2022 HOSPITALITY FORUM
A Must-Attend Event for our Hospitality Industry
Thursday, August 25 | 3-5 pm | The West Events, 13435 Gulf Blvd Madeira Beach

Join the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce for this no-cost program designed exclusively to assist our Hospitality partners.
Our esteemed panel of experts will discuss how we can collectively address both the short and long-term needs of our Hospitality Industry as it relates to staffing, crowd-sourcing, sustainability, and growth.

After Hours Networking Mixer to follow (5 pm-6:30 pm). Appetizers and drinks are included, and free valet parking at the West Events Space

If you are in the hospitality industry, you simply must attend this forum!

Event FREE, Open to All Hospitality Management & Owners – PLEASE RSVP (use the green “Register Button” on the right).
3-5:00 pm – Panel Speakers
5-6:30 pm – After-Hours Networking Mixer
Valet Service | Cash Bar | Appetizers

FORUM PANEL TO INCLUDE

• • • Linda Chaney | FL State House Representative District 69
    • Steve Hayes | President & CEO, Visit St Pete/Clearwater
    • Miguel Miranda| My Restaurant CFO
    • Rachel Covello | Publisher, OutCoast.com
    • Ginger LaRue | YELP
    • Barry Rubin | TI/MB Beach Chamber of Commerce

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS | PANEL BIO
Linda Chaney | Florida State House of Representatives
Linda Chaney is a member of the Florida State of Representatives, District 69. Prior to her service in the Florida House, Representative Chaney worked at Home Shopping Network, Eckerd College, and built a Mobile Mammography business that helped to save hundreds of women’s lives through early detection of breast cancer. Representative Chaney served on the St. Pete Beach Commission representing the city at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, the Pinellas County School Board, and numerous other community organizations. Representative Chaney is a graduate of the University of South Florida and Eckerd College’s Leadership Development Institute.

Steve Hayes | President & CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
Mr. Hayes has 30 years of experience in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. Prior to Visit St. Pete / Clearwater Mr. Hayes was with Visit Pensacola since 2013, where he developed the tourism strategy for the Greater Pensacola Bay Area. Prior to Visit Tampa Bay served as Executive Vice President. Mr. Hayes is a graduate of Bradley University and has served on the Board of directors of the Bandon foundation and the Hillsborough County Hotel & Motel Association.

Miguel Miranda | My Restaurant CFO
Miguel is a 29-year veteran of the hospitality industry with experience at facilities in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York City.  Miguel created MyRestaurantCFO.com to pair up the powerful human nature-based leadership and business lessons that helped him achieve his success with the sound financial services every business should have. Miguel is a graduate of The University of North Carolina and Serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Hospitality Leadership Program at the University of South Florida.

Rachel Covello | Publisher OutCoast.com
Rachel Covello is the Publisher of OutCoast.com, an LGBTQ-focused travel blog highlighting inclusive destinations in Florida. Rachel is also a niche brand consultant strategizing with companies on how to reach the LGBTQ consumer authentically. Rachel is an award-winning speaker, writer, photographer, and LGBTQ advocate. Prior to her work in Florida, she founded an LGBTQ nonprofit organization in Pennsylvania and was contracted by a global manufacturing company to launch its first LGBTQ Employee Resource Group. When she’s not saying “Gay” in Florida, Rachel is bottling hot sauces with her new company Bizzy Bottles.  Rachel lives in Florida with her wife, Margaret.

Ginger LaRue | YELP
Ginger LaRue is a marketing and hospitality professional living and loving the sunshine life in the middle beaches of Pinellas. As Senior Community Manager for Yelp, she is the boots on the ground in Tampa Bay, tasked with everything from helping local business owners take advantage of all the free tools on Yelp to hosting remarkable events for Yelp’s most active users, and oh so much more. Ginger is driven by community – when she is not connecting people to the best local businesses in Tampa Bay, she is investing in personal relationships as a wife, sister, and aunt.

Barry Rubin | Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce
Barry serves as President of the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce representing and advocating for the interests of local businesses. The Chamber works closely with community stakeholders, government entities, and other like-minded organizations to advance businesses forward, promote environmental protective resources, and participate in the development of world-class tourism opportunities. Barry is a graduate of Temple University, with postgraduate certifications from the University of South Florida, and Florida Atlantic University. He serves as Chairman of the Temple University Central Florida Alumni Association and on the Board of Directors of Friends of Strays. He is an Entrepreneurship guest lecturer at the University of South Florida and has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the top 40 Business leaders in Tampa Bay.