Maine Tourism Leadership Academy
Remote May 2026-October 2026
Two-Day In-Person Retreat: May 12th & 13th, 2026
Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center
119 Eden Street, Bar Harbor ME
Are you ready to cultivate the next generation of leaders in your tourism or hospitality business? The Maine Tourism Leadership Academy is a leadership program tailored specifically for your current frontline supervisors and high-performing employees ready to step into their first leadership role within your organization.
This program is uniquely designed for the tourism and hospitality industry, combining online coursework with a two-day in-person retreat to create a flexible yet deeply impactful learning experience. Through hands-on roleplays, real-world case studies, and industry-specific scenarios, your employees will gain the practical skills and confidence to lead teams, solve challenges, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
The benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Participants will have the opportunity to network with industry peers, building valuable connections that will support their growth and your business’s success. Plus, with long-term virtual support and a collaborative peer network, your team will continue to develop their leadership skills long after the program ends.
By enrolling your frontline supervisors in the Maine Tourism Leadership Academy, you’re not just investing in their growth—you’re shaping the future of your business and the broader tourism and hospitality industry. Empower your team to become the next generation of leaders, drive operational excellence, and elevate your organization’s impact in Maine’s thriving tourism sector.
"This program is a testament to our commitment to the growth and success of the tourism and hospitality industry. By investing in the development of new leaders, we're laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient, and more innovative future for our industry."- Tony Cameron, CEO, Maine Tourism Association
This Course Includes:
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Online badge certification in 'Foundations of Hospitality Management' through the Maine Community College System
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Robust feedback and analysis on participants' leadership strengths and weaknesses
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Two day in-person retreat on May 12th and 13th, which includes 12 hours of hands-on roleplays, real-world case studies, and industry-specific scenarios
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Peer-support network with other new leaders in the industry
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Once per month video conference meetings through October 2026 to support continued development
Who should apply?
The Maine Tourism Leadership Academy is for frontline managers and high-performing staff in the tourism and hospitality industry who are ready to move into their first leadership role within your company. This may include individuals with titles such as Head of Housekeeping, Sous Chef, Front Desk Supervisor, Barista Team Lead, Event Manager, Retail Key Holder, Warehouse Shift Supervisor, Lead Tour Guide, Lead Bartender, Lead Travel Counselor, Shift Lead, Food and Beverage Supervisor, and similar roles.
What's included?
The program fee covers all lodging and meals during the in-person retreat, comprehensive course materials, and access to networking opportunities with industry peers. Additionally, participants will receive ongoing post-course support, ensuring they continue to develop their leadership skills and apply what they’ve learned long after the program ends.
How much of a time commitment is this?
We have designed this course to fit into a busy schedule. Participants should expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours on course pre-work before attending the in-person retreat in May. The in-person retreat is two full days and participants are asked to stay overnight. They will also be expected to attend three 1.5-hour Zoom sessions on June 16th, August 11th, and September 15th.
Details
Schedule: The Leadership Academy will run as follows:
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Pre-course work begins May 1st and will be due by the beginning of the in-person retreat
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Two-day in-person retreat on Tuesday May 12th and Wednesday May 13th, 2025
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1.5 hour remote learning classes on the following dates: Tuesdays June 16th, July 14th, and September 15th, all from 10:00am-11:30am
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In-person graduation on October 21th from 11:00am-1:00pm in Hallowell - managers are invited and encouraged to attend!
May In-Person Retreat Location: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel and Event Center, 119 Eden Street, Bar Harbor ME
October Graduation Location: 105 Second St, Hallowell, ME 04347
Application Deadline: We encourage applying by April 14th to secure your spot. Final application due date is May 1st.
Cost: The cost of the Maine Tourism Leadership Academy is $1,100 per person which includes 4 meals and one night of lodging.
Participants may apply for Harold Alfond Center Compact Grant to help offset the cost. This grant will reimburse the employer for half of the program tuition, which is $550. This would bring the total cost to the participant to $550. You do have to pay the whole cost upfront and the grant will reimburse after the course is completed. You can find more information on how to apply for the Compact Grant here.
Limited Spots Available: To ensure a personalized and impactful experience, class size is limited to 25 participants. This small-group setting allows for meaningful interactions, hands-on learning, and direct engagement with instructor and peers. Secure your spot early!
