Date : Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 12:15
Location: Roswell Area Park
Bill Johnson Community Activity Building
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA 30075

We are pleased to welcome Chris Hardman, President and CEO of the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA), as our June 11 speaker. He serves as President and CEO of the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA), leading advocacy, policy, and membership initiatives for the state’s lodging industry, which represents 2,298 properties and supports more than 56,700 jobs within Georgia’s $80‑billion tourism economy. Since joining GHLA in 2017, he has strengthened statewide and national partnerships across the hospitality sector and earned multiple industry honors, including the ISHA Award of Excellence in Governmental Affairs, the GACVB Tourism Champion Award, and the STS Shining Example Award. Prior to becoming CEO, Chris served as GHLA’s Director of Governmental Affairs and Membership, representing the industry as a registered lobbyist and building deep relationships with state leaders and hospitality organizations.

Chris has played a central role in securing some of the most significant legislative victories for Georgia’s hospitality and tourism industry in recent years. His work includes advancing House Bill 317, requiring short‑term rental platforms to collect and remit hotel/motel taxes; leading passage of the first‑in‑the‑nation Protecting Georgia Businesses and Workers Act; strengthening protections for Convention and Visitors Bureaus through Senate Bill 127; supporting creation of the voluntary C‑PACE financing program to promote hotel development and sustainability; and advocating for Governor Brian Kemp’s 2025 Tort Reform Package. Through these efforts, Chris continues to ensure Georgia’s lodging industry has a strong, effective voice in shaping policy and supporting long‑term growth.