AHLA Association News

Celebrate 100 years of hospitality

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009

In celebration of AH&LA's 100-year anniversary, we've created a microsite paying tribute to the leaders, events and accomplishments that have shaped our industry over the past century, including the formation of the American Hotel Protective Association in 1910. You can view a short historical video and purchase a coffee-table book created to commemorate this milestone.

Congress wants to hear from you

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2009

Hundreds of hoteliers will gather in Washington, D.C., March 15 and 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 keynote addresses by members of Congress and other key influencers. Come join the discussion and make your opinion count.

Hear from leading hotel executives

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009

Get proven solutions to your HR challenges from senior executives at Marriott, Joie de Vivre, B.F. Saul Hotel Division and more during the HR in Hospitality™ Conference & Expo, Feb. 22 through 24, 2010, at Wynn Las Vegas. Register by Jan. 8 and save $350. Plus AH&LA members save an additional $100! E-mail membership@ahla.com for your savings promo code.

Provide an extra employee benefit at no cost

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2009

AH&LA members can take advantage of the Choice Rx 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 to all your full-time and part-time associates, and one card may be used by the whole family. For more information, AH&LA members can click here.

The facts about PCI compliance

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2009

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. AH&LA members can download their free copy.

Slash your energy costs now

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009

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 can also implement effective energy- and water-conservation measures. Visit www.ahla.com/energy for more information or contact Burton Energy Group at info@burtonenergygroup.com.

The Green Guru has your answer

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2009

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.

Train your staff at a discount

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009

AH&LA members save 20% to 40% on all resources at the Educational Institute (EI), the world's leading provider of hospitality training and professional certification. From front-of-the-house to back-of-the-house, management to line level, EI has the resources to ensure that your staff are top notch performers. For more information, visit www.ahlei.org.

Access the world's premier network for hospitality careers

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 16, 2009

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 www.ahla.com/careers or calling (800) 832-3738.

Cut music and licensing fees by up to 5%

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009

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 download licensing agreements, visit the Members Only section of www.ahla.com.

Nominate your star programs and employees for prestigious award

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2009

Give your staff the highest compliment by submitting a Stars of the Industry award nomination. This national honor recognizes both outstanding employees and programs, and winners are awarded at a ceremony during the AH&LA Summer Summit in June. Entering a nomination is free and open to all members. For more information, visit www.ahla.com/stars or contact Bevin Padden at bpadden@ahla.com or (202) 289-3177.

Get the most complete lodging statistics

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2009

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.

Protect your property with Hyphen Construction Group

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2009

Hyphen Construction Group's Hurricane/Disaster Response Program offers turnkey solutions to any project that requires remediation and/or restoration because of fire, wind or water damage. Hyphen Construction Group charges a fee to enroll in its Hurricane/Disaster Response Program, but AH&LA members get it waived. Log in to AH&LA's members-only section for more information.

Women in Lodging CONNECT -- powerful women who empower women

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2009

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 www.ahla.com/WIL to learn more.

Get a mentor; be a mentor

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2009

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 (www.ahla.com/WIL). Contact Jon Simons at jsimons@ahla.com for details.

Silent auction now live -- place your bid!

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2009

AH&LEF's Big Apple Silent Auction has just launched online. Place your bid -- starting at just 30% of retail -- on vacation packages, merchandise, the coveted USA TODAY full-page ad and more. The auction closes at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and attendees of the AH&LA Fall Conference can peruse items onsite. Proceeds directly support AH&LA's Foundation.

Earning your CHA just got easier

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2009

Candidates for the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) designation now 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 and then direct them to specific resources for study and review. Click here for more information.

Curious about AH&LA membership?

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009

There's a lot included in AH&LA membership, from discount programs to legislative involvement to educational programming and more. If you work at a property, take this seven-question survey to receive an instant, custom analysis of the benefits most likely to appeal to you. All hospitality professionals and students can fill out this short form to have their questions personally answered.

Save up to 6.5 cents per gallon on fuel

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 09, 2009

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 non-association 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.

The only event specifically for HR hospitality professionals

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009

Get valuable tips straight from the CEOs of Loews Hotels and Travelport plus updates on new developments in employment law and labor relations at the HR in Hospitality™ Conference & Expo, Feb. 22 to 24, 2010, at Wynn Las Vegas. Register early and save $350. Plus AH&LA members save an additional $100! E-mail membership@ahla.com for your savings promo code. www.HRinHospitality.com

Save 10% on essential compensation, benchmarking, benefits survey information

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009

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 www.ahla.com for more information.

Green, greener, greenest -- where are you on the spectrum?

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009

Redesigned to help tailor resources to your needs, AH&LA's Green Resource Center offers ideas, guidelines and tools for the hotel industry, no matter where in the process your property lies. There's valuable information showing you how to achieve instant or short-term ROI and free online tracking tools for members, so be sure to visit www.ahla.com/green.

Get industry data and information when you need it

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009

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

New FedEx discount for AH&LA members

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009

AH&LA members can now 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, please go to www.1800members.com/ahla or call 800-MEMBERS or (800) 636-2377. Contact Kim Weed at kweed@ahla.com or (202) 289-3116 with questions.

Advertise in USA TODAY and save up to 25%

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009

AH&LA members receive an exclusive 25% discount off regional and national advertising in Travel Today, the weekly travel display feature, along with a 20% discount off 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.

Online advertising offers higher, trackable ROI for group business

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009

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 press 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.

One online stop for five RFPs

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009

Search for bedding, furniture, uniforms and everything in between with the Ultimate Hotel Buyers Guide, the most comprehensive online hospitality directory, and 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 www.ahla.com to begin your free search.

Learn the ins and outs of social media

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

On AH&LA's revised social-media section, anyone can 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.

H1N1 Influenza Management for Hotels manual released

AH&LA SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009

Make sure your property is prepared to handle employee absenteeism, sick guests, increased sanitation efforts and the many other challenges H1N1 is predicted to bring to our industry. AH&LA's new 25-page guide can help answer many of your questions about the flu in the workplace. Visit www.ahla.com/flu for updates throughout the season, as well as additional resources and guidelines.

Access hospitality decision makers

AH&LA SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009

With more than 10,000 hotel owners and operators as members, hospitality suppliers who join AH&LA as an allied member gain access to the industry's key decision makers. Additional benefits to raise your visibility and harness more leads significantly outweigh the flat $1,000 annual fee, and your membership is a catalyst for closing more business. Click here for more details on allied membership.

Hosts Hotels & Resorts makes generous donation

AH&LA SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009

Hosts Hotels & Resorts has donated $5,000 to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation Annual Giving Campaign, supporting its mission to build tomorrow's hotel industry and the talent to fuel it. This generous donation will enable AH&LEF to fund scholarships and industry research. Learn how you can contribute by visiting www.ahlef.org.

AH&LA President & CEO Joe McInerney's hotel challenge

AH&LA SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009

Joe challenges you to help the foundation reach its 2009 fundraising goal. If the goal is met, the uniform goes on. One lucky hotel in Washington, D.C., will have Joe at its disposal as a doorman, front desk clerk, housekeeping attendant -- whatever it needs. It's up to you to send our fearless leader to the frontline! Click here to donate.

Get your copy of the 2008 Lodging Survey

AH&LA SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009

Considered the lodging industry's most thorough survey, the study is conducted every two years to track the size, scope and emerging trends of the lodging industry, from bathroom amenities to business services to bed size and more. More than 10,000 properties were surveyed, and AH&LA members can download this full report for free on the Members Only section of www.ahla.com.

Last chance to save 20% on Supervisory Skill Builders

AH&LA SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2009

During October, save 20% on Supervisory Skill Builders products from the Educational Institute, and we'll donate 20% of proceeds to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Topics include skill builders for the restaurant and food industry, private clubs, the gaming industry and more. To order, visit www.ahlei.org/ssb or call (800) 752-4567 by Oct. 31 and reference SSBTP.

Achieving success in any economy

AH&LA SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2009

Using AH&LA's official guidelines for protecting your bottom line as a platform, 10 properties have each made a tactic work for them and now share their successes. Learn how they're increasing profits, retaining employees and preparing for the future by visiting www.ahla.com/success. Positive results can be achieved in this economy, and these front-runners show you how.

Hospitality Leadership Forum offers CEO insight and industry overview

AH&LA SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009

During this one-day conference with the AH&LA Fall Conference as a backdrop, five top CEOs share candid secrets and strategies for gaining a competitive advantage in 2010. Immediately following, research experts reveal their forecasts and projections for the upcoming year. You won't have access to this privy information anywhere else, so register now. Additional educational sessions to follow.

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