AHLA Association News
AH&LA secures ambush election victory
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
AH&LA and the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace secured a victory in a lawsuit brought against the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in which the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia blocked the ambush election rule. The court stated that the December 22, 2011, ambush election rule was published without a quorum of at least three members being present and thus invalidated the rule without having to decide whether the board otherwise had the authority to issue it or whether it was a desirable policy outcome. For more information, visit www.ahla.com.
Information center provides wealth of resources
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
AH&LA members have unlimited access to a full-service research center dedicated to assisting them with industry-related questions. The AH&LA Information Center maintains extensive working files on thousands of hospitality-related topics. Contact Research Manager Tamika Figgs at informationcenter@ahla.com or 888-743-2515 with your member questions.
40% discount off FedEx Office
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Double your savings at FedEx Office! As an AH&LA member you are eligible to save up to 20% on the materials you need most with FedEx Office® copy and print services. And now you can save up to 40% through May 2013. It's the perfect time to save big on color copies, posters, signs, banners, direct mail services and much more. To start saving, visit enrolladvantage.fedex.com and use passcode WSGPBB or call (800)-MEMBERS.
New report examines top multicultural groups' spending power
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
AH&LA's foundation funded a study to quantify the travel and spending power of the top five multicultural groups: African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) and females. Providing a snapshot of the size and potential economic impact if harnessed, it also examines differences in media usage, leisure travel activities, and attitudes toward travel. AH&LA members can download for free.
The WIL Project
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Join AH&LA's Women in Lodging (WIL) by June 1 and win a visit from AH&LA Chair Nancy Johnson. With 25 state chapters going strong, if you are not in a state with a chapter, consider starting one. These local chapters provide extra opportunities to meet more industry women in your community and help get more out of your membership. Contact Kathryn Potter to get started.
AH&LA partners with groups assisting veterans
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
AH&LA is working with two groups that share a similar mission -- hiring veterans. America Wants You brings together the private sector and corporate America to find job opportunities for men and women who have served in the U.S. military. First lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces is a comprehensive national initiative to mobilize all sectors to give service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned around employment, education and wellness.
Young professionals get connected to the industry
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
AH&LA's Under 30 Gateway offers members 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 www.ahla.com/Gateway. It's free to anyone employed at an AH&LA member organization, so spread the word.
Post open positions for 20% less
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
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's accessed by more than 750,000 unique Web visitors every month. Meet the right candidates by visiting www.ahla.com/careers or calling (800) 832-7425.
Technology webinar series
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
AH&LA has partnered with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals to offer a series of short technology and e-business webinars based on AH&LA's Technology Primer documents. Consisting of 12 sessions, the program runs through October 2012, and each webinar offers live audio and interaction and is free to HFTP and AH&LA members. Visit here to learn more.
New green guidelines detail ROI
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
Created by AH&LA Green Guru Pat Maher, new case studies for improving energy, water and waste have been added to AH&LA's Green Resource Center. From installing waterless urinals and landscape-irrigation systems to recycling mattresses, these guidelines are broken down into easy-to-understand descriptions and implementation procedures, complete with ROI analysis. For more resources, visit www.ahla.com/green.
Bob Alter supports Annual Giving fund
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
Bob Alter, president of Seaview Investors, on behalf of the Alter family, contributed $5,000 to the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation Annual Giving Campaign, marking his fifth consecutive $5,000 donation. All AH&LEF contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information about donating, visit www.ahlef.org.
American Express and AH&LA give hospitality credit
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
Now on AH&LA's site, you'll find an array of business services from American Express to help you better understand and connect with your guests. Resources include Business Insights, which analyzes consumer spending trends and Loyalty Edge, which provides tools to optimize loyalty programs, as well as small business resources and gift card options. Visit www.ahla.com/amex to learn more.
AH&LA secures pool/spa lift extension
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a substantial postponement of the ADA compliance date for existing pools and spas with ADA requirements for accessible entries. The new compliance date, Jan. 31, 2013, is more than an additional nine months beyond the original date of March 15. But, the announcement does not change the substance of DOJ's "fixed" lift requirement. DOJ noted that this delay does not affect pool and spas that are under construction or are being altered. The fixed lift requirement applies now to pools and spas being constructed or altered. However, in retaining this requirement, DOJ did not address concerns raised by AH&LA such as the increased liability associated with making lifts permanently available when lifeguards are not present, sharing of lifts between multiple pools and spas, or the extensive construction and electrical bonding work needed to install fixed lifts. Visit www.ahla.com for more information.
Distribution Channel Analysis: A Guide for Hotels
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
This special report, released by AH&LA and STR and published by the HSMAI Foundation, discusses the effects of channel mix on profitability and what the industry can expect in the future. It's based on interviews with hundreds of industry executives and data from more than 25,000 hotels and 100 brands. You'll gain insight for determining your optimal channel mix.
Appoint 5 contacts
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
When your organization becomes a member of AH&LA, up to five employees can be elected as contacts to receive all AH&LA communication and benefits. It's a great way to keep HR in the know about labor issues or your PR department current on the latest media frenzy. Just contact member services at (800) 252-2462 or membership@ahla.com to have names added.
Interactive calculator exposes your credit card processing fees
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
Calculate your card processing rates with the American Hotel & Lodging Association's rate calculator courtesy of Heartland Payment Systems and discover how you may be able to reduce the costs of one of your hotel's largest expenses. Visit knowyourhotelscardrates.com to find out what you're really paying in processing fees.
New ADA regulations in effect
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
AH&LA obtained a 60-day extension to the pool lift compliance date and DOJ is weighing a possible six-month extension in order to allow additional time to address misunderstandings. In the meantime, there are other ADA regulations that have gone into effect, and AH&LA has resources for members, including the top things to know for your property and employees, webinars and the new 2012 ADA guide. Visit the members-only section of www.ahla.com under "governmental affairs" in the business section. It's time to be in compliance -- or be subjected to a fine.
Don't fall for it
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
If one hotel is the target of a scam, chances are the incident will repeat itself. Visit the industry scam update page in AH&LA's members-only section to learn about scams across the country. By being aware of the fraudulent behavior, you can ensure it doesn't happen to your property. To report a scam, contact Kathryn Potter at kpotter@ahla.com.
Become a Certified Guest Service Property
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
Nickelodeon Suites Resorts in Orlando is the first hotel to earn the Certified Guest Service Property designation from the Educational Institute by certifying 100% of its front-line employees as Certified Guest Service Professionals (CGSP). Visit www.ahlei.org/guestservicegold to learn how your property can "go for the gold" with guest service training and certification.
Free webinar archive
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
From ADA regulations to bed bugs to healthcare, AH&LA has a library of webinars that AH&LA members can watch and listen to for free. Each session features an expert panel and concludes with Q&A from attendees. Visit here to access these resources now.
Strengthen expertise, affect industry change
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
Sit side-by-side with industry professionals working in your same capacity in a forum dedicated to furthering your specialty. AH&LA members can participate in more than 30 committees, ranging from HR to technology and F&B and everything in between. Most meet twice a year and there's no cost to join. Learn more at www.ahla.com/committees.
USA Today discounts ads by 25%
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
AH&LA members receive an exclusive 25% discount off regional and national advertising in Travel Today, the weekly travel display feature. Let USA TODAY & USATODAY.com help deliver your message to more than 3 million frequent travelers daily. For a tailored campaign to meet your needs, contact Tom Tempe at (703) 854-5444 or ttempe@usatoday.com.
Prepare security personnel to handle critical issues
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
The revised Lodging Security Officer program from the Educational Institute has been updated with new information on child trafficking, active shooters, hostage situations and more. The four modules and DVD are ideal for self-study or group training, and can prepare employees to be a Certified Lodging Security Officer.
Statistics detail industry at large
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
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. There are valuable reports for hoteliers and hospitality suppliers, 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.
Step-by-step social media tutorials
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
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. Check out executive blogs while you're there.
AH&LA Summer Summit registration open
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
Join hoteliers from across the country June 12-13 at the InterContinental Houston to hear the latest industry trends, drive the direction of the industry through high-level committee meetings, salute the national Stars of the Industry Award winners and enjoy networking receptions. For more information, visit www.ahla.com/summersummit.
PCI compliance 101
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
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. Funded by the Foundation, AH&LA members can download their free copy.
Accurate compensation data on time, every time
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
Find out why your star performers are leaving or if your competition is paying more by participating in the most powerful compensation survey in the nation! WageWatch delivers detailed compensation data in easy-to-read online reports designed for HR professionals who need local, regional and national data, including 264 hospitality specific jobs delivered at less than $1 a day. Additional discounts are available for AH&LA members. For more information, please call (888) 330-WAGE(9243) or e-mail custserv@wagewatch.com.
Get in front of meeting planners
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
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 new, qualified prospects. Learn more here, or contact Katherine Markham, CHME, at 301-975-9462 or katherinem@conventionplanit.com.
Teleconferencing rates at 25% off
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
Moreson Conferencing just slashed its AH&LA member-only rates for MoresonUnited reservationless teleconferencing services by 25% for AH&LA members. 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. Find out more.
Report examines top multicultural groups' spending power
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
AH&LA's foundation funded a study to quantify the travel and spending power of the top five multicultural groups: African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) and females. Providing a snapshot of the size and potential economic impact if harnessed, it also examines differences in media usage, leisure travel activities, and attitudes toward travel. AH&LA members can download for free.
New technology webinar series
AH&LA SmartBrief | May 01, 2012
AH&LA has partnered with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals to offer a series of short technology and e-business webinars based on AH&LA's Technology Primer documents. Consisting of 12 sessions, the program runs through October 2012, and each webinar offers live audio and interaction and is free to HFTP and AH&LA members. Visit here to learn more.
Sign up for AH&LA SmartBrief
