ABOUT NYSHTA
www.nyshta.org
The NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association's mission is to lead and protect the New York State hospitality and tourism industry by providing advocacy, education, and resources.
www.nysra.org
NYSRA
WELCOME
The NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSHTA) and the NYS Restaurant Association (NYSRA) are thrilled to welcome you to the 5th annual Hospitality Summit!
COOPERSTOWN | OCT 26-28, 2025
SCHEDULE
SUN. OCT. 26, 2025
3:00 PM Golf (9 Holes)
5:00-7:00 PM Welcome Reception EASTVERANDA
MON. OCT. 27, 2025 VERANDA
7:30-8:00 AM NYSRA Coffee & Connections
MON. OCT. 27, 2025 GLIMMERGLASS
8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00-10:15 AM 10:20-11:05 AM
IROQUOIS
11:10 AM 11:30 AM-12:30 PM 12:30-2:30 PM
Registration Opens Breakfast & Vendor Visits Workshop: From Chaos to Clarity Swipe Fees Under Fire
Coffee Break & Vendor Visits Speed Networking
Lunch with Keynote: Jason Brooks
2:30 PM Break
3:45 PM Bus Departs for NYSRA Outing: Crafted in Cooperstown
BALLROOM
5:30-7:00 PM NYSHTA Stars of the Industry Cocktail Reception
7:00-8:30 PM NYSHTA Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner GLIMMERGLASS
TUES. OCT. 28, 2025 IROQUOIS
8:30 AM 9:30 AM NYSRA Educational Foundation Board Meeting
NYSRA Annual Membership & State Board Meeting
Welcome Reception
East Veranda
Industry-inclusive reception for NYSHTA and NYSRA members, featuring networking, open bar, and appetizers. 5:00 PM
Veranda
Coffee & Connections
7:30 AM
Bundle up, grab your coffee, and join Melissa Fleischut, NYSRA President & CEO, for an informal meetup (weather permitting). In these uncertain times, NYSRA wants to know how you’re doing and how we can best support you!
From Chaos to Clarity: Streamlining Operations 9:00 AM
This session helps operators identify where they’re losing time and money and how to fix it. Learn systems to streamline operations, reduce stress, and boost profits. Walk away with a simple action plan to create a business that works for you.
Swipe Fees Under Fire: Interchange Fees in NY 10:20 AM
Brennan Duckett, National Restaurant Assoc. Kevin Dugan, NYS Restaurant Assoc.
Interchange fees, often referred to as “swipe fees”, are a growing burden on hospitality businesses already grappling with slim margins and rising costs.
This session will explain current efforts, fees on sales tax and other non-revenue items in NYS. Learn what’s happening at the legislative level, how it could affect your business, and how you can help support fairer financial practices in the hospitality industry.
Lunch Keynote 12:30 PM Jason E. Brooks, Franchise Operations Executive & Hospitality Coach
Hospitality professionals juggle managing, leading, and coaching every day but timing is everything. Jason E. Brooks will share how to balance these roles to build stronger teams through better communication and relationships.
NYSHTA & NYSRA Attendees
Speed Networking 11:30 AM
This fast-paced session brings hospitality, tourism, and restaurant professionals together for quick, focused conversations that spark collaboration and set the tone for meaningful connections.
Crafted in Cooperstown 3:45 PM
A Three-Stop Food & Drink Tour (For NYSRA members)
Join NYSRA for stops at Cooperstown Distillery, Fly Creek Cyder Mill & Orchard, and Ommegang Brewery. Transportation included!
TRANSPORTATION
The bus Bus leaves The Otesaga Hotel promptly at 3:45 PM. *Please be in lobby 5-10 minutes before departure!
Stars of the Industry The Otesaga - Glimmerglass
(For NYSHTA members)
Join NYSHTA for the annual Stars of the Industry Awards, where we celebrate and recognize outstanding individuals and properties in the state’s hospitality & tourism industry.
SCHEDULE
Cocktail Reception: 5:30-7:00 PM Dinner & Awards Presentation: 7:00-8:30 PM 5:30 PM
