HospitalityMaine 2026 Summit

HospitalityMaine’s 2026 Summit returns to Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks 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 2026?
🌟 Engage with Industry Leaders
Learn from Maine’s top hospitality experts in sessions covering a range of critical topics
🔄 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 16 | |
| 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Registration |
| 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM |
Welcome - State of the Association & HospitalityMaine Annual Meeting
Scott Vogel, Vogel Hospitality |
| 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM |
Opening Keynote
Emma Tiedemann, Portland Sea Dogs |
| 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM | Break |
| 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
What Will They Tell Their Friends?
Explore the future of hospitality through an interactive panel and roundtable discussion on guest expectations, strong teams, and memorable experiences. Moderator - Maureen LaSalle, St. Joseph’s College Speakers - Jason Clay, Governors & Anglers Andrew Bartlett, Cliff House Jeremy Dougherty, Witham Family Hotels Jeff Gambardella, Nonesuch River Brewing |
| 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM |
2026 Government Affairs Wrap Up –
Q&A to follow if time allows. Nate Cloutier, Director of Government Affairs, HospitalityMaine |
| 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM | Break |
| 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
Industry Tradeshow & Reception
Cash Bar |
| 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM |
Awards Dinner
Master of Ceremonies – Erin Ovalle, Maine Life |
| November 17 | |
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Registration for Day 2 Only Attendees |
| 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM |
Tracking Tourism Results and the Year Ahead
Explore the latest tourism trends shaping Maine’s hospitality industry, including visitor behaviors, economic outlooks, travel patterns, and opportunities for operators heading into 2027. Carolann Ouellette, Maine Office of Tourism |
| 8:45 AM - 9:00 AM | Break |
| 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM |
1A. Managing the New Workforce Reality
As workforce expectations evolve, hospitality leaders share real-world strategies for attracting and retaining talent, addressing employee needs, navigating difficult conversations, and building stronger, more engaged teams. Maryna Shuliakouskaya, Aroma Joes Coffee Nick Shumate, Inn By The Sea |
| 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM |
1B. F&B Strategies
Real-world insights on menu innovation, purchasing, costs, and creating food and beverage programs that perform. Nick Verdisco, US Foods |
| 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Break |
| 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM |
2A.Turning Partnerships into Profit
Explore how hospitality businesses can build visibility, credibility, and influence through PR, partnerships, and authentic storytelling. Moderator - Caili Elwell, Bebop Collective Speakers - Whitney Raymond, Marshall PR Elaine Theriault-Curry, Marshall PR |
| 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM |
2B. Reaching and Winning Your Next Customer
Explore how strong branding, digital marketing, and strategic messaging can help hospitality businesses reach the right customers, drive bookings, and make every marketing dollar work harder. Paul Raudonat, Migis Hotel Group Jen Millard, mainelove Dan Cashman, Sutherland Weston |
| 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM | Break |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
What to keep an eye on for 2027 – Government Affairs Edition
Q&A to Follow after Nate’s report Nate Cloutier, Director of Government Affairs, HospitalityMaine |
| 12:00 PM |
Closing Keynote
Alex Gray, Waterfront Concerts |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Full Summit Attendee
|
$299.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Day One with Dinner
|
$240.00 |
|
Day One without Dinner
|
$145.00 |
|
Summit Awards Dinner
|
$110.00 |
|
Summit Trade Show Exhibitor
|
$600.00 |
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Summit Day 2 Attendee
|
$70.00 |
Product Add-ons
| Add-ons | Price |
|---|---|
| Summit - Contributing Sponsor View Product | $500.00 |
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