construction Project Administrator for Red Roof in New Albany, Ohio. With her background in entertainment, she's now bringing her skills to the hospitality industry. Emily is eager to connect with her fellow Emerging Professionals and make new friends through events and programming.

Lucas Tournay

Lucas Tournay, Committee Member
SpringHill Suites OSU

Lucas is the Sales Manager at the SpringHill Suites Columbus OSU. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA Lucas started in hotels back in 2016. He moved to Columbus in 2023 for a new opportunity in Sales. He loves the industry because it has so many opportunities and it’s always changing.

 

 

Interested in getting more involved? The Emerging Professionals Committee wants YOU! 

We are looking for individuals who want to get involved on a deeper level with OHLA and who have a passion for developing meeting content, helping others climb the ladder, and offer their skills & knowledge to be a part of the Emerging Professionals Committee. If you are interested email, intent of participation to michele@ohla.org. Interested parties will be reviewed by the existing committee before decision is made. 

 


Follow Us on Social Media -

@OHLA Emerging Professionals 

@OHLA Emerging Professionals

 



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