HospitalityMaine 2025 Summit
HospitalityMaine’s 2025 Summit returns to the beautiful Samoset Resort for two days of connection, conversation, and inspiration.
This is where Maine’s hospitality professionals — from chefs and GM's to innkeepers and tourism leaders — come together to talk shop, share solutions, and shape what’s next.
With standout speakers, hands-on workshops, and the kind of networking that only happens face-to-face, it’s the one event that speaks directly to our industry.
Why Attend Summit 2025?
🌟 Engage with Industry Leaders
Learn from Maine’s top hospitality experts in sessions covering a range of critical topics:
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Leadership & Company Culture
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Data-Driven Decision Making
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Digital Marketing Trends & Best Practices
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Sustainability & Profitability
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Government Affairs & Industry Advocacy
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Inspiration from Hospitality Leaders
🔄 Concurrent Sessions
Choose the sessions that align with your goals — whether it’s leadership, marketing, operations, or guest service. Find the track that supports your next step.
🤝 Our Annual Industry Tradeshow
Connect with hospitality professionals, network with peers, and celebrate the best of Maine’s hospitality industry during an evening of awards and festivities.
💡 Gain Fresh Perspectives
Immerse yourself in forward-thinking sessions designed to tackle today’s most pressing issues in hospitality: Leave with actionable ideas and new processes to enhance your day to day business. Learn, Explore, Discover and Master.
🎉 Celebrate and Enjoy
Celebrate the best in Maine’s hospitality industry with us! Enjoy an evening of awards, networking, and festivities as we honor outstanding achievements and industry leaders.
Don't Miss Out! Regroup after a busy Maine summer, unwind with friends new and old, and leave inspired to take your hospitality business to new heights.
Agenda
| November 17 | |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Registration |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Welcome Lunch |
| 11:50 AM - 12:00 PM |
Welcome
Becky Jacobson, Executive Director, HospitalityMaine |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Opening Keynote
Fred Forsley, Shipyard Brewing Co., Sea Dog Restaurants, Federal Jack’s |
| 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM | Break |
| 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM |
1A. Stop Guessing, Start Knowing: Using Data to Guide Your Marketing
In hospitality, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by numbers that don’t tell the full story. This session helps you cut through the noise and build a clear, practical approach to marketing measurement - even when your data isn’t perfect. You’ll learn how to focus on metrics that matter, avoid vanity stats, and turn your website data into smarter, more confident decisions that drive bookings and growth. John Paglio, flyte new media |
| 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM |
1B. Guest Service Excellence: Best Practices from the Front Line
Interactive session focusing on communication, and creating memorable guest experiences. Longtime restaurant and hotel pros share the secrets to their success. Panelists - Steve DiMillo Sr., DiMillo’s On the Water, Connie Russell, Samoset Resort |
| 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Break |
| 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM |
2A. Company Culture: Creating Happy Employees
Explore how mid-level leaders influence culture through recognition, communication, and conflict resolution. A conversation from diverse employee-focused business leaders. Panelists - Leah Chamberlin, Horch Roofing & Colby Marvin Bracy, Nonantum Resort |
| 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM |
2B. Digital Marketing: Best Practices
Find and connect with your ideal customer in the digital age. In this high-energy session, The PR Maven® demonstrates how to blend traditional relationship-building with modern digital strategy to drive loyalty, visibility, and revenue for your hospitality business. Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications |
| 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM | Break |
| 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM |
3A. 2025 Government Affairs Wrap Up
A look at the policy shifts that defined Maine’s hospitality landscape this year — and what they mean for operators on the ground. Hear the highlights, the curveballs, and what’s still in play as we head into a new session. Q&A to follow if time allows. Nate Cloutier, HospitalityMaine |
| 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM |
3B. Restaurant Operator Hot Seat
-How to master cost controls & boost profit -Training the entire front of house to SELL -Recruiting vs. hiring, building your “dream team” staff and retention -Brand strategy -Proven trackable Marketing for new & repeat business Roger Beaudoin, Restaurant Rockstars |
| 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Industry Tradeshow |
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM |
Reception
Cash Bar |
| 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM | Awards Dinner |
| 9:00 PM |
After Party
La Bella Vista |
| November 18 | |
| 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Registration for Day 2 Only Attendees |
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
State of the Association & Annual Meeting
Becky Jacobson, Executive Director, HospitalityMaine & Scott Vogel, The Front Porch, Crew Ogunquit, Coastal Alchemist, The Trident Inn |
| 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Break |
| 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM |
4A. Hot Topics in Digital Marketing
Marketing is crucial to your property's success. Learn what trends are worth paying attention to in 2026, marketing metrics that matter, and how to energize your staff to market to future guests. Brandon Hussey, Fathom Companies & Greer Pearce, Words From The Woods |
| 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM |
4B. Sustainability and Profitability: Small Steps That Matter
Learn to leverage guest awareness, improve staff morale, and employee retention through sustainable moves at your property. Simple steps. Big rewards. Panelist - Rauni Kew, Inn by the Sea & Steve Mills, Maine Beer Company & Peter Cooke, University of Southern Maine |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Break |
| 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM |
Closing Keynote
AI isn’t coming—it’s already here, reshaping how Maine hotels, resorts, and hospitality businesses can engage with guests, market their offerings, and optimize operations. But between buzzwords and burnout, where do real opportunities lie? Mike Lannen, Eternity Marketing |
| 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM |
What to keep an eye on for 2026 – Government Affairs Edition
The landscape is shifting as we head into 2026. Nate Cloutier and Curtis Picard take a look ahead at what could shape Maine’s next policy landscape — emerging issues, shifting dynamics, and the forces that will set the stage for what’s to come. Q&A to follow if time allows. Nate Cloutier, HospitalityMaine & Curtis Picard, PCD Collective |
| 12:30 PM - 12:30 PM |
Closing Remarks
Thank you for joining us for the 2025 Summit! Becky Jacobson, Executive Director, HospitalityMaine |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Full Summit Attendee
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$289.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Day One with Lunch and Dinner
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$240.00 |
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Day One with Lunch and No Dinner
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$145.00 |
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Summit Awards Dinner
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$105.00 |
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Summit Trade Show Exhibitor
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$600.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Summit Day 2 Attendee
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$65.00 |
Product Add-ons
| Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|
| Summit - Contributing Sponsor View Product | $500.00 |
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