79th Annual Hotel Short Course

The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association successfully concluded the 79th Annual THLA Hotel Short Course, a five-day immersive professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership skills, expand operational expertise, and deepen industry connections for hospitality professionals across Texas.

For nearly eight decades, Short Course has remained one of THLA’s most impactful workforce development programs—bringing together emerging leaders, seasoned executives, educators, and industry partners in a shared commitment to excellence.

Global Hospitality

Held January 12–16, 2026, at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, the program featured a comprehensive curriculum spanning every major hotel discipline. Participants engaged in general
 sessions focused on leadership mindset, innovation, cultural intelligence, communication, and conflict management, along with rotating concurrent sessions covering housekeeping, food & beverage, revenue management, hotel security, employment law, accounting fundamentals, contract group sales, brand standards, and the effective use of AI in the workplace.

The curriculum was intentionally designed to balance strategic leadership development with practical, real- world application.

Individual Excellence

Individual excellence was also recognized. Morgen O’Dwyer of the Omni Dallas Hotel earned the highest final exam score. Peer-nominated Outstanding Attendees included Joshua McCrea (Omni Dallas Hotel), Ty Foard (Omni Dallas Hotel), and Lara Dobson (Benchmark @ Deloitte University).

The program’s highest honor, the James Taylor Outstanding Student Award, was presented to Lara Dobson in recognition of her academic performance, leadership, and engagement throughout the week.

THLA extends sincere appreciation to program sponsors Encore, Gresham James, and Oldham Goodwin, as well as to the University of Houston, the Hilton University of Houston team, presenters, volunteers, and Short Course staff whose support made the program possible.

As participants return to their organizations, they do so equipped with new tools, strengthened leadership skills, and a powerful professional network—ready to positively impact their teams, guests, and communities, and to carry forward the proud legacy of the THLA Hotel Short Course.

Industry & Academic Leaders

The week opened with industry and academic leaders Dean Dennis Reynolds and Rick Gaylen, General Manager of the Hilton University of Houston, setting the tone for collaboration between education and industry. Attendees learned from nationally recognized speakers and industry experts, including Paul Schultz (Landry’s Hospitality Division), Julie Austin, Agnes DeFranco, Steve Rudner, Scott Joslove, and Molly Kennedy, who challenged participants to think critically, lead intentionally,
and return to their organizations prepared to elevate performance.

Beyond the classroom, Short Course emphasized connection and community. Team-Based learning, interactive exercises, and peer group rotations fostered collaboration across brands, roles, and regions—one of the hallmarks of the Short Course experience.

The week concluded with a Graduation Luncheon and Closing Ceremony that celebrated both organizational commitment and individual achievement. Companies recognized for meeting the Corporate Challenge—by sending 10 or more attendees to the 2026 Short Course—included:

Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Oldham Goodwin
Hotel Association of Tarrant County
Marriott Resorts & Hotels