ORHMA's milestone event achieved a 100% positive experience rating among survey respondents, welcomed 10 new Hall of Fame inductees and expanded opportunities for first-time attendees.
The conference opened on October 19 with a networking reception and the induction of 10 distinguished industry leaders into the OHI Hall of Fame, followed by a full day of speakers and sessions focused on the issues directly affecting Ontario's lodging and foodservice sectors.
Bringing together a record-breaking number of operators, industry leaders, and suppliers, the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) marked the milestone fifth anniversary of the Ontario Hospitality Conference (OHC) on October 19 and 20. The feedback speaks for itself. Survey responses received to date indicate that 100% of respondents rated their conference experience positively, 100% would recommend the conference to others, and 98% intend to return next year.
"ORHMA's commitment is to deliver relevant insights, practical information and meaningful connections that help hospitality businesses navigate challenges, identify opportunities and strengthen their operations," said Jason Cheskes, ORHMA Board Member and Chair of Membership and Development, who organizes the conference. "The response to this year's conference demonstrates just how important it is to bring our industry together to discuss the realities operators are facing and provide ideas and information they can take back to their businesses."
What Delegates Are Saying
"Another fantastic conference! It's always great connecting with people in our industry, meeting new faces, and coming away with fresh ideas," said Dharmesh Patel of Infinity Hospitality Group.
"A valuable event that combines learning, networking, and inspiration to help hospitality professionals succeed," said Milena Gvozdić.
"A special thank you to the entire ORHMA team; the conference is excellent and I always leave filled with ideas and excitement," said Tricia Wiseman.
A Program Built for Operators
The 2026 program tackled the most pressing issues facing lodging and foodservice operators, with a central theme: balancing financial discipline with the culture and human elements that define hospitality.
• Industry Trends and the State of Hospitality: Examining changing consumer expectations, industry trends and the operating pressures shaping the future of Ontario's lodging and foodservice sectors.
• Leadership and Productivity: Keynote speaker Dr. Nick Bontis shared practical strategies to improve focus, productivity and leadership effectiveness and the critical impact of face-to-face interactions, especially in the hospitality industry.
• Economic Outlook and Business Resilience: Understanding the impact of inflation, labour and operating costs, and identifying ways operators can adapt pricing, manage margins and strengthen financial performance.
• Social Media and Digital Visibility: Exploring how online reviews, social engagement and AI-powered search are influencing customer decisions, bookings and business visibility.
• Practical Applications of AI: Identifying realistic, affordable ways hospitality businesses can integrate AI into everyday operations, improve efficiency and prepare for emerging opportunities.
• Hospitality Leadership and Workplace Culture: Addressing the challenges of balancing profitability, service expectations, employee/guest engagement and the importance of increased focus on training and development for leaders.
Opening the Door to the Next Generation and Development of Hospitality Leaders
Recognizing the need to attract, train and develop the next generation of hospitality leaders and those currently in leadership roles, ORHMA invested to make the conference more accessible than ever this year by:
• Offering significant discounts to first-time attendees
• Subsidizing an overnight stay between the opening reception and the main conference
• Covering the cost of VIA Rail travel for attendees who would benefit from such support
With the unwavering support of our sponsors and partners, ORHMA remains committed to offering hospitality professionals across the province cost-accessible opportunities to experience the value of attending OHC.
Thanks to Sponsors and Partners
ORHMA extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, industry partners and speakers whose commitment enhances the programming and keeps the conference accessible to hospitality operators across the province.
As ORHMA reflects on five years of growth and impact, the Association remains focused on ensuring the OHC continues to evolve alongside the industry it serves, offering relevant programming, practical ideas and meaningful opportunities to connect and prepare for what lies ahead.
Media photo note & credit:
ORHMA extends sincere appreciation to Frank Yeo, Owner of Mercury Publications (Eastern/Western Hotelier, Bar & Beverage Magazines) for his ongoing support, providing conference photography, and to photographer Phillip Chin. Event photos can be viewed at https://www.ontariohospitalityconference.com/gallery-2026.
About the Ontario Hospitality Conference
The Ontario Hospitality Conference, presented by the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA), brings together restaurant, hotel and motel operators, industry leaders, experts and suppliers to share knowledge, explore emerging issues and build meaningful industry connections. Learn more at https://www.ontariohospitalityconference.com.