ADVOCATE
COMMUNICATE
EDUCATE
Executive Brochure
SERVING THE
HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, THE
AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING
ASSOCIATION (AH&LA)
is the only national organization representing all segments
of the U.S. lodging industry, including hotel owners, REITs,
chains, franchisees, management companies, independent
properties, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, AH&LA provides active advocacy,
clear communications, and educational empowerment for this vital
industry.
n Managing
nearly 5 million rooms
n Employing
more than 1.8 million
n Welcoming
nearly 5 million guests every day
n Generating
$1.3 trillion in travel revenue
n Creating
n Raising
$163 billion in lodging sales revenue
$134 billion in business travel tax revenue annually
HOW DO WE MEASURE THE
STRENGTH OF OUR INDUSTRY?
HOW DO WE AT AH&LA
EXPRESS THIS STRENGTH?
By the millions we welcome each
day and night, in rooms and suites
throughout thousands of properties,
nationwide.
Through our commitment to represent
and support each and every one of our
members.
By the millions we employ, and the
opportunities, careers, and dreams we
help fulfill.
By the way we pitch in to help our
neighbors when times are tough.
By the communities and the
businesses we grow, big and small.
And by the real estate partners and
investors we engage.
Through the growth of our presence,
influence, and action with key
policymakers.
Through our dedicated focus on the
issues that matter most to all of us.
hrough our mission: to advocate,
T
communicate, educate—but, most of
all, to elevate.
Through the power of our collective
voice and the clarity of our vision.
AH&LA:
ALL TOGETHER
POWERFUL.
WWW.AHLA.COM
1
THE POWER
OF THREE:
ADVOCATE
COMMUNICATE
EDUCATE
AT THE HEART OF OUR
MISSION ARE THREE
CORE PRINCIPLES.
TOGETHER THEY
ACTIVATE OUR UNIFIED
STRENGTH, ELEVATING
OUR INDUSTRY’S
PROFILE AND DRIVING
TOP- AND BOTTOM-LINE
RESULTS FOR ALL
OUR MEMBERS.
ACTIVE
ADVOCACY
One voice representing
one vision, engaging
and impacting the issues
that matter most to our
members.
n A rigorously
focused and
aligned advocacy with
world-class legislative and
regulatory experts addressing
the most pressing priority issues
affecting our industry and your
bottom line.
n A unified
force representing the
industry’s size, scope, strength
and economic importance to all
policymakers.
n Practical
toolkits and timely
legislative alerts for key
priority issues.
2 AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION
CLEAR
COMMUNICATION
EMPOWERING
EDUCATION
Shaping and spreading
a compelling, consistent
industry narrative
through all channels,
informing and inspiring
all stakeholders.
Ensuring the
enhancement of our
current workforce, and
preparing the next
generation for success.
n Timely
intelligence and insights
relevant to your business.
n Expert
guidance and access to
the latest resources and trends.
n Leadership
in key, revenuecritical media issues; focused
crisis communication resources.
n Current
industry news and
analysis from Lodging Magazine,
media advisories, and more.
n Networking
and exchanging
insights with your peers at
industry events: IHMRS/AH&LA
Fall Conference; Legislative
Action Summit; ALIS (Americas
Lodging Investment Summit).
n Sharing
ideas and important
information at meetings of
our industry councils and
committees.
n Topical
webinars and
compliance tools.
n Comprehensive hospitality
research via the Information
Center and Data Center.
n Access
and discounts on
Educational Institute products
and certifications.
n Providing timely
research
findings to inform and guide
business plans for the entire
industry.
WWW.AHLA.COM
3
IMPACTING THE ISSUES.
OUR 2015 POLICY AGENDA
The contribution of our industry
to the national economy is
undeniably significant: four back
to back years of job growth.
Ensuring that we go forward and
grow stronger together means
making sure our industry is seen,
heard, and sought out when the
big issues are discussed and
before important decisions are
made. That’s why we continue to
focus keenly on what matters most
to our members, as outlined in our
2015 Policy Agenda.
Our three priority areas—
workforce; technology and
distribution; and travel and
tourism—each affect the bottom
line of hoteliers in all 50 states.
Through our platform of
engagement, we share the story
of our industry and our vision,
delivering our message from Main
Street to Capitol Hill with one
unified voice.
4 AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION
OU R GOA LS :
WORKFORCE
LABOR
n Prevent
“back door” rules
and regulations being
imposed by the Labor
Department and National
Labor Relations Board
(NLRB).
n Protect
the franchise
model as it currently
stands.
n Stop
local extreme
wage mandates that are
proven job-killers and
ultimately hurt those who
are building successful
careers at the entry level.
In particular this means
those initiatives that single
out the hotel industry.
HEALTHCARE
TECHNOLOGY
& DISTRIBUTION
TRAVEL
& TOURISM
n Stop
n Improve
consumer deception
in the online hotel
marketplace.
n Promote
tax parity
between hoteliers and
online retailers.
n Ensure
a level playing
field with short-term
online rental companies.
n Pass
strong federal
legislation that reduces
the frivolous, predatory
lawsuits filed by patent
trolls and the resulting
legal costs.
and expand
access to the U.S. for
international travelers
and ensure a better travel
experience through
expansion of the Visa
Waiver Program and an
improved, streamlined
arrival process.
n Secure
passage of The
Jobs Originated Through
Launching Travel (JOLT)
Act in Congress
n Push
policies that
encourage continued
government travel
and conferences while
ensuring responsible
stewardship of public
funds.
n Change
the Affordable
Care Act’s definition of
full-time employee from
30 to 40 hours.
n Make
other adjustments
to ensure our industry
can continue to provide
quality, and affordable
health insurance to its
employees and their
families.
WWW.AHLA.COM
5
PARTNER STATE ASSOCIATIONS
Alabama Restaurant &
Hospitality Alliance
Nebraska Hotel & Motel
Association
Alaska Hotel & Lodging
Association
Nevada Hotel & Lodging
Association
Arizona Lodging &
Tourism Association
New Hampshire Lodging
& Restaurant Association
Arkansas Hospitality
Association
New York State
Hospitality & Tourism
Association
California Hotel &
Lodging Association
Colorado Hotel &
Lodging Association
Connecticut Lodging
Association
Florida Restaurant &
Lodging Association
Georgia Hotel & Lodging
Association
The Hawaii Lodging &
Tourism Association
Hotel Association of New
York City, Inc.
Hotel Association of
Washington DC
Illinois Hotel & Lodging
Association
Indiana Restaurant &
Lodging Association
Louisiana Hotel &
Lodging Association
Maine Innkeepers
Association
Maryland Hotel &
Lodging Association
Massachusetts Lodging
Association
Michigan Lodging &
Tourism Association
Minnesota Lodging
Association
Montana Lodging &
Hospitality Association
MEMBERSHIP: ALL
TOGETHER POWERFUL
Join us now and let’s grow stronger
together. Here’s how.
CORPORATE CHAINS
North Carolina Restaurant
and Lodging Association
nFees assessed on a tiered scale based on
rooms—$2/room credit for owned, leased, or joint
venture properties that join AH&LA.
Ohio Hotel & Lodging
Association
BRANDED PROPERTIES
Oklahoma Hotel &
Lodging Association
Oregon Restaurant &
Lodging Association
Pennsylvania Restaurant &
Lodging Association
Rhode Island Hospitality
Association
South Carolina Restaurant
& Lodging Association
Tennessee Hospitality &
Tourism Association
Texas Hotel & Lodging
Association
Utah Hotel & Lodging
Association
Vermont Chamber of
Commerce
Virginia Hospitality &
Travel Association
Washington Lodging
Association
West Virginia Hospitality
& Travel Association
Wisconsin Hotel &
Lodging Association
Wyoming Lodging &
Restaurant Association
n$2/room dues through your brand, billed by
corporate office or AH&LA; all major brands are
participating.
INDEPENDENT PROPERTIES
n$2/room dues.
nEither directly to AH&LA or via the partner state
association
OWNERS, MANAGEMENT COMPANIES,
REITS
nFees assessed on a tiered scale based on rooms
n$2/room credit for owned, leased, or joint venture
properties that join AH&LA.
PARTNERSHIPS*
$3,000 Allied Membership
AH&LA’s basic membership for organizations to show
their support of the industry.
$50,000 Corporate Partner
For organizations committed to advancement of the
industry, this membership level is recognized as a
corporate partner and often eligible to participate on
exclusive “Invitation only” AH&LA forums and panels.
$100,000 Executive Partner
Executive Partnership is AH&LA’s most exclusive
industry membership, offering unparalleled access
to our most influential members, and inclusion in our
corporate strategy.
(*Industry suppliers, vendors, and consulting services)
6 AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION
GETTING MORE OUT OF MEMBERSHIP:
THE BENEFITS
Being an AH&LA member brings significant advantages to you
and your business, as well as enabling you to play a key role in
empowering and advancing our industry.
GET INVOLVED:
ONE VOICE FOR ALL
AH&LA membership is about more than
engagement—it’s about having a seat at
the table, leading the policy debates in
Washington, and together achieving results
for the lodging industry. Members also have
the opportunity to serve on one of AH&LA’s
six councils, which identify emerging trends
and nominate members for the AH&LA board
of directors. Your business, your employees,
and your bottom line are too important to
leave the decisions to others; join today and
drive the discussion!
KNOW MORE: INSIGHTS,
INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENCE
Receive complimentary access to our
Information Center, a single source for
research, fast answers, and a wealth of
industry data—as well as free subscriptions
to AH&LA’s award-winning hospitality
management magazine, Lodging, and to
the daily e-news source, SmartBrief. The
Members Only section on our Website
features free reports on security, government
affairs and research findings.
JOIN YOUR STATE HOTEL
ASSOCIATION FOR
ADVOCACY ON LEGISLATIVE
AND REGULATORY ISSUES
WITHIN YOUR STATE.
MAXIMIZE YOUR
NETWORK AT OUR EVENTS
Make the connections that matter with
colleagues, industry experts, and leading
hoteliers at our nationwide conferences and
events held throughout the year. Exchange
knowledge, perspectives and experience on
legislative and regulatory matters, industry
issues, and crisis management; enabling you
to focus on what you do best—running your
business. Many are offered at a discount to
members, including the Americas Lodging
Investment Summit (ALIS), the Legislative
Action Summit (LAS), and the AH&LA Fall
Conference, held in conjunction with the
International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant
Show, which attracts more than 20,000
individuals and features the world’s largest
hospitality tradeshow.
ENHANCE THROUGH EDUCATION
Build a top-performing staff through
training materials and certifications from
the American Hotel & Lodging Educational
Institute (EI), the premier provider of
hospitality training and certifications
worldwide. Universally-recognized as
the standard for hospitality education,
EI validates competencies in 35 industry
positions. Students study and test online, by
correspondence, or through more than 120
licensed affiliates in 45 countries around the
world. As an AH&LA member, you receive
discounts of up to 40 percent on all products
and services. WWW.AHLA.COM
7
YOUR MEMBERSHIP
GIVES YOU EXCLUSIVE
ACCESS TO BOTTOM-LINE
SAVINGS FROM A BROAD
RANGE OF TOP SERVICE
PROVIDERS.
USA Today—receive discounts off
regional and national advertising.
STR Global— receive special
discounts on national, state, and
local level data provided by
STR global.
PKF—receive 25 to 50%
discounts on quarterly or annual
subscriptions to National Hotel
Horizons report, containing fiveyear forecasts of supply, demand,
occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR.
EI—receive discounts off
hospitality training and
professional certifications.
AH&LA Career Center—powered
by Hcareers, access the largest
database of candidates and job
openings and receive discounts
on recruiting services.
Green Key—receive discounts
on the Green Key Eco-Rating
Program, that recognizes
properties committed to
improving their environmental
performance.
BMI/ASCAP/SESAC—receive
discounts on music licensing fees
from companies who represent
thousands of composers
worldwide.
UPS—Save up to 36% on
shipping services, including air,
international, ground and freight.
8 ENGAGING FOR IMPACT
AH&LA COUNCILS AND
COMMITTEES
Here’s where you can really make your
voice heard—by influencing, initiating, and
activating as a part of our committees.
As a member, you can join one of six
councils appropriate for your membership
category, each of which identifies
emerging trends. Additionally, your vote
elects representatives to the Board and
Nominating and Executive Committees.
Get involved, network and share your
expertise and insight with like-minded
AH&LA members—start by browsing the
opportunities below.
COUNCILS
n Brands
Council—Hotel companies that own and/or
market brands, including those that grant franchises for
hotel brands and the individual properties branded by
those hotel companies.
n Owners
Council—Hotel companies that own hotels.
n Management
Companies Council—Hotel companies
that operate or manage hotels.
n Independent
branded.
Hotels Council—Hotels that are not
n PSA Council—State
associations that sign partnership
agreements with AH&LA.
n Allied
Council—Companies that do business with the
lodging industry.
AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015
The 2015 AH&LA board of directors consists of mostly C-level lodging
executives representing the full scope of the lodging sector, including
brands, owners and REITs, management companies, independents,
and state associations. The AH&LA board meets twice yearly to discuss
a broad range of industry and association-related issues.
CHAIR OF THE BOARD:
SECRETARY/TREASURER:
VICE CHAIR:
PRESIDENT & CEO:
Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO
Wyndham Hotel Group
Jim Abrahamson, CHA, CEO
Interstate Hotels & Resorts
Mark Carrier, CHA, President
B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group
Katherine Lugar
AH&LA
BRAND REPRESENTATIVES:
Jim Amorosia
President & CEO
G6 Hospitality LLC
Michael Deitemeyer
President
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Joel Eisemann
Chief Development
Officer, The Americas
InterContinental Hotels
Group
Alan Fuerstman
Founder & CEO
Montage Hotels & Resorts
David Grissen
Group President
The Americas
Marriott International, Inc.
Jim Holthouser
Executive Vice President,
Global Brands
Hilton Worldwide
Kirk Kinsell
President & CEO
Loews Hotels & Resorts
Paul Kirwin
CEO & President
Northcott Hospitality
WWW.AHLA.COM
9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015 (CONTINUED)
Angelo Lombardi
Executive Vice President
& COO
La Quinta Inns & Suites
Prem Devadas
President
Salamander Hotels &
Resorts
Ron Pohl, CHA
Senior Vice President,
Brand Management
Best Western International
Doug Dreher
President & CEO
The Hotel Group
Rena Reiss
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel
& Secretary
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Javier Rosenberg
COO & Executive Vice
President, Americas
Carlson Rezidor Hotel
Group
Barry Wallace
Executive Vice President,
Hospitality Services
Outrigger Enterprises
Group
MANAGEMENT
COMPANY
REPRESENTATIVES:
John Belden
President & CEO
Davidson Hotels & Resorts
10 Bob Habeeb, CHA
President
First Hospitality Group, Inc.
Walter Isenberg, CHA
President & CEO
Sage Hospitality
Dave Johnson
President & CEO
Aimbridge Hospitality
Richard Kelleher
CEO
Pyramid Hotel Group
Lea Ann Kish
COO
Milestone Hospitality
Management
Gregory Marcus
President & CEO
The Marcus Corporation
Jeffrey Brown
CEO
Schahet Hotels Inc.
Greg Miller, CHA
Corporate Executive,
Founder & Managing
Director
Pollin Miller Hospitality
Strategies, Inc.
Alex Cabañas
President & CEO
Benchmark Hospitality
International
Jamie Sabatier
President & COO
Destination Hotels &
Resorts
Gerry Chase
President & COO
New Castle Hotels & Resorts
Richard Takach, Jr.
President & CEO
Vesta Hospitality, LLC
AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION
OWNER
REPRESENTATIVES:
Minaz Abji
Executive Vice President,
Asset Management
Host Hotels & Resorts
Robert Alter
President
Seaview Investors, LLC
John Arabia
President & CEO
Sunstone Hotel Investors
Ross Bierkan
Chief Investment Officer
RLJ Lodging Trust
Jon Bortz
Chairman, President &
CEO
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
Tom Corcoran
Chairman of the Board
FelCor Lodging Trust
Vijay Dandapani, CHAE
President
Apple Core Hotels
Bill DeForrest
President & CEO
Spire Hospitality
Daniel Hansen
President & CEO
Summit Hotel Properties
Justin Knight
President
Apple Reit Companies
John Murray
President
Hospitality Properties Trust
Buggsi Patel
President & CEO
BHG Hotels
Pratik Patel
Principal
REM Hospitality
DJ Rama
President
JHM Hotels
Alfred Young, Jr.
Chief Operating Officer
LaSalle Hotel Properties
INDEPENDENT
REPRESENTATIVES:
Stephen Bartolin, Jr.
Chairman & CEO
The Broadmoor
Terri Haack
President & Managing
Director
Terranea Resort, Destination
Hotels & Resorts
James Miles
General Manager & COO
The Otesaga Resort Hotel
Keith Overton, CHA
President & COO
TradeWinds Island Resorts
PARTNER STATE
ASSOCIATION
REPRESENTATIVES:
Kathryn Burton, CHA
General Manager
NorthPointe Hotel &
Conference Center
Scott Joslove
President & CEO
Texas Hotel & Lodging
Association
Bimal Patel
Owner
Concept Hotels
Patti Colley, IOM, CMP
Executive Vice President
Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging
Association
Trisha Pugal, CAE
President & CEO
Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging
Association
Greg Dugal
President & CEO
Maine Innkeepers
Association
Bob Smith
Owner
Sebasco Harbor Resort
Marc Gordon
President & CEO
Illinois Hotel & Lodging
Association
Jenifer Jackson, CHA
General Manager
Comfort Inn Harrisonburg
Debbie Johnson, IOM
CAE, President & CEO
Arizona Lodging & Tourism
Association
AT-LARGE
REPRESENTATIVES:
Lynne Dougherty
Senior Vice President,
Owner & Franchise
Services
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
John Fitzpatrick
Immediate Past Chair,
AH&LA and
President & CEO
Fitzpatrick Hotel Group,
North America
Bill Simpson
President & CEO
Hershey Entertainment &
Resorts
WWW.AHLA.COM
11
UPCOMING EVENTS
The events listed below are ideal opportunities to learn more, socialize,
exchange insights and expertise with your peers and contemporaries,
and get a real sense of the potential and the possibility our shared
strength affords.
JULY 21–23, 2015
ALIS Summer Update
Interactive Webinars & Local
Networking Receptions SEPTEMBER 13-16, 2015
AH&LEF Golf Classic
The Broadmoor
Colorado Springs, CO
JANUARY 25–27, 2016
ALIS (Americas Lodging
Investment Summit)
JW Marriott
Los Angeles, CA
APRIL 2016
AH&LA Legislative Action Summit
Washington, D.C.
NOVEMBER 6–10, 2015
AH&LA Fall Conference held
with the International Hotel,
Motel + Restaurant Show and BDNY
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York, NY
12 AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION
Our two subsidiaries offer
additional valuable resources, along
with our partner of state associations.
THE AMERICAN HOTEL &
LODGING EDUCATION INSTITUTE
EI is the premier source for delivering quality
hospitality education, training, and professional
certification that serves the need of the
hospitality schools and industries worldwide.
THE AMERICAN HOTEL &
LODGING EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
The Foundation identifies, cultivates, and supports world-class
training, research, and initiatives most vital to the progress and
prosperity of the lodging industry. Supported solely from
voluntary contributions, the Foundation has as its mandate to
ensure a strong and viable future for the entire industry.
1250 I Street, NW, Suite 1100
Washington, D.C. 20005-3931
www.ahla.com