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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.

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.

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."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association recently announced three promotions among its leadership team. Kiersten Pearce was promoted to senior vice president for executive and strategic initiatives; Adrienne Weil was promoted to senior vice president for member engagement and services; and Kara Filer was promoted to senior vice president for strategic partnerships and business development. Pearce joined AHLA in 2018 and previously served as its vice president of member engagement and services, according to AHLA. In her new role she will develop industry initiatives that align with AHLA's strategic plan and organizational priorities. She'll also oversee the coordination of the AHLA board of directors, executive committee and associated committees, as well as operational functions, including legal. Weil previously served as AHLA's vice president of strategic partnerships and business development and led efforts to accelerate "non-dues" revenue growth from industry service providers and suppliers. In her new role, she will lead AHLA's membership team and spearhead efforts to optimize AHLA's committees and networks and ensure AHLA's differentiated value proposition remains relevant as member needs evolve.

Jessica Brady is now the vice president of federal affairs for tax policy at the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Prior to joining AHLA, Brady served as the senior director of federal government relations at the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., focusing on tax, trade, and other key issues. Before DISCUS, Brady led budget and appropriations advocacy as the associate director of global development policy and advocacy at Save the Children, AHLA said. She also handled congressional affairs and engaged in multilateral diplomacy at the State Department as part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program. "Jessica's extensive tax expertise and profound understanding of the federal policymaking process will prove invaluable for our members as we navigate a myriad of crucial tax issues in 2024 and beyond," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "This addition reinforces AHLA's commitment to securing policy victories for hoteliers."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has partnered with hiring software provider Hireology to provide AHLA members access to industry-specific tools and services, AHLA and Hireology said in a joint statement. Hireology also will organize a series of leadership exchange events, aiming to bring together professionals in the hospitality sector to discuss current challenges, trends, and solutions. "Hireology is a hiring technology leader and provider of hotel-specific workforce knowledge," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO. "Joining forces will allow us to take our services to the next level and further our mission to empower the American hospitality industry." Partnering with Hireology brings hiring technology and expertise into the association's catalog of resources, the statement said. The program stands as a practical resource for hotel operators addressing their business challenge in the coming years.

ON MONDAY THE Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals association politely declined an offer by the American Hotel and Lodging Association to merge the two organizations. Instead, HFTP's board of directors offered to enter into a memorandum of understanding with AHLA similar to agreements it has with other associations, such as AAHOA. HFTP said in a statement that, as a global organization "with members from the entire hospitality spectrum" it would not benefit those members to merge with a localized association such as AHLA. Instead, it suggested the MOU in keeping with HFTP's agreements with AAHOA, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, Hotel Asset Managers Association - Middle East, Hotel Controllers and Accountants Association of Hong Kong, National Club Association and the Association of Private Club Directors. "As a former director of AHLA, I know they do good work for the industry and their recent takeovers of HTNG and HAMA will definitely help these smaller associations," said Frank Wolfe, HFTP's CEO. "But HFTP is a global association with global brands: HITEC, PineappleSearch.com, the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry and global certifications/certificates, not to mention our members from non-hotel segments. Our mission is education not advocacy."

MORE THAN EIGHT in ten hotels in the U.S. experienced difficulties in operations due to supply chain disruptions, according to a survey. Nearly three in four hotel operators say the disruptions are negatively impacting their business revenue. The American Hotel & Lodging Association conducted the survey among more than 500 AHLA members during Nov. 8 to 22. More than half, 52 percent, of respondents said that the problem became worse over the past three months, and 74 percent said supply chain issues are having a negative impact on business revenue. The impact on operations could have repercussions for employment, underscoring the need for targeted federal relief for hotel employees, such as the Save Hotel Jobs Act, according to AHLA. "Hotels have a complex supply chain that requires regular procurement of a wide range of goods and services each day. And whether it's production backups or shipping delays, supply chain disruptions are compounding hotels' existing problems and increasing operating costs during an already tough time," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. "This survey highlights just how widespread these challenges are for hoteliers. That's why now is the time for Congress to pass the Save Hotel Jobs Act, so hotel employees can get the relief they need during these difficult times."

KEVIN JACOBS, HILTON's CFO and president of Global Development, is the 2024 chair of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. The association also named new officers, executive committee and board of directors, including Mitch Patel, president and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, as vice chair. The association also named other new officers, executive committee and board of directors. They include Liam Brown, group president for Marriott International, U.S. and Canada, as secretary/treasurer and Julienne Smith, chief development officer, Americas, for IHG Hotels & Resorts, as the chair of the AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees, AHLA said in a statement. "It's an honor to serve as chair and help build upon AHLA's impressive record of accomplishments on behalf of the hospitality industry nationwide," said Jacobs. "I look forward to helping AHLA advance policies in support of our incredible industry, deliver exceptional member services and communications support, and rally the industry around our shared priorities."

STAFFING PROBLEMS CONTINUE for 97 percent of American Hotel & Lodging Association members, according to a recent survey. In response, AHLA is expanding its "A Place to Stay" multi-channel advertising campaign to help with recruitment. AHLA's member survey also found that the staffing shortage is severe for 49 percent of respondents. For 58 percent, finding housekeepers is their biggest challenge. Nearly 90 percent of respondents have increased wages to help meet the demand. Also, 71 percent are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 43 percent have expanded benefits. As a result, in the last three months the respondents say they have hired an additional 23 new employees per property, but are also trying to fill an additional 12 positions. Still, 97 percent say they have been unable to fill open positions. "If you've ever thought about working at a hotel, now's the time because the pay is better than it's ever been, the benefits are better than they've ever been, and the opportunity is better than it's ever been," said Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO.

THE PARTNER PROGRAM of American Hotel & Lodging Association reached a record 27 members with the addition of six new partners. The program offers industry suppliers and service providers an opportunity to engage directly with AHLA members at an executive level and increase brand visibility. Proskauer's Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure Group becomes a Gold Partner in the program, the association said. It has one of the broadest and longest-standing commitments to the hotel and lodging sector among major global law firms and has experience in handling every relevant issue in the industry. The five Silver Partners are Guest Worldwide, Marsh, NewGen Advisory, Relay and WizeHire, said AHLA.

THE REPRESENTATION OF Black and women members on hotel industry boards is on the rise, signaling progress in board diversity, according to recent research commissioned by AHLA Foundation and conducted by Penn State's School of Hospitality Management. The surge surpasses the 2022 averages for firms in the Russell 3000 Index, while indicating multiple gains for the industry. The 2022 data analysis involved 230 board members from 28 companies spanning the years 2016 to 2022, the AHLA Foundation said. Key findings from the report include: In 2022, women held 31.3 percent of independent board seats on hotel public company boards, a notable surgefrom 22.5 percent in 2021. This surpasses the 2022 Russell 3000 Index average of 28.4 percent for women representation.

FORMER AAHOA CHAIRWOMAN Jagruti Panwala testified recently before Congress on the Department of Labor's proposal to raise the overtime salary exemption threshold for executive, administrative, and professional employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Panwala, now a board member for American Hotel & Lodging Association, argued that the proposed change would actually limit hotel employees' opportunities and does not take into account economic differences between regions of the country. In August, DOL proposed raising the threshold from $35,568 to an estimated $60,209 in 2024 according to AHLA based on the department's projections. That equals a nearly 70 percent increase, and AHLA said that means all employees making under that amount must be paid overtime for any hours worked over 40 in one week. The DOL proposal also would automatically increase the threshold every three years thereafter based on the 35th percentile of earnings for full-time salaried workers in the lowest-wage census region, currently the South.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has launched Responsible Stay, an industry initiative to make meetings, events and guest experiences in U.S. hotels more environmentally and socially responsible. AHLA contends that the initiative is meant to unite major hotel companies, including at least two Asian American-owned companies, around sustainability priorities. Responsible Stay is focused on four areas: Energy efficiency: Optimizing energy efficiency through operational improvements and adoption of clean energy technologies Waste reduction: Investing in waste reduction programs and new, innovative alternatives to reduce, reuse and recycle waste across properties Water conservation: Ensuring the reduction of water usage by implementing water-efficient practices in core areas like laundry, food and beverage, and landscaping Responsible sourcing practices: Sourcing responsibly and prioritizing sustainability in supply chains to prevent harmful environmental and social impacts Under the initiative, AHLA and its members will strengthen environmental programs, education and resources to provide a "responsible stay" for guests, protect the future of the planet and support communities across the country, the statement added.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has accepted ClubCorp, an owner and operator of private clubs, as a new member, a statement said. The association hopes to attract more clubs with lodging connections. Ron Vlasic, executive vice president of Operations City & Stadium Clubs, ClubCorp, is a member of AHLA's board and former chair of the board. He will remain on AHLA's Board as an individual representative starting June 2022. Founded in 1957, ClubCorp has more than 200 golf and country clubs, city clubs and stadium clubs in 30 states, the District of Columbia, and two foreign countries. It provides services to members and guests.

PRESIDENT BIDEN'S STATE of the Union address before Congress on March 7 touched on several issues hotel industry associations have been advocating for a while. AAHOA and the American Lodging and Hotel Association both issued responses to the speech and AAHOA held its 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference during the week of March 14. The issues at hand include the extension of tax credits, handling of junk fees for greater disclosure and transparency and raising the federal minimum wage. During SNAC, more than 200 AAHOA leaders and members spent two days in Washington, D.C. The conference opened with a legislative learning session at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, followed by an evening Congressional Reception at the Cannon House Office Building and then a full day of Congressional meetings. "Each year we continue to see the relationships grow between our AAHOA Members and their elected officials," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "Our twice-yearly advocacy conferences are quickly becoming the foundation for shaping and driving national policy, and our members are making it happen."

IN RECOGNITION OF National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, G6 Hospitality, the parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has intensified efforts to combat and raise awareness about human trafficking. This month, the company is introducing an updated mandatory training program, "The Room Next Door," to identify signs and response protocols for human trafficking within the lodging industry, G6 Hospitality said in a statement. "G6 Hospitality remains committed to combating human trafficking across the country and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against it," said Julie Arrowsmith, CEO of G6 Hospitality. "Our expanded anti-human trafficking program will ensure that our team members, franchisees, and hotel teams are educated advocates who can help the industry move toward eradicating human trafficking." The training is mandatory at every Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations, the statement said. The company is also renewing ongoing partnerships in 2024 with law enforcement agencies and survivor advocate organizations, including: