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 | Welcome |
| 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM | Opening Keynote |
| 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM | Break |
| 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM |
What Will They Tell Their Friends?
The hospitality landscape is changing. Guest expectations are evolving, competition is increasing, and success belongs to businesses that create memorable experiences, strong teams, and valued communities. Join Maine hospitality leaders for an interactive discussion on the future of our industry. Through panel conversation and facilitated roundtables, attendees will move from Inspiration → Participation → Action, sharing ideas that lead to meaningful change. |
| 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM |
2026 Government Affairs Wrap Up –
Q&A to follow if time allows. Nate Cloutier, Director of Government Affairs, HospitalityMaine |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Break |
| 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
Industry Tradeshow & Reception
Cash Bar |
| 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM | Awards Dinner |
| 9:00 PM | After Party |
| November 17 | |
| 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Registration for Day 2 Only Attendees |
| 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM |
HospitlaityMaine Annual Meeting
Scott Vogel, Vogel Hospitality |
| 8:30 AM - 9:00 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 |
| 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM | Break |
| 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM |
1A.Turning Partnerships into Profit
Explore how hospitality businesses can build visibility, credibility, and influence through PR, partnerships, and authentic storytelling. |
| 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM |
1B. Reaching and Winning Your Next Customer
A strong brand helps businesses cut through the noise, reach the right audience, and give customers a reason to choose them. Explore how operators are successfully using digital marketing, advertising, and strategic messaging to reach the customers most likely to book, visit, and return, making every marketing dollar work harder. |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Break |
| 10:15 AM - 2:00 PM |
2A. Managing the New Workforce Reality
As workforce expectations continue to evolve, hospitality leaders are navigating new challenges in communication, employee engagement, and workplace concerns. Operators share real-world strategies for attracting and retaining talent, addressing employee needs, having difficult conversations, and building stronger relationships that keep teams connected and committed for the long term. |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
2B. F&B Strategies
Real-world insights on menu innovation, purchasing, costs, and creating food and beverage programs that perform. |
| 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 - 2:00 PM | Closing Keynote |
| 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 |
For More Information:
