AHLA Association News

Slash your energy costs now

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 19, 2010

The AH&LA Energy Program provides a comprehensive solution to lower energy usage and costs for members operating more than 2,000 rooms. Through Burton Energy Group, members secure more competitive electricity and natural-gas prices in deregulated markets. Qualifying members also can implement effective energy- and water-conservation measures. Visit ahla.com/energy for more information or contact Burton Energy Group at info@burtonenergygroup.com.

Revenue management: Maximizing revenue in hospitality operations

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 19, 2010

A solid understanding of revenue management's key concepts and the selective application of its most effective strategies and tactics have become mission critical for most hospitality operations. This book explores the applicability of revenue maximization strategies and their operational aspects; and provides readers with a concise overview of this important discipline. Click here for details.

Celebrate Women's History Month with WIL

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 18, 2010

In honor of March's special significance, give Women In Lodging membership to at least one of your hard-working, ambitious female employees. As an AH&LA member, any woman at your organization is eligible to join at no additional cost. Members get host of benefits designed to accelerate their career path. Visit ahla.com/WIL for more information and to register.

Save 20% on job postings

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 18, 2010

AH&LA members receive 20% off recruitment, advertising and branding opportunities through the AH&LA Career Center powered by Hcareers, providing access to the nation's largest searchable, online database of job seekers and posted positions specific to hospitality. It is accessed by more than 750,000 unique Web visitors every month. Meet the right candidates by visiting ahla.com/careers or calling (800) 832-3738.

Reduce your teleconferencing costs

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 17, 2010

Moreson Conferencing is offering AH&LA member-only rates for MoresonUnited reservationless teleconferencing services at 5.5 cents per minute. Additionally, Moreson is offering members 40% savings or more on Web conferencing and operator-assisted event calls. With a network covering 65 countries, Moreson is one of the world's largest conference-call providers. For more information, click here.

Forecasting and benchmarking reports found at AH&LA Data Center

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 17, 2010

The AH&LA Data Center, powered by Smith Travel Research, gives you access to the most comprehensive hospitality research, spanning national and state hotel statistics. Reports are valuable for hoteliers and hospitality suppliers, and AH&LA property and corporate members get generous discounts on reports to optimize their operational strategy, and allied members get free reports to generate leads.

The hotel recovery starts online

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 16, 2010

The lodging industry faces a long road to recovery. But online distribution channels have greater prospects than traditional channels. Position your company to take advantage of increased online revenue in 2010. AH&LA members save $250 on PhoCusWright's U.S. Online Travel Overview Ninth Edition: Hotels & Lodging, helping you leverage trends and innovations that will benefit your bottom line.

Female hospitality employees get exclusive benefits, connect with peers

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 16, 2010

All women employed at an AH&LA member organization, or who have an individual membership through AH&LA, are invited to join the only national forum designed to accelerate the career paths of ambitious female hoteliers. WIL members receive a wealth of benefits, discounts and exclusive invitations. Visit ahla.com/WIL to learn more.

Professional development resources for young professionals

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 15, 2010

Members of AH&LA's Under 30 Gateway get free access to the mentorship program, quarterly webinars and exclusive publications as well as discounts on training and certification through the Educational Institute and invitations to events just for young professionals. Check out the wealth of resources available at ahla.com/Gateway. Engage and retain your rising stars by enrolling them in this unique membership category.

Earning your CHA just got easier

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 15, 2010

Candidates for the Certified Hotel Administrator [CHA] designation receive a new CHA exam preparation booklet with their resource materials to streamline their study and exam preparation. This booklet and accompanying CD let candidates assess their knowledge and experience by individual competency, then direct them to specific resources for study and review. Click here for more information.

Noteworthy industry suppliers

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 12, 2010

There are thousands of hospitality vendors to choose from. But AH&LA Allied members stand out as trusted leaders in the hospitality community and continually prove their dedication by helping make the association's events, benefits and resources possible. Support the businesses that support our industry -- click here to see a complete list of AH&LA Allied members.

Program reduces fuels costs, monitors employee purchases

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 12, 2010

AH&LA members can receive a rebate up to 6.5 cents on every gallon of fuel purchased. That's 2 cents more per gallon than nonassociation members. With special tiered rebates on purchases at BP and a 2-cent rebate on all gasoline and diesel purchases at other brands, you'll save with every fill-up. Click here for more information.

How do your employee benefits and compensation stack up?

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 11, 2010

AH&LA members can access vital benchmarking data from WageWatch, the first comprehensive, Internet-based solution that thoroughly addresses all lodging industry wage, salary and benefits data. Visit the Members Only section of ahla.com for more information.

The Green Guru has your answer

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 11, 2010

From questions about composting food waste to forming an environmental committee to recycling batteries, AH&LA's Green Guru will research and answer any member's inquiry free of charge. Who is this all-knowing eco-being? Click here to find out and have your questions answered.

Industry questions answered within 3 business days

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 10, 2010

Whether you have a question about industry trends, preparing for emergencies or the industry's financial outlook for the next five years, AH&LA's Information Center provides tailored articles, reports and data for your specific inquiries. This service is free to AH&LA members, and it's like having your own research staff. Get the answers you need, when you need them.

Mentorship program grooms future leaders

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 10, 2010

Any successful leader will tell you the importance of having a mentor. If you're at the stage in your career where you could use one or are ready to give back to someone starting out, AH&LA is your connection through the Under 30 Gateway and Women in Lodging [ahla.com/WIL]. Contact Christa Boatman at cboatman@ahla.com for details.

New partnership with FedEx saves you money

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 09, 2010

AH&LA members can save up to 29% on select FedEx shipping services. There are no costs and no minimum shipping requirements to take advantage of this great member benefit. For more information or to enroll in the FedEx Advantage Program, go to 1800members.com/ahla or call 800-MEMBERS or (800) 636-2377. Contact Kim Weed at kweed@ahla.com or (202) 289-3116 with questions.

Get in front of 3.4 million affluent travelers

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 09, 2010

AH&LA members receive an exclusive 25% discount on regional and national advertising in Travel Today, the weekly travel display feature, along with a 20% discount for online campaigns on USATODAY.com. Let USA TODAY and USATODAY.com help deliver your message to millions of frequent travelers daily. For a tailored campaign to meet your needs, contact Kelly McNeil at (703) 854-6446 or kmcneil@usatoday.com.

Sen. John McCain to address hoteliers

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 08, 2010

At AH&LA's Legislative Action Summit next week, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., along with Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., will address attendees at a luncheon on Capitol Hill. These are just two of more than a dozen speakers, spanning lodging CEOs, White House officials and other legislative experts who will speak between lobbying sessions on the Hill. Visit ahla.com/LAS for more details.

Industry survey reveals size, scope and trends

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 08, 2010

Considered the lodging industry's most thorough piece, the Lodging Survey is conducted every two years to track the size, scope and trends of the lodging industry, from bathroom amenities to business services to bed sizes and more. Funded by AH&LEF, more than 10,000 properties were surveyed. AH&LA members can download this report for free on the Members Only section of ahla.com.

Honoring a legacy

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 05, 2010

On March 16, Stewart Bainum receives AH&LA's highest honor, the Hospitality Heritage Award. Save the date for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation [AH&LEF] Tribute Dinner, and join us at the J.W. Marriott in Washington to honor this industry icon. All proceeds benefit AH&LEF. This event is held in conjunction with AH&LA's Legislative Action Summit.

6 ways to do more with less

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 05, 2010

AH&LA released its official guidelines on doing more with less based on current market and economic trends. Each tactic is accompanied by case studies, best practices, ROI information, actionable strategies and/or additional resources. Visit ahla.com/more to get a wealth of ideas that are low or no cost with the potential to generate revenue.

Reach meeting planners where they shop

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 04, 2010

To reach meeting professionals when they're buying, AH&LA members receive a 20% savings on ConventionPlanit.com, a leading online search engine, to showcase their properties on listings with trackable ROI. Additional news release postings, Divine Deals, banner ads and "call to action" e-mail marketing to 50,000 planners are also available to generate qualified prospects. To learn more, click here or contact Katherine Markham, CHME, at (301) 975-9462 or katherinem@conventionplanit.com.

Learn strategies for Twitter, Facebook

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 04, 2010

On AH&LA's revised social-media section, easily learn how to use and manage Facebook, Twitter, blogs, RSS feeds and traveler-generated content. Through the expertise of AH&LA allied member TIG Global, we've created a portal for helping you execute a viable social-media strategy to capture more market share. And check out executive blogs while you're there.

New CFBE Assessment Tool

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 03, 2010

Candidates for the Certified Food & Beverage Executive professional certification can test their readiness for the CFBE exam with the online Assessment Tool available from the Educational Institute. Assessing areas of hospitality knowledge, this tool prepares candidates for the CFBE exam. For more information, call the Professional Certification department at (888) 575-8726 or (407) 999-8100.

Get appointments with your legislators

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 03, 2010

Hundreds of hoteliers will gather in Washington from March 15 to 16 to lobby their representatives on issues of importance to their business and the industry during AH&LA's Legislative Action Summit. This event also features a CEO panel, as well as keynote addresses by members of Congress and other key influencers. Come join the discussion and make your opinion count.

Vendors compete for your business

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 02, 2010

When you search for bedding, furniture, uniforms and everything in between with the Ultimate Hotel Buyers Guide, the most comprehensive online hospitality directory, you can request an RFP at no additional cost. Up to five vendors of your choice will then provide their costs and specifications straight to your inbox. Visit ahla.com to begin your free search.

Top 3 music licensers offer discounts

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 02, 2010

AH&LA members receive a discount on ASCAP, BMI and SESAC licensing fees. These companies represent unique listings and do not overlap in their offerings. To learn more and to download licensing agreements, visit the Members Only section of ahla.com.

How the hotel industry came to be

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 01, 2010

Every hotelier should own this historical tale of our industry's growth and accomplishments during the past 100 years. Also telling the story of how AH&LA came to be, this coffee-table commemorative book celebrates AH&LA's 100-year anniversary. AH&LA members can get their copy for $25, and nonmembers pay $35. Visit ahlei.org/centennial for more information and to order.

Savings on prescription drugs for all employees

AH&LA SmartBrief | Mar 01, 2010

AH&LA members can take advantage of the of the Prescription Drug Card, a free service providing an average discount of 10% to 35% on most prescriptions in more than 55,000 pharmacies. You can distribute them to all your full-time and part-time associates, and one card can be used by the whole family. For more, AH&LA members can click here.

PCI compliance made easy

AH&LA SmartBrief | Feb 26, 2010

Credit card standards have changed, and if you don't change your policies, you could be putting your guests' private information at risk and incurring millions of dollars in damages. In response, AH&LA's Technology Committee created a thorough manual, The PCI Compliance Process for Hotels, making this complicated matter easy to understand and implement. It is funded by the Foundation, and AH&LA members can download their free copy.

CEO panel and congressmen provide insight in Washington

AH&LA SmartBrief | Feb 26, 2010

Join hoteliers from across the country on Capitol Hill at the AH&LA Legislative Action Summit from March 15 to 16 in Washington. In addition to hearing insight from lawmakers and top executives on how impending legislation will affect your business, you'll get to meet directly with your representatives and share your point of view. Visit ahla.com for more details.

Choice Hotels founder to receive prestigious award

AH&LA SmartBrief | Feb 25, 2010

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