August 19, 2021 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Richmond Marriott Short Pump
Innsbrook presents “The Service Industry May Never Be the Same and What That Means for Your Date Night Out” featuring a panel discussion with Richmond leaders in the hospitality industry.
J.C. Poma, Amy DuFour, and Jeff Ottaviano will discuss the continuing impact the coronavirus is having on the hospitality industry. At the August edition of the Innsbrook Table Talks, find out why buying local has never been more important.
It seemed to take forever. Finally, we are taking that long-awaited exhale with the apparent trailing off of COVID-19 and all of the accompanying restrictions that kept us from enjoying all things Virginia. For that reason (and our need to pretend our lives are completely normal again), when we walk into a restaurant, hotel or attend a concert, we expect things to be as we remember them. Prompt service, great food, accommodations, and entertainment. But, what do we think when that doesn’t happen? Who are we to blame? The hospitality industry is famously quiet about the back story on how they are able to make the magic happen for us when we, quite frankly, expect it. But, what happens when multiple factors that no one can control negatively impact an entire industry? Do we still support them? How should we respond when the music stops?
Join us for a frank conversation as we answer these questions and more. We will cover regional tourisim, restaurants, hotels, sports tourism, and entertainment venues and experiences. J.C. Poma, Director of Sports Relations for Richmond Region Tourism, will provide the thirty thousand foot perspective and dig into what changes need to be addressed for the region to bounce back even as the American Hotel & Lodging Association predicts a job loss of 23.7% in the hotel industry in Virginia by the end of 2021. Amy DuFour, Director of Marketing for Capital Ale House, will provide a more miopic view of what she is facing on a daily basis as she works to staff and supply six restaurants and one music venue in the region. Jeff Ottaviano, event venue and restaurant owner, will share his fresh perspective on the supply demands, staffing concerns, and increasing food prices as he works to maintain high levels of service at Dover Hall Experiences LLC which includes a restaurant, vineyard, event venue, and river lodge.
We need your voice and shared experiences as we discover how long our date night plans will be impacted by the roadblocks caused by COVID-19. We will find out how we can all be a part of the solution and help the hospitality industry respond to these challenges.