The Greater Naples Chamber is excited to kick off the 2025 Wake Up Naples speaker series on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N., and will focus on tourism trends. John Lai, chairman of VISIT FLORIDA, Michael D. “Mick” Moore, owner of Vanderbilt Beach Resort, and Clark Hill, general manager for Hilton Naples will be the speakers. Christopher Lopez, the Southwest Florida regional director of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, will serve as moderator.

            “Tourism trends are a huge topic in Naples and Southwest Florida as a whole,” said Kristina Park, the president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber. “This event will bring together industry experts to explore relevant issues within the industry that are impacting our members and our community at large.”  
            Lai has worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for more than 30 years. Lai has operated resorts on Sanibel and Captiva, and in Clearwater and Vero Beach. Lai currently serves as chair on the VISIT FLORIDA Board and was the previous chair for the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals. Lai also served as a member of the Lee County Hurricane Recovery Task Force. Lai has been a Lee County resident for more than 30 years.

            In 2004, Moore stepped in to help run the family’s hospitality business – the Vanderbilt Beach Resort and the Turtle Club Restaurant. Moore works full time for both businesses, while continuing to practice law part-time. Moore is involved with several local nonprofit organizations, including the Greater Naples Chamber.

During his 40-year career in the hospitality industry, Hill has opened and managed upscale, full-service hotels in several locations throughout the United States. Hill is currently the general manager of the AAA Four Diamond Hilton Naples featuring Shula's Steak House, a position he has held for the past 24 years. Hill also serves as vice chair of Collier County’s Tourist Development Council and on the boards of directors of both the Chamber and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Collier County chapter.

Lopez is the regional director for external affairs and membership of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association in Southwest Florida. In this role he works with industry leaders to advocate, educate and engage with the hospitality and tourism industries. Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is the top advocate for all things related to hospitality for the state of Florida as well as fierce promoters of the Tourist Development Tax and VISIT FLORIDA promotional funding.

            Tickets for Wake Up Naples are now available for purchase. Chamber member tickets are $50, nonmembers are $60.

            Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center is the Wake Up Naples event sponsor. Additional sponsors are Andrew Hill Investment Advisors, Inc., Coleman, Taylor, Klaus, Doupe, Diaz & Torrez P.A., Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, Gulf Coast International Properties, Inspire Big Dreams, Naples Airport Authority and OneDigital. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

            For more information on Wake Up Naples, visit business.napleschamber.org/wake-up-naples.