New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association

06/03/2026

⭐ Nominations are now open for NYSHTA's 2026 Stars of the Industry Awards! ⭐

Do you know an outstanding employee, leader, team, or property that deserves recognition? Now is the time to celebrate the people and organizations that make New York's hospitality and tourism industry so special.

Award categories recognize excellence across the industry, from front-line employees and managers to marketing campaigns and outstanding properties.

Nomination Deadline: July 10, 2026

Submit a nomination today: https://form.jotform.com/nyshta/2026-stars-of-the-industry

Help us recognize the very best of New York hospitality and tourism!

05/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Central NY Legislative Networking Breakfast in Utica last week!

NYSHTA was proud to host this important industry conversation alongside Visit Oneida County, NY and our regional partners: Oneida County Government, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Greater Utica Chamber, and The Genesis Group.

A special thank you to Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Assemblyman Brian Miller, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., Senator Joseph A. Griffo, many other local elected officials who joined the discussion and engaged with hospitality and tourism leaders on the issues impacting our industry across New York State.

We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make the event a success!

05/13/2026

Only 2 days away!

Join NYSHTA this Friday in Utica for the Central NY Legislative Networking Breakfast. Connect with hospitality and tourism leaders, hear industry updates, and engage in conversations on the legislative issues impacting businesses across New York State.

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Utica
🗓 Friday, May 15
⏰ 8:00–10:30 AM

Several New York State elected officials are expected to attend.

Register here: https://web.nyshta.org/events/Central-NY-Legislative-Networking-Breakfast-1136/details?_gl=1*1pr4o6o*_gcl_au*MjM2MjUxMTI0LjE3NzU2NTU2Mzk.

04/15/2026

The Hospitality Knowledge Exchange is only one week away! Join us at the Carriage House in Lake George on April 22 for a day of education focused on topics requested by our members like digital marketing, revenue management, insurance costs, workforce law, and sustainability. This event is built to help you solve real challenges and drive results.

Register: https://web.nyshta.org/events/Hospitality-Knowledge-Exchange-Lake-George-1133/details?_gl=1*wz6qsb*_gcl_au*MjM2MjUxMTI0LjE3NzU2NTU2Mzk.

11/18/2025

On October 27, 2025, NYSHTA held its 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown. The event kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the Stars of the Industry awards ceremony.

It was a truly inspiring event where we honored the outstanding individuals and organizations that shine in our industry. We're so grateful for the 2025 winners' passion and dedication that drive New York State's hospitality and tourism sector forward. Congratulations to all 2025 Stars of the Industry winners!

See the full event recap and photos from the event taken by Spencer Heath Photography that can be found here:
https://www.nyshta.org/recap-2025-stars-of-the-industry-awards.html

10/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Chautauqua County Legislative Networking Reception at the National Comedy Center yesterday! We had more than 70 industry professionals come together for an engaging evening of conversation and connection with local and state officials, including Senator George Borrello, County Executive Paul Wendel, and a representative for Assemblymember Andrew Molitor.

The event was hosted in partnership with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and Camp New York (Campground Owners of NY - CONY). Special thanks to Journey Gunderson and the team at the National Comedy Center for hosting us in such a unique setting!

10/02/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Dutchess County Legislative Networking Reception earlier this week, held in partnership with Destination Dutchess!

Hospitality and tourism professionals gathered for an evening of networking and discussion on key legislative issues. We were pleased to welcome Senator Rob Rolison, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, and representatives for Assemblymember Didi Barrett and Senator Michelle Hinchey!

09/24/2025

Last week, NYSHTA hosted a timely webinar on preparing for ICE and government visits in the hospitality industry. This webinar, held in partnership with Pabian Law, LLC and I SKI NY, focused on what to do before, during, and after an ICE raid and other government immigration actions take place at or near your business.

This was a must-attend session for owners, executives, HR leaders, and managers who want to be prepared, protect their teams, and minimize legal risk. If you missed it, you can view the slides and full recording here: https://www.nyshta.org/ice-raids--government-visits-webinar.html

09/23/2025

09/23/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the 1000 Islands Legislative Networking Reception at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel last night, held alongside Visit 1000 Islands! It was a great evening of discussion and connection with local leaders and community members.

Special thanks to Assemblyman Scott Gray, Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, and Senator Mark Walczyk for joining us and sharing their perspectives on the issues impacting our region.