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THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Americas have formed a partnership that will more closely align the two associations to benefit their respective members and advance the hospitality industry, AHLA said in a statement. Also, AHLA and its technology committee, HTNG, announced the inaugural AHLA Technology Acceleration Award, a new program to recognize companies that are advancing innovation in hospitality technology. According to the statement, the partnership will create linkages to the industry's sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals for AHLA, while expanding HSMAI's organizational reach by aligning it with America's largest hotel association. Under the new agreement, effective April 25, AHLA will provide HSMAI with opportunities to participate in AHLA's On the Road events, and HSMAI will promote the events to its members and local chapters. AHLA and HSMAI will also promote each other's events, campaigns, and education and certification programs, and have reciprocal participation in distribution-focused committees. As per the agreement, AHLA and HSMAI will further explore opportunities to align the work of both organizations' foundations to address industry-wide initiatives on workforce and promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. AHLA and HSMAI leadership will meet regularly to discuss and coordinate key strategic industry issues and shared objectives, the agreement noted. AHLA said the AHLA-HSMAI partnership expands upon a relationship the two organizations started early last year, when HSMAI became a content partner for AHLA's On The Road state hotel conference series, offering innovative and exclusive revenue generation insights at On The Road events.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association formed a new partnership with the AHLA Foundation, and the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education to grow the future workforce of the hotel and hospitality industry. As part of the collaboration, which came into effect on June 13, ICHRIE will distribute AHLA Foundation materials and facilitate access to its membership and communication channels. Besides, they will explore future opportunities to engage hospitality management faculty and students, an AHLA statement said. AHLA will also recruit a larger workforce and promote hospitality career opportunities. "We are thrilled to partner with ICHRIE and its outstanding deans, directors, program leaders and members of the major hospitality universities and schools, and work together on our shared mission to strengthen the hotel industry's talent pipeline," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "As the global leader in hospitality and tourism education and research, ICHRIE will help maximize our reach to students and educators across the nation. Together, AHLA, the AHLA Foundation, and ICHRIE will ensure that all Americans preparing to the enter the workforce are aware of the multitude of great hospitality career opportunities available to them." AHLA's chief operating officer will serve on ICHRIE's new Industry Council to help facilitate relationships, and both AHLA and the AHLA Foundation will participate in ICHRIE's 75th Anniversary Conference this August in Washington, D.C.

THE AHLA FOUNDATION has introduced a scholarship application platform for U.S. hospitality students. The platform features a built-in eligibility assessment tool, ensuring students can easily access all qualifying foundation-hosted opportunities. Meanwhile, the foundation, supported by individual donors and corporations, has contributed almost $17 million to eligible students across the U.S. to date. "The AHLA Foundation has been committed to supporting hospitality students for 70 years," said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation president. "Increasing access to resources and opportunities is a critical investment in the future talent of our industry." The new system will allow students to apply for multiple scholarship opportunities in one application, the AHLA foundation said in a statement. This new portal allows AHLA Foundation to manage eight other scholarship opportunities as well:

Jessica Janis, director and practice leader for hospitality at Corning Optical Communications LLC, is appointed the new honorary trustee of the AHLA Foundation. Janis will now serve as a member on its board of trustees, AHLA Foundation said in a statement. "Jess and Corning have long been passionate advocates and supporters of the AHLA Foundation and our work," said Anna Blue, president of AHLA Foundation. "We are thrilled to welcome her to our dedicated group of Trustees, steadfastly committed not only to the growth of our industry but also to the success of its people." "It's an honor to contribute to an organization shaping the future of hospitality, empowering the industry's next wave of leaders," said Janis. "At Corning, it's my privilege to help drive transformation in the hospitality sector through cutting-edge connectivity. With the AHLA Foundation, I anticipate collaborating with fellow Trustees to enhance educational opportunities, support research, and promote diversity-ensuring a vibrant and inclusive hospitality industry."

GREEN BUILDING INCENTIVE database IncentiFind is working with the American Hotel & Lodging Association to assist AHLA members identify sustainability-driven cost savings. IncentiFind provides more than half a million incentives, such as tax credits, grants, fee waivers, rebates, and bill credits. The collaboration empowers hoteliers to access $70 billion in incentives, AHLA said in a statement. AHLA said that these credits bolster the adoption of green initiatives, including energy efficiency, renewables, water conservation, and more. These efforts are aimed at diminishing operational costs for hoteliers, the association said. As part of this partnership, AHLA members will receive special pricing on IncentiFind's VERIFY Report, which identifies rebates and savings for asset upgrades, such as buying energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels. AHLA's collaboration with IncentiFind represents the association's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in the hotel industry through the Responsible Stay initiative. This initiative underscores AHLA members' dedication to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing, the statement said.

Steven Okuley is now the senior vice president for conferences and events at the American Hotel & Lodging Association. He will lead a team focused on creating and executing events for the association and the AHLA Foundation, AHLA said in a statement. "As the leading organization representing every segment of the hotel industry, AHLA plays an important role in bringing together hoteliers, vendors, and other stakeholders to network, learn, and make deals that create jobs and prosperity," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "Steven's experience in planning and executing industry events will help us grow our lineup of conferences, which are key to our membership value proposition and support our advocacy and charitable work." Before joining AHLA, Okuley was director of B2B customer engagement and communication at American Airlines, overseeing global sales and distribution tradeshows, internal meetings, customer events, sales incentives and advisory boards. He also served as director of global meetings and events for Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association convened hotel and sustainability leaders in Washington for the second annual "Responsible Stay Summit" on Feb. 28, reaffirming the industry's dedication to environmental sustainability. The summit was part of AHLA's 2022 Responsible Stay initiative and focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and responsible sourcing, AHLA said in a statement. The summit addressed environmental, social, and governance strategies, federal energy policy, and green financing, while offering crucial support to hoteliers in their sustainability efforts, the statement added. This year's summit featured two announcements: AHLA and the Hotel Association of Canada unveiled a partnership to oversee the Green Key Global sustainability certification program in the U.S. and Canada starting April 1. Additionally, AHLA and Procure Impact launched a Dignity of Work Pledge, aiming to generate 100,000 hours of paid employment for underserved populations, thereby promoting responsible sourcing practices.

THE AHLA FOUNDATION, is re-launching its ForWard program, created to advance women in leadership and ownership within the hotel industry, and plans to integrate the program with the recently acquired Castell Project, an organization focused on promoting women in hospitality leadership. Also, the foundation presented the 2023 Peggy Berg Castell Award to Julienne Smith, IHG Hotels & Resorts' chief development officer for the Americas. The integration of ForWard and the Castell Project will result in a unified platform offering resources, events, professional development, and community-building opportunities, the AHLA Foundation said in a statement. "There is tremendous opportunity for us to do more to celebrate, champion, and create community for women," said Anna Blue, president of AHLA Foundation, the charitable arm of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. "AHLA Foundation is uniquely positioned to collaborate across industry and invest in the women who are advancing hospitality."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL and Lodging Association is collaborating with information services and event company Questex to produce "The Hospitality Show." It will have sessions from expert speakers, an exhibit hall, personalized business matchmaking as well as a host of other networking opportunities, according to AHLA. AHLA will hold the show from June 27 to 29, 2023, at The Venetian hotel and casino in Las Vegas. All industry stakeholders are expected to attend the three-day event. "As the single entity representing the entire hotel industry, we at AHLA recognize the need to annually bring together our most important voices and respected leaders," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "The Hospitality Show will be a completely new hospitality event experience - a one-stop-shop for the hospitality industry to meet, learn and do business with stakeholders from other businesses that are key to our operations. We intend to make THE SHOW the most important hotel event of the year and are excited to partner with Questex to make this happen."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association is set to host the inaugural General Manager Summit at "The Hospitality Show" on June 28 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The first-of-its kind event will be held annually and bring together hotel GMs from across the country to hear from expert speakers, share best practices and network. The event will also celebrate the industry's best GMs via an awards ceremony, AHLA said in a statement. "General Managers are the backbone of any hotel, and that's precisely why AHLA offers this important group of professionals a host of top-notch professional development, networking and event opportunities," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "AHLA's General Manager Summit at The Hospitality Show is the can't-miss event of the year for GMs, and we're excited to see you there this June." AHLA said the event is free for all GMs attending The Hospitality Show, which takes place June 27-29 at The Venetian Las Vegas, but GM summit attendees must register for the event here.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has announced the dates, cities, and registration information for its "On the Road" State Hotel Conferences for 17 states in 2023. The conferences will provide hoteliers, suppliers, and service providers opportunities to connect with their peers as well as hospitality and policy leaders to learn about the latest news and information affecting the hotel and lodging industry, AHLA said in a statement. Anyone who works in the hotel industry can attend these half-day, free events, it added. "AHLA's 'On The Road' State Hotel Conferences are designed to help local hoteliers connect with their peers, gain insights on national and local market business performance trends and learn from top hospitality leaders, service providers and policy experts," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "The events are also a vital tool to help AHLA build coalitions, grow our grassroots network and rally hoteliers around the industry's goals and initiatives. We are excited to bring AHLA's successful On The Road State Hotel Conference series to a record number of cities in 2023." AHLA will host these conferences in partnership with its state or city lodging association partners. Since starting with four events in 2021, AHLA's On The Road State Hotel Conferences have brought together thousands of hoteliers in cities across the nation. Last year, 11 events were held.

THE LONGTIME HEAD of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, William "Chip" Rogers, is stepping down from the position "to pursue other professional interests," according to AHLA. The AHLA board of directors appointed Kevin Carey, AHLA's senior executive vice president and COO, as interim president and CEO and is forming a committee to identify potential replacements for Rogers and will be retaining an executive search firm. AHLA said in a statement that more information on its search for Rogers' replacement will be available on its website in the coming weeks. It did not release any more information about why Rogers is stepping down. "We have been able to build one of America's most effective associations over the last five years," said Rogers in the statement. "As I move on to my next chapter, I am truly thankful for the opportunity I had to lead this incredible team and work alongside the industry's best leaders."

DIRECTV HOSPITLITY AND the American Hotel & Lodging Association recently signed a multiyear agreement establishing DirecTV as the association's Gold Partner. The partnership combines DirecTV's resources with AHLA's network to support initiatives and advocacy efforts addressing issues in the hospitality industry, DirecTV and AHLA said in a joint statement. "Our collaboration with both AHLA and the AHLA Foundation underscores our commitment to driving positive change and fostering growth and development within the hospitality sector," said Doug Eichler, DirecTV Hospitality's senior vice president. "Working with AHLA presents an exciting opportunity for DirecTV Hospitality as we further contribute to the advancement of the hospitality industry."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association philanthropy branch AHLA Foundation has launched a trafficking prevention training program for the hotel industry in collaboration with ECPAT-USA and Marriott International to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons observed on July 29, a statement said. The program titled "Recognize and Respond: Addressing Human Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry" was developed by Marriott by partnering with non-profit organizations and survivor experts. It includes learning paths for associates and managers around increased guidance on responding to potential trafficking situations and interacting with potential victims. It is available to the hotel industry through ECPAT-USA's online learning platform for free, the statement said. The new initiative advances the American Hotel & Lodging Association and AHLA Foundation's "No Room for Trafficking" awareness program which raises awareness about human trafficking. "One of No Room for Trafficking's goals is to train every single hotel employee to identify and respond to a potential human trafficking situation. Through this innovative new training, the industry as a whole will be better equipped to help identify and stop cases of human trafficking," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "We are extremely grateful to Marriott International and leading trafficking prevention partners who are offering this free training with support from the AHLA Foundation."

THE AHLA FOUNDATION recently expanded its travel scholarship program with historically Black colleges and universities supported by a 2023 grant from the Nareit Foundation's Dividends Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Giving Campaign. The foundation also announced its 2024 officers and board of trustees, further diversifying the board's representation of industry segments, AHLA Foundation said in a statement. "HBCUs are an incredible, yet underestimated, resource for talent" said AHLA Foundation President Anna Blue. "Travel scholarships are an important tool for fostering inclusion at the earliest stages and help to increase exposure to the different parts of industry, including hotel and lodging REITs." The $85,000 grant from the Nareit Foundation, Nareit's philanthropic arm, will facilitate HBCU students' attendance at REIT- and investment-focused events, including the Hunter: Hotel Investment Conference in March and the NYU International Hospitality Industry Conference in June, the statement said.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and its technology committee, Hospitality Technology Next Generation, recently released an updated Staff Alert Device Buyer's Guide to help hoteliers choose personal safety devices for staff and guest safety. The guide is the latest in a line of hotel industry employee and guest safety efforts, AHLA said in a statement. "Hospitality starts with maintaining a safe environment for guests and employees. Through various AHLA and AHLA Foundation safety initiatives, America's hotels are focused on doing just that," said Kevin Carey, AHLA's interim president and CEO. "Our updated employee safety device guide and comparison matrix will help hoteliers across the nation select the best devices to ensure the safety of nearly two million hotel employees." The guide, first launched in 2019 and compiled by HTNG's Staff Alert Technology Workgroup, covers devices with features like location tracking, communication options and AI-driven emergency response systems.

THE AHLA FOUNDATION awarded nearly $1 million, approximately $944,000, in scholarships to 369 students enrolled in hospitality programs at 88 colleges and universities nationwide. The foundation has disbursed more than $16 million in scholarships to date, supporting thousands of future industry leaders. It offers two types of scholarships: self-nominated, allowing students from any school to compete for one of eight scholarships, and school-nominated, requiring attendance at one of the foundation's 67 affiliated schools. "Scholarships are an integral part of the foundation's commitment to elevating, educating, and empowering individuals as they pursue careers in the hotel industry," said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation's president. "These scholarships make it possible for the next generation of leaders to find their place in hospitality." The AHLA Foundation also awarded more than $30,000 to more than 20 students in a pilot freshman scholarship program. Three community colleges-Frederick Community College, Northampton Community College and Valencia College-participated to boost interest and enrollment in their hospitality programs.

KEVIN CAREY, CHIEF operating officer and senior vice president of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, is now president and CEO of AHLA Foundation. He will remain AHLA's chief operating officer while succeeding Anna Blue, who announced her departure in February after two years. The announcement follows the Foundation's Night of a Thousand Stars fundraiser, which gathered more than 400 industry leaders and raised more than $1 million for its initiatives, AHLA said in a statement. "Now more than ever, the foundation's programs and initiatives will play a vital role in advancing the hospitality industry and amplifying opportunities for its people," said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA's president and CEO. "Kevin is one of the industry's most respected and seasoned leaders and a strong advocate of the AHLA Foundation and its team. I couldn't think of a better person to lead the foundation given his experience in designing and securing funding support for broad-based industry initiatives."

Ralph Posner is now AHLA's chief communications officer, while Khristyn Brimmeier has been named chief of staff. Posner will lead AHLA's external communications, including media relations, member communications, and campaign strategy. Brimmeier will serve as a strategic advisor to AHLA CEO Rosanna Maietta, supporting association priorities and key projects, AHLA said in a statement. "Ralph and Khristyn will be invaluable in growing and expanding AHLA's mission-to highlight the importance of the hospitality industry to the American economy in every community we serve," Maietta said. "As we continue doubling down on our efforts to unite and promote the hotel industry, I'm excited about the deep expertise and experience our new team members will bring to service, support, and advocacy." Additionally, Neal Daftary joined the association as vice president of market development for Green Key Global, a sustainability-focused joint venture of AHLA and the Hotel Association of Canada.

THREE MAJOR U.S. hospitality firms have donated $1 million to the No Room for Trafficking Survivors Fund by the American Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation to support human trafficking prevention and survivors, a statement said. The Hyatt Hotels Foundation donated $500,000 to the fund and the G6 Hospitality and Extended Stay America gave a combined $500,000 to the initiative, AHLA said in a statement. The fund supports economic stability for survivors of human trafficking. It also provides advance training and education to prevent human trafficking within the industry. A representative from the Hyatt Hotels Foundation will serve as co-chair of the No Room for Trafficking Advisory Council. "We recognize the potential of human trafficking to intersect with the hospitality industry and believe that one of the best ways the industry can combat the egregious violation of fundamental human rights is through efforts like the AHLA Foundation's No Room for Trafficking Survivors Fund," said Malaika Myers, the Hyatt foundation's chief human resource officer. "The fight against human trafficking has no finish-line, and as an industry we will continue to provide cutting-edge resources and support to ensure we are doing all we can to prevent and respond to human trafficking," said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of AHLA Foundation.