Women in Lodging Connect Launched

Washington, (USA) – 3 March 2012 – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has launched a Women in Lodging (WIL) Connect national competition in honor of March’s National Women’s Month. The competition challenges WIL state chapters to rally the most new members by June 1. Currently there are 17 chapters across 20 states, so the competition also encourages the launch of new state chapters. The prize – a visit to one of your events from AH&LA Chair and WIL Founder Nancy Johnson, chief development officer, the Americas, Carlson Reitzer Hotel Group. And one lucky chapter member wins a complimentary ticket to the WIL Connect keynote and luncheon on November 12.

WIL is a free membership group to anyone employed at an AH&LA member organization, offering resources for women to accelerate their careers, including events, a national newsletter, and mentoring opportunities. State chapters provide a new level of networking and educational opportunities, and involvement is included with the national membership. Currently there are more than 1,500 members.

“Although record numbers of women are joining the executive ranks in our industry every day, there is still a significant disparity in female representation at the top,” said Johnson. “Communities like WIL help foster beneficial relationships and industry knowledge to help women take control of their careers.”

If you’re not currently a WIL member, visit www.ahla.com/WIL to join and to see if there’s already a chapter in your state and how to get involved. To start a chapter, contact Kathryn Potter at kpotter@ahla.com.

About the AH&LA
Serving the hospitality industry for a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members.

Media Contact:
Kathryn Potter
kpotter@ahla.com