LOCATION
All events will be held in the south end of the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
If you have any questions, please call the ORA office at 405-942-8181.
Industry & Corporate Meetings
If you'd like to bring your GMs or company team and hold a meeting on-premise and then enjoy the Expo we would like to host your meeting space!
If you have any questions, please call the ORA office at 405-942-8181.
Industry & Corporate Meetings
If you'd like to bring your GMs or company team and hold a meeting on-premise and then enjoy the Expo we would like to host your meeting space!
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(For a full description of Education sessions, click on Knowledge Zone/Center Stage tab)
(For a full description of Education sessions, click on Knowledge Zone/Center Stage tab)
|
9:00 AM
See Schedule |
Expo Opens
Culinary Cook-Off Competition - Heat 1: 9:30 AM; Heat 2: 10:45 AM; Heat 3: 11:45 AM Semi-Finals 12:45 PM; Championship: 3:00 PM |
|
12:00-1:00 PM - ROOM 104
2:00-3:00 PM - ROOM 104 |
Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association - Board of Directors Meeting (Private Session)
Oklahoma Travel Industry Association - Board of Directors Meeting (Private Session) |
|
5:00 PM
|
Expo Closes
|
|
RECEPTION 5:00 PM
DINNER 6:15 PM |
Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner in the OKC Convention Center, Painted Sky Ballroom, 4th floor
|
|
Unite for an Unforgettable Evening Honoring Oklahoma’s Hospitality Excellence
Join a dynamic community of professionals from the restaurant, hotel, and tourism industries as we come together for the most prestigious dinner event of the year, taking place on August 19th at 5:00 PM. Celebrate the achievements and impact of Oklahoma’s vibrant hospitality sector - the state’s third-largest industry during an inspiring night of recognition and connection. Highlights of the Evening Include:
A 50% discount on published registration rates for the Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner, allowing you to continue your engagement opportunities on the opening night of the Expo, August 19, at 5:00 PM at the OKC Convention Center. Seats are not guaranteed. Pre-registration is required by August 3, 2026. Suppliers must be ORA Hospitality Expo Exhibitors to attend the Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner. We encourage everyone to secure their seats early. Pre-registration is required no later than August 3. |
Thursday, August 20, 2026 - 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
(For a full description of Education sessions, click on the Knowledge Zone/Center Stage tab)
(For a full description of Education sessions, click on the Knowledge Zone/Center Stage tab)
|
8:30 AM - ROOM 208 A&B
(2ND FLOOR) 10:00 AM
11:00-12:00 PM 12:45 PM 1:00-1:45 PM 3:00 PM |
ORA Board of Directors Meeting (8:00 AM Breakfast) (PRIVATE SESSION)
Expo Opens CenterStage: National Leaders Panel - the Future of Hospitality featuring Join us for a powerful conversation with national leaders representing the restaurant, hotel, lodging, travel, and tourism industries as they share insights into the forces shaping the future of hospitality. This timely panel will bring together respected voices from across the country to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and policy issues impacting one of Oklahoma’s most important economic drivers. From workforce development and rising operational costs to travel trends, advocacy priorities, innovation, and the evolving guest experience, this discussion will provide a broad perspective on where the industry is headed and how hospitality professionals can prepare, adapt, and lead. Featured Topics May Include:
Presented by Jeanne Cretella, Vice Chair, National Restaurant Assn. & Co-Founder and President of By Landmark; Troy Flanagan, Executive VP, External Government Affairs & Industry Relations, American Hotel & Lodging Association; and Allison O'Connor, Senior Vice President of Communications, U.S. Travel Association. Moderated by James Leewright, CEO, Oklahoma Restaurant Association, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. CenterStage: ORA Key Club Partner Celebration CenterStage: "Pour Decisions?" Understanding Oklahoma’s New Alcohol Beverage Laws This timely session will provide an overview of Oklahoma’s new liquor laws and what they mean for restaurants, hotels, bars, event venues, and other hospitality businesses. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of key changes, compliance considerations, and the potential impact on daily operations, guest service, and business planning. Participants will also learn more about the Oklahoma Restaurant Association’s ACE Alcohol Compliance Training, now available 24/7 online in addition to in-person training options. Presented by Collin Graham, ORA/OHLA/OTIA Chief Member Services Officer, Adam Marshall, Attorney, Barrow & Grimm Expo Closes |
