ORA EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Join us for a series of exciting events hosted by the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation (OHF), where industry leaders, suppliers, supporters and those brand new to the industry, gather to shape the future of Oklahoma’s hospitality sector. From thought-provoking educational sessions and networking opportunities to unforgettable industry and employee celebrations, these events offer a unique chance to engage with your peers, stay ahead of important regulations, and also elevate your business.

We invite you to be part of this dynamic experience—whether by attending, volunteering, or exploring Strategic Partnership opportunities to showcase your brand, and support the thriving Oklahoma hospitality industry. Your involvement will not only connect you with key stakeholders but also help us continue driving our mission and objectives for Oklahoma's restaurant industry. Partnership opportunities can be found here!

Pre-Registration Required for all Events!

Odyssey de Culinaire 
July 9, 2025 | Skirvin Hilton Hotel, Oklahoma City

Elevate Oklahoma ProStart and step into a world where culinary artistry meets education and purpose at the this year’s Odyssey de Culinaire. This beloved open-to-the-public event has been re-imagined to engage, delight, and inspire food enthusiasts.  This year, guests will experience a vibrant evening of culinary exploration through culinary tasting tables featuring 12 of Oklahoma’s finest chefs each paired with talented ProStart students from technology centers across the state. And never fear, no culinary event is complete without the perfect wine pairing, and Odyssey de Culinaire delivers with an exquisite selection of wines from local distributors. 
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All proceeds benefit Oklahoma ProStart and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation.

An OHF Event

Thirst for a Cause 
Date TBD | Petroleum Club Event Center, Oklahoma City 

Thirst for a Cause, an annual event started in 2009, raises funds to help with urgent medical expenses for members of Oklahoma's hospitality industry. Through our non-profit Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation, we are able to give something back to the hard-working employees of independent restaurants and country clubs.

The mission of this event is to help employees of Oklahoma City's independent restaurants who are in need of financial assistance due to an unforeseen medical issue.

An OHF Event

ORA EXPO
August 28 - 29, 2025 | Oklahoma City Convention Center 

​​The ORA Expo at the Oklahoma City Convention Center is considered the best opportunity of the year for hospitality professionals to connect with more than 150 food and equipment manufacturers, and a range of other suppliers who are eager to feature products and services to help you reach that next level of success. The ORA Expo is a private-industry trade-show. 
 
What a great opportunity to make it a "week of hospitality" as you move through the exhibit hall, break for educational content, and support local competing chefs striving to be a Champion. If that's not enough stay for the evening and gather for the biggest overall hospitality celebration of the year as ORA partners with the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association for the Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner held the first evening immediately following the ORA Expo. ​

Register Today

Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner

August 28, 2025  | 5:00 PM​  | Oklahoma City Convention Center
​Room: Painted Sky Ballroom (4th floor)

​The Oklahoma Restaurant Association, Oklahoma Hotel and Lodging Association, and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association, are thrilled to present this momentous event which marks a significant endeavor in a more unified hospitality industry strengthening our collective voice and impact as the third largest industry in Oklahoma.

​This spectacular event is set to convene leaders from restaurants, hotels, tourism, and ORA Expo exhibitors all showcasing solidarity in front of state officials. Attend and you'll be one of the first to learn who our inaugural Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees will be. ​

Register Today

ORA Golf Classic
October 6, 2025 | Quail Creek Golf & Country Club, OKC

What could be better than a day on the course with fellow members! Join us for an action-packed day and enjoy awesome prizes, thrilling hole activities, and test your skills in our prize-winning putt-off.  If you make it to the putt-off finals, you could score an unforgettable trip for two to a top-tier golf resort!

Register Today

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Hirst Hospitality Awards 
November 10, 2025 | Skirvin Hilton Hotel, Oklahoma City

This annual event is all about celebrating the heart and soul of the restaurant industry—your incredible employees! We’ll celebrate their hard work and dedication, plus featured Vintner for an unforgettable experience. The ORA Distinguished Industry Award and ORA Distinguished Service Award will also proudly be bestowed during the event. It’s a night to shine a spotlight on the people who make it all happen, and an opportunity to show our appreciation in a truly special way!

An OHF Event

ORA Annual Meeting
February 10, 2026 |  Oklahoma City Convention Center, OKC

The ORA Annual Membership Meeting serves as a gathering to report annual results of balloting for the board of directors, as well as a platform for discussing and planning the organization's future goals and strategies. The meeting also provides a platform for the association to share organizational and industry achievements, and opportunities.  
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Members are welcome to attend and have an opportunity to gain insights into the progress made and the association's strategic direction for the future.

Ben E. Keith Co. presents the Oklahoma ProStart Student Invitational
February 19, 2026 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center, OKC

ProStart students from across Oklahoma come together to compete in Culinary and Restaurant Management, representing their high schools and Career Technology Centers. This exciting event allows these future chefs and hospitality leaders to showcase their skills and creativity while gaining valuable exposure to industry professionals, judges, and top chefs. It's not just a competition—it's a platform for students to shine, learn, and connect with the industry’s best, setting the stage for their bright futures in Oklahoma’s thriving culinary world.

An OHF Event

TulsaFest
March 9, 2026 |The Summit, Tulsa

Announcing a newly reformatted event for the Tulsa ORA restaurant community where you can connect with local independent and multi-unit operators in a welcoming atmosphere to foster restaurant community engagement and build meaningful connections. Join the association for the luncheon as it welcomes this year’s ORA Key Club Partners.

And, for an unexpected twist immediately following lunch, continue to network with industry leaders and peers while enjoying a curated wine-tasting event - compliments of member wine distributors and wholesalers - new to the TulsaFest experience. ​​

Hospitality Day at the Capitol &
"A Tasteful Affair" Legislative Reception
April 15, 2025 | Embassy Suites Hotel Medical Downtown, Oklahoma City

It’s time to celebrate the Oklahoma Hospitality Industry and its vital role in our state’s economy. Join the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association for Hospitality Day at the State Capitol. Engage in important issue briefings, hear from legislative leaders, and meet with state officials to ensure our industry’s priorities are heard.
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Afterward, continue the conversation at "A Tasteful Affair" Legislative Reception, featuring dishes and craft brews from ORA member restaurants and local breweries. It’s a great opportunity to network, advocate, and celebrate the impact of our industry!