Cobblestone Conference 2025
About the Event
Browse and interact with partners from all different sectors of the Hospitality Industry. Enjoy live demonstrations, product samples, and relationship building opportunities with your current and future partners.
Where
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs
1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830
When
November 2 & 3 2025
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Hotel Information
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs:
Visit their website here
Check In: 4:00 pm | Check out: 11:00 am
The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs will not reach out to guests directly or ask for personal information. Learn more.
RESERVATION INFO
TO MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CLICK HERE
Book before September 29, 2025, for the group rate.
The rate is good for three days before and after our conference dates. The hotel cancellation policy is five days in advance. There is a deposit for the first night charged at the time of booking. There is a resort fee of $30/per room/night in addition to applicable state and local taxes.
RESORT FEE AMENITIES
- Guestroom high-speed wireless internet access
- Shuttle transportation to/from Disney World Theme Parks
- DVDNow Movie Rentals
- Two 16.9 oz bottled water (Nestle Pure Life) daily, redeemable at Mainstreet Market
- $5.00 discount on one attraction ticket sold at the concierge desk (coupons cannot be combined)
- 50% off Golf Rentals at Disney Golf Courses
Have A Look At The
Event Schedule
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change
Day 1
November 2, 2025
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Registration
Name badges will be required for all conference events, so stop by the registration desk during registration hours to get your conference materials!
Location: Hilton LBV - Palm Foyer
1:00 pm to 2:15 pm
Welcome & General Sessions
Keynote: Meridith Elliott Powell | Mentally Fit, Powerfully Resilient, Competitively Strong
Let’s face it—burnout is the new pandemic.
One in four employees are struggling with mental strength. The pace of change is relentless. Disruption is the norm. And all these challenges are squeezing your margins and driving down results.
Resilience is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s your competitive advantage.
This high-energy, research-backed keynote delivers real-world strategies to build mental fitness, boost resilience, and fuel performance. It’s designed for leaders who want to do more than just cope—they want to win.
In this powerhouse program you will learn exactly how to become the kind of leader and team that rises in chaos, adapts under pressure, and turns stress into strength.
This isn’t just inspiration. It’s transformation—with ROI.
Whether you’re leading a team, driving sales, or managing frontline operations, this keynote will give you the tools to shift mindsets, energize performance, and future-proof your organization.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 -5
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Cobblestone Hotels Leadership Update
Hear directly from our leadership team as they share the story behind our brand’s continued growth and evolution. This session will highlight new initiatives, refreshed brand elements, and our shared vision for the road ahead.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 -5
2:45 pm to 3:00 pm
BREAK
Location: Hilton LBV
3:00 pm to 4:15 pm
Educational Breakouts
BRAND EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
>> 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Managing the Message: A Reputation Review
Your reputation speaks before you do; are you in control of the conversation? In this session, we’ll explore current trends shaping public perception, proven response strategies for managing reputation in real-time, and a high-level review of what works (and what doesn’t). Whether you're navigating reviews, social media, or stakeholder feedback, walk away with actionable insights to strengthen and safeguard your brand.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 -5
>> 3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Consistency is Key
How do you ensure every customer experience reflects your brand promise? This session dives into the essentials of quality assurance and maintaining brand standards across teams and touchpoints. Learn practical strategies to monitor performance, uphold consistency, and turn standards into standout experiences.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 -5
DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
>> 3:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Unlocking Hidden Value: The Power of Cost Segregation for Hotels
Curious about how to maximize tax savings and improve cash flow for your hotel? This dynamic panel will explore the ins and outs of cost segregation, a powerful but often overlooked strategy in the hospitality industry.
Location: Hilton LBV Camelia/Dogwood
4:15 pm – 4:30 pm
Break
Refreshment stations will be available in each of the Educational Breakout areas for you refill your cup and engage with colleagues
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Educational Breakouts
BRAND EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
>> 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Room for Revenue
Whether you're new to hotel sales or ready to sharpen your strategy, this session covers the full spectrum; from mastering the fundamentals to identifying key opportunities for growth. We'll walk through essential sales principles, the importance of understanding your market, building relationships with clients, and closing with confidence. Leave with actionable takeaways to boost bookings, strengthen client connections, and align your sales efforts with your hotel's overall goals.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 -5
>> 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm
Guest Speaker: Meridith Elliott Powell | Sales Redefined: Dominate, Differentiate, Deliver
Uncertainty changes everything — customers, competition, and decision-makers. It’s time to update your approach to sales — from how you get through the door — to how you get the deal to close.
It’s challenging out there: A challenge to get above the white noise. A challenge to get to the decision-makers. A challenge to stand out from the competition. And a challenge to stay motivated.
Why?
Because sales has gone through a major disruption. If you’re still using traditional techniques, then you’re making sales so much harder than it has to be. To succeed, you need to evolve.
You need to transform how you attract clients – build your reputation – engage with the marketplace – and get results. Join us for this high-energy, highly interactive, and high-powered keynote where business growth strategist and keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell shares the innovative techniques you need to dominate, differentiate and deliver
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 -5
DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
>> 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Scaling Success: Why Investors Are Doubling Down on Cobblestone Hotels
What drives seasoned investors to return for more? Join a panel of experienced Cobblestone Hotel investors, as they share firsthand insights on why they chose to invest in multiple Cobblestone properties.
Location: Hilton LBV Camelia/Dogwood
>> 5:15 pm – 6:00 pm
The Importance of a Property Improvement Plan
Property Improvement Plans (PIPs) aren’t just brand requirements; they're strategic investments in your asset’s future. In this session, we’ll explore why completing PIPs is critical for maintaining brand standards, staying competitive in the market, and ultimately increasing property value. Learn how well-executed improvements can lead to stronger guest satisfaction, higher ADR, and long-term ROI. Ideal for hotel investors and owners, this session will help you see PIPs not as a cost but as an opportunity.
Location: Hilton LBV Camelia/Dogwood
6:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Break
Prepare for the Conference fun to really being by catching up on emails and freshening up before our Welcome Reception & Partner Trade Show begins!
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Welcome Reception & Partner Trade Show
Kick off the conference in style at our Welcome Reception, an evening designed to connect, celebrate, and set the tone for the days ahead. Join us for a relaxed and engaging atmosphere featuring complimentary drinks, savory appetizers, and the perfect opportunity to network with fellow attendees.
This reception features our Partner Showcase, where our valued partners and sponsors will be showcasing their latest innovations and offerings. Whether you're here to make new connections, catch up with familiar faces, or explore exciting collaborations, the Welcome Reception is the place to start.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Location: Hilton LBV – Palm Ballroom 1-2 & Patio
Social Access Tickets Welcome
Day 2
November 3, 2025
6:00 am – 8:00 am
REGISTRATION & Breakfast
Name badges will be required for all conference events, so stop by the registration desk during registration hours to get your conference materials!
Location: Hilton LBV - Palm Foyer
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Welcome & General Session
Keynote: Lucy Lantis | The Culture Shift: Turning Awareness into Action at Work
Culture isn’t built by slogans on the wall; it’s built by daily behaviors, trust, and consistency. In this interactive 90-minute session, organizational facilitator Lucy Lantis guides participants through reflective storytelling, engaging group dialogue, and practical tools to turn cultural awareness into action. Through personal stories and real-world examples, Lucy reveals what truly drives engagement, how to rebuild trust after it’s been broken, and how the foundation of a strong culture is rooted in relationships.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 – 5
10:00 am – 10:15 pm
BREAK
Take a brief few minutes to break into your Educational Breakout rooms, refill your coffee and water, and prepare for a morning filled with learning!
10:15 am – 12:00 pm
Educational Breakouts
BRAND EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
>> 10:15 am – 11:00 am
Mastering Rate Management: Optimize, Adjust, Repeat
Learn how to drive stronger topline performance by optimizing and automating your hotel’s revenue strategy. This session explores rate structure design, dynamic pricing adjustments, and channel optimization helping you leverage system-driven insights to maximize profitability in real time.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 – 5
>>11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Stayntouch: Then v. Now
Join the Stayntouch team to learn where we’ve have grown together in the last year, and where our focus continues.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3-5
DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
>> 10:15 am – 11:00 am
What Type of Hotel Fits Your Community? Aligning Brand, Market, and Local Identity
Not every hotel fits every town and choosing the right model can mean the difference between long-term success and missed opportunity. In this session, Jessica Junker breaks down the critical factors that guide the selection of Cobblestone’s hotel models based on market size, demographics, and local demand.
Location: Camelia/Dogwood
>>11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Impact of a Hotel in Your Community
Discover how hotel development can transform a community. From job creation and increased tax revenue to new businesses, events, and infrastructure improvements, this panel of local leaders shares real-world outcomes and lessons learned. Learn how a single hotel can spark economic growth, civic pride, and long-term revitalization.
Location: Camelia/Dogwood
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Break
Go freshen up, throw on your party face, and get ready. The Awards Ceremony is coming up, and you won’t want to miss a moment to celebrate our award winners!
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Luncheon & Award Ceremony
Join us for an afternoon dedicated to honoring the individuals who elevate our hotel community through dedication, innovation, and service. This special event brings together hospitality professionals, partners, and supporters to celebrate the strength and spirit of our brand.
Location: International Ballroom North/Center
Social Access Tickets Welcome
2:00 pm – 2:15 pm
Break
Stretch your legs and do a quick email check while returning to your Educational Breakout room for an engaging afternoon
2:15 pm to 3:15 pm
Educational Breakouts
Location: Hilton LBV
BRAND EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
> 2:15 pm – 3:15pm
Guest Speaker: Lucy Lantis
Following the keynote, this breakout session dives deeper into the context of Cobblestone’s culture, creating space for reflection, honest dialogue, and shared understanding. Together, we’ll explore how employees experience the current culture, identify what’s working well, and name the areas that need attention or alignment. Through small group conversations and guided prompts, participants will craft a brief “culture elevator pitch” that captures the essence of how it feels to work at Cobblestone today—and where they’d like it to go next.
Location: Hilton LBV Palm 3 – 5
DEVELOPMENT EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
>> 2:15 pm – 3:15pm
Ask Our Investors: Real Stories, Real Insights
Join us for a candid conversation with current Cobblestone investors as they share their firsthand experiences from the development process to brand perception in their communities. Learn what worked, what could have gone better, and what advice they have for future investors. Whether you're just exploring or already committed, this is your chance to hear directly from those who’ve been in your shoes.
Location: Camelia/Dogwood
3:15 pm – 4:00 pm
Break
Freshen up quickly and get ready for Epcot! Be back in Palm 3–5 by 4:00 PM sharp to get ready for departure. Don’t be late, the buses won’t wait!
4:00 pm
Epcot & Luminous The Symphony of Us
Please meet us in Palm 3–5 promptly. We’ll review the evening’s plan and organize everyone to board the buses for a 4:30 PM sharp departure. Don’t be late, missing the bus means missing access to the event and the entire evening. This is your only opportunity!
From here we will bus to Epcot, where you will be able to enjoy an unforgettable evening! Kick things off by exploring the sights, sounds, and flavors of EPCOT's iconic World Showcase with your peers. Immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and magic of each pavilion at your own pace while enjoying Epcot’s Food and Wine festival. Then you will meet us in Isle de France at 7:30pm for a final rendezvous with us for a decadent dessert experience, delightful drinks, and a prime viewing spot for Luminous: The Symphony of Us—EPCOT’s breathtaking nighttime spectacular. We will provide detailed information on this event at the meet-up at 4:00 pm, so again it is important you are not late.
We will bus everyone back together; however, it will be everyone’s responsibility to follow the group back to make the bus, as it will be impossible to do a roll call of almost 300 guests. Otherwise, you will be responsible for returning on your own. There is also the option of using the Hilton’s bus system to return. Please contact the Hilton’s concierge for more information; however, you must arrive with the group to gain admittance to the park.
For questions about Accessibility please visit: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/
Social Access Tickets Welcome
Getting Here
Travel Information
FLYING
It is recommended to fly into Orlando International Airport
CAR RENTAL
Rent with National or Enterprise Car Rental using the Cobblestone Hotels Code of XZ44440 to get special pricing if available. Parking fees do apply at the hotel, please contact the hotel for more information.
RIDE SHARE
There is Lyft and Uber in the area, as well as taxi service.
Show Your Badge
This program was created as way for meeting guests to enjoy discounts and benefits from a wide variety of partners at Disney Springs®. Offers range from discounts to free gifts with purchase and include both food and beverage and amazing retail location
Hitting the Parks
Disney Experience
Know Before You Go
Review this packet, which contains information that will be useful before you make the trip to Orlando.
Need to Know
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
SPECIAL MEALS
All food allergies must be noted in advance
IMPORTANT NOTE
Your official name badge is required for admittance to all conference sessions, functions and events. All attendees must be registered.
Stay Updated
Download the Conference App to stay updated with Conference Happenings
The conference fee includes Sunday & Monday meetings, Welcome Reception and drinks; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Monday; all food and beverage breaks; and all sessions and materials.
You should make your reservations by September 29, 2025. Any reservations made after this date are subject to availability and prevailing rates.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing no later than 5pm CST September 30, 2025. All cancellations are subject to a $200 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds after September 30th, 2025. Please write us at info@cobblestoneconference.com
No, registration is available for the full conference only, unless only participating in Social Events where a separate Social Only Ticket can be purchased.
Yes, if your guest plans on attending the full conference, they will register with full access. If they are looking to participate in the Welcome Reception and Final Night only, please choose the Social Ticket registration.
Sunday: Business Casual
Monday: Business Casual, Disney Themed encouraged
Please select the sponsorship opportunities link on the home screen of the Conference Website or by visiting www.CobblestoneSponsors.com.
The conference schedule will be available by October 1, 2025; however, this is subject to change
Award categories include:
Employee of the Year
General Manager of the Year
Investor of the Year
Property of the Year
Top 10 Guest Experience Scores
To nominate an award finalist, please email nominees, location, and reason for nominating to info@cobblestoneconference.com with a subject line of the award category above.
There are scooters you can rent at Disney Springs as well as in Orlando to have delivered to the Hilton upon your arrival. We recommend contacting the Hilton concierge for more information on this. If you are in need of accessibility accommodations for Epcot please visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.
During this time of year, Florida is transitioning from wet, hot summer to the cooler dry season with temperatures generally in the mild 70° range. We recommend checking the weather prior to arrival to ensure you pack accordingly. Many of our conference events are held indoors in the hotel conference area, but there are a few events including the Final Night at Epcot that will be outdoors.
We also encourage you to bring comfortable walking shoes for the off-site events and any personal or downtime you might have.
Florida can also be off and on rain, if you are going to enjoy Disney Springs or any of the parks, we encourage an umbrella or poncho on your adventures.
Be sure to review the list of items prohibited in Disney Parks found at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/park-rules/
Our Great Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
General Sponsors
