5 American Hotel & Lodging Association Functions

  • Publishing Industry News, Data, and Research
  • Sharing Best Practices and Career Resources
  • Representing Members on Capitol Hill
  • Providing Educational Opportunities
  • Providing Networking Opportunities

American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) was originally established in Chicago in 1910 as The American Hotel Protective Association, a regional trade association. The AHLA has evolved with the industry and now represents hotel owners and global hotel brands, bed and breakfasts, management companies and real estate investment trusts (REITs), industry partners and suppliers, and state hotel associations. The AHLA has five primary functions through which it provides services for its members.

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1. Publishing Industry News, Data, and Research

The AHLA publishes news, data, and research on its website; much of it is open access, while exclusive content is also provided for its members. Industrywide topics range from economic and demographic studies, market research, industry-wide surveys, and explanations and evaluations of current legislation. The AHLA Newsroom provides the latest in press releases and lobbying efforts to help keep members to date on current industry events.

2. Sharing Best Practices and Career Resources

The AHLA promotes best practices through key events like the AHLA Safety Summit, The Americas Lodging Investment Summit, various wine and food shows, and hospitality conferences. These events often feature presentations by industry leaders and legislative officials. Panel discussions range from the implementation of key policies and procedures to the development of training programs and materials. Members can also become members of AHLA councils and committees, shaping the future of the lodging industry through their collective experience.

3. Representing Members on Capitol Hill

The AHLA serves as an advocate for its members in the development of beneficial legislation. The AHLA agenda supports policies that protect guests and promote a positive guest experience, lead to industry and job growth, and fosters employee development and career advancement. Some of its recent advocacy work has involved the implementation of resort fees and attempts to limit short-term home sharing.

4. Providing Educational Opportunities

In addition to its efforts to share industry research and promote best practices, the AHLA provides unique educational opportunities. Not only does it hold conventions and summits that include seminars and workshops, but the AHLA also sponsors its own educational facility, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) located in Orlando, Florida. The institute provides training for the hotel industry as well as professional certifications. The AHLEI has produced a number of textbooks that are used in hospitality schools across the US. The institute also provides educational material online through distance learning courses, videos, and webinars.

5. Providing Networking Opportunities

With 24,000 members, 9 out of 10 top hotel brands, and 80% of all franchise hotels as members, there is plenty of opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders. As with most industries, attending one of the many conventions is an excellent way to connect with other AHLA members. The committees and councils also allow members to become part of smaller more exclusive groups focusing on individual issues. In addition, AHLA members have the opportunity to attend HotelPAC Receptions, events that focus on strengthening the industries political voice by educating and mobilizing members.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association has been the most influential advocate for the lodging industry for over 100 years. Membership is intended to promote industry growth and standards as well as personal development.