AHLA Foundation's Annual ForWard conference advances women in hospitality
The foundation launched the ‘Move Hospitality ForWard’ campaign at the conference
By Vishnu Rageev RMay 04, 2024
AROUND 1,000 ATTENDEES from across the hotel industry gathered for AHLA Foundation's annual ForWard conference held recently at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. This year’s conference theme, “Right the Narrative,” centered on the power of storytelling and the importance of amplifying the stories and voices of women in the hotel industry.
The three-day event featured industry leaders and speakers who shared knowledge focused on advancing women in hospitality, AHLA foundation said in a statement.
“The reality is, when women in our industry advance, the industry as a whole benefits,” said Anna Blue, AHLA Foundation’s president. “This is an event like no other – the energy and excitement are contagious – and the rapid growth of the ForWard initiative demonstrates the need for spaces that champion and elevate women.”
The foundation launched the "Move Hospitality ForWard" campaign during the conference. Proceeds from this six-week giving campaign will support the ForWard initiative—an industry-wide effort to advance women in the hotel industry through curated programs and events like the annual ForWard conference, the foundation said.
Keynote speakers at the two-day conference included Shola Richards, founder and CEO of Go Together Global and best-selling author; Zainab Johnson, stand-up comedian, actress; and Liz Plank, CEO of Liz Plank Productions, the statement added. The event also featured industry leaders such as Julienne Smith, chief development officer at IHG Hotels & Resorts and chair of the AHLA Foundation Board of Trustees; Kevin Jacobs, chief financial officer and president of global development at Hilton and chairman of AHLA’s Board of Directors; and Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
AHLA Foundation organized breakout sessions covering topics from the "unhustle” mindset to transformational leadership habits, the foundation said. The main stage addressed global hotel industry trends, advocacy's power, and featured insights from next-gen leaders, industry disruptors, and leading experts.
AHLA recently stated it is considering litigation to challenge the U.S. Department of Labor's final rule on overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, concerned it could lead to the elimination of essential managerial positions.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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