40 hospitality associations to help expand your network in 2026
The comprehensive guide covers international, US/Canada, Europe, and Asia-Pacific associations offering networking, education, and advocacy for hospitality professionals.
General Management
Emotional Intelligence in Management to Lead Sustainable Tourism
Academic research proposes ability-emotional intelligence as a trainable skill for tourism managers to better navigate stakeholder relationships in social enterprises.
By Inès Blal and Juliane Völker
GBTA Urges U.S. Congress and Administration to End Global Entry Suspension, Citing Increased Security and Business Travel Risks
GBTA warns that Global Entry suspension due to the government shutdown will create airport delays and hurt the $395.4B business travel market.
NOT DONE Weekly - 5 Tenets I Live By as Delivered at Choice Hotels HQ
The former Remington CEO shares his five-tenet leadership framework delivered to Choice Hotels sales leaders, covering context, focus, continuous improvement, culture ownership, and systems-based goal achievement.
London To Host 52nd Annual General Meeting Of The European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA)
The March 2026 event will focus on AI and IoT applications in guest experience, featuring sessions across iconic London hotels including The Dorchester and Savoy.
Expert Views (9)
Firas Mneimneh, General Manager, Radisson Hotel Group
In the Middle East, balancing cultural intelligence with strong local identity is not theoretical—it is an everyday operational reality. Our hotels welcome guests from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the region itself, often under the same roof and at the same moment.
Rens Breur, General Manager, Pan Pacific
Cultural intelligence and local identity are not competing ideals, they are two expressions of the same promise of hospitality. The balance lies in protecting the essence of place while refining how service is expressed. Cultural intelligence begins with listening.
Kai Dieckmann, General Manager, Four Seasons
One of the brand traits that sets Four Seasons apart is the adaptation and embracing of local culture. This will be particularly reflected here in Saudi Arabia where the Kingdom is rooted in deep traditions with incredible heritage while at the same time being the pace-setter in many aspects of modern life.
HFTP Appoints Lyle Worthington, HFTP Global Past President, as 2026 EU Operations Advisor
Worthington, who founded E20X startup competition during his 2014-15 presidency, will guide HFTP's strategic growth across Europe.
Luxury Hospitality Moves Beyond Opulence
EHL students analyzed 65 guest interviews and 869 reviews to identify how hotels can incorporate quiet luxury through secluded locations, local materials, and authentic cultural experiences.
HSMAI Announces 2026 Recipients of the Robert A. Gilbert Award for Career Achievement in Commercial Strategy
Mary Casey (formerly Starwood/Maritz), Jeff Doane (Omni), and André Fournier (CoralTree) will be honored at HSMAI's Adrian Awards and Commercial Strategy Conference.
Anchored Identity in a Borderless World
Cultural intelligence and strong local identity are not opposing forces, they mature together.
View by George Vlachopoulos, Area General Manager, Six Senses La Sagesse and InterContinental Grenada Resort (pre-opening), Six Senses
David Kong, Former CEO of Best Western Hotels, talks Lessons and One "Failure"
Kong reflects on 17+ years leading Best Western's transformation and warns that scale and capital access will determine industry winners as AI reshapes operations.
David Kong in conversation with Sloan Dean
After Remington: Jason Reader, COO of Davidson Hospitality Group, talks Leadership and Balance
Davidson's COO discusses 2026 budget challenges with flat revenue expectations while emphasizing strategic focus on full-service properties and specialized teams to combat commoditization.
By Jason Reader and Sloan Dean
From Revenue Manager to Venture Capitalist: How KJ is Bringing Innovation to the Whole Hospitality Ecosystem
Career profile explores transition from hotel operations role to investment, highlighting innovation focus across hospitality technology landscape.
Sloan Dean in conversation with Kurien Jacob
ISHC Honors Bruce White with the Pioneer Award at ALIS
The award recognizes White's transformative impact on hotel development and management, with the honor accepted by his family at the industry conference.
Forbes Travel Guide Reveals 2026 Star Awards
Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG")—the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises—today unveiled its 2026 Star Awards. See the full list of honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com.
Craig Smith, CEO of Aimbridge Hospitality, on Leading through a Reset
Aimbridge CEO Craig Smith discusses scaling leadership from single-property management to multi-unit oversight and the consolidation opportunities in third-party hotel management.
Craig Smith in conversation with Sloan Dean
Hospitality America Marks 30 Years of Partnership-Led Growth and Operational Stewardship
The South Carolina-based company operates hotels across the Southeast and Midwest, with recent openings including Element Charleston Airport and Hotel Avail in Arkansas.
Markos Chaidemenos of Canaves Collection on Family Leadership, Nature, and Sustainability
Markos Chaidemenos explains how Canaves Collection balances family leadership, environmental restraint, and operational discipline to create distinctive luxury experiences on Santorini.
Beyond Berlin and Munich: The Fontenay’s Thies Sponholz on Hamburg’s Luxury Moment
Thies Sponholz discusses winning Germany's Hotelier of the Year 2026 award and how The Fontenay has elevated Hamburg's luxury hotel scene since 2018.
A Conversation with the President of Hilton, Chris Silcock
Hilton's President discusses data-driven revenue management, brand portfolio strategy, and AI's potential to transform hotel operations and distribution.
By Chris Silcock and Sloan Dean