Hospitality and Lodging Organizations

Hospitality and lodging organizations provide the busy professional with numerous resources
By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter Hospitality professional associations is a collection of professionals who are passionate about the hospitality industry and want to share their knowledge and experience. They offer chances to network, sources of support and various solutions in the hospitality industry. They represent your voice before Congress and lobby for legislation that affects the industry.

Hospitality professional organizations link you to seminars, courses and workshops, which examine emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas and get access to a library of information, as well as links to other hospitality industry organizations, conferences and resources. As a result, your professional development is fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using hospitality professional organizations to network as a professional in the industry.

2. Examining various hospitality group membership levels.

3. Taking advantage of educational opportunities.

Use hospitality organizations to meet and network with professionals

Lodging organizations range from national groups to local associations. The organizations share a common goal: to promote and advance the hotel industry.
Try:  Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association (HEDNA) is an international lodging organization with the goal of promoting and accelerating the use of electronic hotel reservation methods. Attend HEDNA´s bi-annual conferences to hear from speakers about technological advancements affecting the hospitality industry. Attendees are given a variety of opportunities to network with colleagues. International Society for Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) is a trade association for consultants specializing in hospitality. Find information on conferences, access to a global network of hospitality professionals and a speakers bureau, with dynamic speakers online. Choose your topic ranging from time shares, hospitality design and franchising.

Pay membership dues annually to belong to lodging organizations

Hospitality organizations' dues vary depending on the commitment you're willing to give. There are several levels including professional and student memberships.
Try:  Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) is a not-for-profit hospitality organization that brings professionals together with educational, networking and professional development opportunities. There are 18 chapters in many regional areas. Join as a general, associate, student or education professional member. There are different membership dues depending on the chapter. New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) has more than 1,300 member businesses and professionals. It's America's oldest lodging association, with services and programs to help add value to your properties. NYSH&TA members include hotels, conference centers, resorts, country inns, attractions, bed and breakfast establishments, historical sites, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce and even industry suppliers. Download and print an application and fax it to NYSH&TA.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining hospitality and lodging organizations

When you join hospitality professional associations, you obtain access to many career development tools such as magazines, business reports, scholarships, education, leadership development, courses and seminars. These tools and resources allow you to advance your skills, increase your knowledge and optimize your performance and position.
Try:  Green Hotels Association is an organization for hospitality establishments that are committed to ecological consciousness. Green hotels save energy, water and reduce solid waste. Keep up-to-date on green industry news, updates and products online. Pennsylvania Travel Council's goal is to promote and protect the interests of the tourism and hospitality industry in Pennsylvania. There are newsletters online, as well as a hospitality operations guide, to help you develop your career.

• Consider a company membership instead of individual membership to a hospitality professional association, so that several employees can benefit.