By the FL Innovation News editorial team · Community
The Florida Israel Business Accelerator, a Tampa-based innovation hub that connects Israeli startups with Florida’s business community, has launched a new event series to help hospitality leaders stay ahead of fast-moving technology trends.
The first event in the Tech Empowerment for Hospitality Leaders series was held April 28 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay and brought together executives, entrepreneurs, and operators from across the region. Co-hosted with the Hillsborough and Pinellas chapters of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the event focused on how artificial intelligence is being used to elevate guest experiences and streamline operations in one of the state’s most vital industries.
“We created this series to respond directly to what hospitality leaders have been asking for, including actionable insights, trusted voices, and an honest conversation about what’s next,” said FIBA Co-Executive Director Pam Miniati. “AI isn’t a future trend. It’s here, and it’s reshaping how we do business.”
The morning opened with a fireside chat with Nadav Solomon, president of Miami–based, restaurant tech company Tabit, who discussed the balance between automation and maintaining the personal service that defines the hospitality experience. A panel moderated by Bridgette Bello, CEO and publisher of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth, followed with perspectives from some of the industry’s most experienced leaders.
Panelists included:
- Brandon Lachance, Vice President of Digital Marketing Excellence at Bloomin’ Brands
- Jeff Gigante, Co-founder of Next Level Brands
- Chon Nguyen, Partner at The Proper House Group and CEO of Newgentek
- Carlos Gazitua, CEO of Sergio’s Restaurant and Co-founder of Blue Keys Ventures
“This event brings together innovators, decision-makers, and disruptors to explore how AI can empower, not replace, the people at the heart of hospitality,” said Rakefet Bachur Phillips, Co-Executive Director of FIBA. “It’s about using technology as a tool to elevate the guest experience and support workforce excellence.”
“Florida’s hospitality industry thrives when innovation and leadership intersect,” said Dannette Lynch, Director of Membership for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “AI is transforming guest expectations and business operations. This is our moment to lean in and shape what’s next.”
With hospitality businesses under pressure to adapt quickly in a post-pandemic landscape, FIBA’s new series offers a valuable forum for collaboration, practical learning, and cross-industry partnership. As the series continues, it is poised to help hospitality professionals across the state harness the tools they need to grow, compete, and innovate in the years ahead.
The second meeting of the Tech Empowerment for Hospitality Leaders series will take place on Tuesday, June 10, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM EDT at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. The event will feature a welcome session, a presentation, a panel discussion with a Q&A, and networking opportunities. It promises to continue building innovation in the hospitality sector, building on the momentum from the first meeting.
For more details, visit the event page.
