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UCF lands field sponsorship deal with Westgate Resorts at Acrisure Bounce House. UCF has signed a field sponsorship deal with Westgate Resorts, sources told On3. The Orlando-based hospitality company's logo will be displayed at midfield inside UCF's Acrisure Bounce House. Westgate has also been named UCF Athletics' Official Vacation Resort Partner. UCF opens the season Sept. 3 against Bethune-Cookman. It will also be the official opening of Roth Tower, a four-level expansion that adds premium seating, hospitality areas and new game-day experiences to Acrisure Bounce House. The on-campus stadium opened in 2007. It quickly received the nickname 'Bounce House' due to shaking when the crowd would jump in celebration. This is Scott Frost's second season in his second stint at UCF. The Knights are coming off a 5-7 season and return 10 starters. They also added James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III, last year's Sun Belt Player of the Year. In the preseason, On3 slotted UCF as the No. 11 in its Big 12 Power Ranking ahead of the 2026 season. In Frost's first go around at UCF, he guided the Knights to a 19-7 record in 2016 and 2017, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2017. After non-conference games vs. Bethune-Cookman, at Pitt and Georgia State, UCF opens Big 12 play at home against TCU on Sept. 26.

Schoox customers win Gold for learning programs built to drive Change at 2026 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards. Aug 25, 2026, 09:00 ET Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants earns Gold for Best Learning Program Supporting a Change Transformation Business Strategy; Westgate Resorts takes Gold for Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program. AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Schoox, the Intelligent Learning & Growth Platform for frontline enterprises, announced today that two of its customers, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants and Westgate Resorts, each won Gold in the Learning & Development category at the 2026 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards. "The HCM Excellence Awards have become the most recognized benchmark for excellence in human capital management because organizations know they are earned, not given. Every winning program has demonstrated measurable impact, innovation, and execution through one of the industry's most rigorous evaluation processes. We are proud to recognize the organizations setting the standard for the future of work," says Mike Cooke, CEO, Brandon Hall Group(TM). Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants: Gold, Best Learning Program Supporting a Change Transformation Business Strategy Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants won Gold for its enterprise learning transformation, replacing a manual, paper-based training model with a centralized, automated learning system supporting more than 10,000 Team Members across the organization. Powered by Schoox and integrated with Paylocity HRIS, the blended learning approach expanded access to consistent, role-specific learning and created a single source of truth for training, development, compliance, and reporting. The transformation has driven training completion rates well above industry benchmarks, significantly reduced administrative workload, and created a scalable learning model that supports Cooper's Hawk as it expands into new markets and restaurant concepts. "As Cooper's Hawk continues to grow, learning is more important than ever - and our approach to learning must grow with us," said Angela Brantley, VP of Learning & Development at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. "We believe that when we invest in our people, we invest in the future of our business. Our partnership with Schoox has helped us create a more consistent and accessible learning experience for Team Members and Managers across our organization, while giving our leaders the tools to develop their people. We're proud of this recognition because it reflects our belief that learning should go beyond training - it should build capability, strengthen performance, and create meaningful business impact. When our people grow, our teams perform better, our hospitality gets stronger, and our business grows." Westgate Resorts: Gold, Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program Westgate Resorts won Gold for its Impact-Driven Learning Model, a fundamental redesign of how the organization ensures learning improves business performance. The centerpiece of the transformation is LIFE (Leadership Immersion for Excellence), which replaced a lengthy, costly leadership program limited to a handful of departments with a flexible, competency-based model now deployed enterprise-wide on the Schoox platform. The redesign dramatically lowered the cost and time required to develop a leader while producing a strong internal promotion rate in its initial pilot cohort, turning leadership development from a narrow, high-cost program into a scalable engine for organizational growth. "Innovation isn't just about technology. It's about finding better ways to solve business challenges," said Stephanie Ketron, Vice President of Learning & Development at Westgate Resorts. "Through our new LIFE program, we reimagined leadership development from the ground up, replacing classroom instruction with hands-on operational immersion. The result is a faster, more cost-effective way to develop leaders while expanding opportunities across the organization. By unlocking talent in places we had never reached before, we're building a stronger leadership pipeline and a stronger future for Westgate." A Shared Commitment to Measurable Impact Schoox pointed to both wins as proof points for its broader mission of connecting learning directly to business outcomes. "These two wins tell a powerful story about what's possible when learning is built around a business outcome," said Sandra Moran, Chief Marketing Officer at Schoox. "Cooper's Hawk brought the same standard of training to a large, distributed frontline workforce, including many people who had never had access to structured learning at all. Westgate rebuilt its leadership program from the ground up so that readiness could be developed at a scale the business had never had access to before. Both teams started with a business result they were accountable for, not a training format they were attached to, and used Schoox to work backward from there. That's the discipline we built this platform for, and it's exactly what Brandon Hall recognized in both of these programs." The result is learning that is not just delivered but is engineered for measurable outcomes. About Schoox Schoox is the Intelligent Learning & Growth Platform for frontline enterprises - purpose-built to go beyond traditional learning management by engineering learning to reliably drive business performance. Where conventional LMS platforms stop at learning delivery, Schoox goes further. We identify role-based skills, generate purpose-built learning programs, and measure outcomes against operational KPIs. And uniquely, we forecast the expected return of a training investment before a program ever launches. The result: L&D that operates not as a cost center, but as a measurable driver of enterprise performance. In addition to Copper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants and Westgate Resorts, Schoox is trusted by global brands including KIOTI Tractor, Five Guys, The Fresh Market, Sport Clips Haircuts, Sonesta Hotels, and Wingstop. Schoox is defining a new category of intelligent learning, engineered with AI to ensure every training dollar delivers business results. SOURCE Schoox LLC

Latest (worldwide) travel news. Read the latest worldwide travel news, right here, in peace. (If you can't see the travel news below, try turning off ad blockers). refresh. Best glamping in Florida (2026): Westgate Resorts at River Ranch recognized as top luxury outdoor stay by Expert Consumers. NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Expert Consumers has recognized Westgate Resorts at River Ranch as a top luxury outdoor stay for travelers seeking the best glamping in Florida in 2026. The recognition highlights the property's combination of outdoor accommodations, resort amenities, and guest services that continue to attract interest in the growing glamping segment. Best Florida Glamping * Westgate Resorts - offers climate-controlled accommodations, concierge services, and outdoor activities designed to make nature stays comfortable and accessible for families, couples, and first-time campers. Located in Central Florida, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers a ranch-style setting that combines nature-based experiences with modern accommodations. The resort's glamping amenities have become a notable option for travelers looking for outdoor experiences without traditional camping requirements. Interest in glamping has increased in recent years as travelers seek accommodations that combine natural surroundings with comfort and convenience. The recognition from Expert Consumers reflects the continued demand for outdoor hospitality experiences that include resort-level services. Glamping Accommodations Combine Comfort and Outdoor Experiences The glamping accommodations at Westgate River Ranch are designed to provide a camping experience with added amenities. The accommodations feature furnished luxury tents that allow guests to stay close to nature while maintaining many of the conveniences associated with traditional lodging. The resort's beds, furniture, power supply, climate control, and décor are designed to create a comfortable environment. The setup allows visitors to experience the outdoor setting without the need to bring camping equipment or set up temporary shelters. This approach has broadened the appeal of outdoor travel among families, couples, and travelers seeking alternatives to conventional hotel stays. As travelers continue researching the best glamping in Florida, properties that combine accommodations with recreational opportunities have gained attention. Glamping Concierge Service Supports Guest Experiences Westgate River Ranch offers a Glamping Concierge service that assists guests during their stay. The service helps coordinate aspects of the glamping experience and provides support related to accommodations and resort activities. The concierge program represents a hospitality approach that differs from traditional camping experiences. Guests can receive assistance that helps simplify planning and improve access to activities offered throughout the property. The availability of dedicated support services has become increasingly important as glamping attracts travelers who may have limited camping experience. The service also aligns with broader travel trends that emphasize convenience and personalized experiences. Ranch Activities Expand the Outdoor Experience The accommodations serve as one component of the larger resort experience. Westgate River Ranch offers a variety of recreational activities that allow guests to participate in outdoor experiences throughout the property. Activities available at the resort include horseback riding, airboat rides, fishing, archery, and trap and skeet shooting. Seasonal programming and recreational activities provide options for visitors with varying interests. The ranch environment offers a different travel experience compared with traditional beach destinations or urban resorts. The property's location along the Kissimmee River supports outdoor recreation and contributes to the ranch atmosphere that defines the resort experience. Many travelers seeking the best glamping in Florida are increasingly interested in destinations that combine lodging with activities that encourage participation and exploration. Growing Interest in Florida Glamping Glamping continues to expand within the travel industry as consumers seek outdoor accommodations that provide comfort and accessibility. Florida's climate and natural landscapes have contributed to increased interest in outdoor lodging experiences throughout the state. Westgate River Ranch occupies a unique position within this segment because of its ranch setting and resort amenities. The property offers travelers access to open landscapes while maintaining services commonly associated with full-service resorts. Dining options, recreational facilities, and organized activities support longer stays and family travel. The combination of accommodations and activities has helped establish the resort as a destination for travelers seeking outdoor experiences without traditional camping requirements. Families often seek accommodations that appeal to multiple age groups, while couples and group travelers may prioritize privacy and access to outdoor recreation. The variety of experiences available at the resort allows different types of travelers to customize their stays according to individual interests. Recognition Reflects Changing Travel Preferences The recognition from Expert Consumers reflects broader shifts within the travel industry. Travelers increasingly seek destinations that provide outdoor access, unique accommodations, and opportunities for recreation. Glamping has emerged as a category that addresses these preferences while expanding access to nature-based travel experiences. Westgate River Ranch continues to serve travelers interested in combining outdoor activities with modern accommodations and hospitality services. The property's glamping accommodations, concierge services, and recreational offerings contribute to its position within Florida's outdoor hospitality market. For travelers researching the best glamping in Florida, Westgate River Ranch represents an example of how outdoor accommodations continue to evolve through expanded services, recreational opportunities, and guest-focused experiences. About Westgate Resorts Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of more than 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, and Myrtle Beach. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company's 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler's needs. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com. About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org