Press Releases

Company Culture Earns Hospitality America USA Today ‘Top Workplaces 2024’ Award

What earns a hotel company the best-place-to-work designation? For employees of Hospitality America, it is “culture and coworkers,” “flexible scheduling,” and “respect, understanding and value given to my work” that enabled the third-party hotel management company to win the coveted “Top Workplaces 2024” award, co-sponsored by USA Today and Energage™. The Top Workplaces USA awards recognize midsize and large organizations with operations in multiple markets. Employers with at least 150 employees are eligible. Hospitality America participated in the Hotel Sector/Private Ownership category with 500 to 999 employees. Winners were identified solely based on employee feedback gathered through the Energage employee engagement survey.

Leadership Defines Culture and Organizational Purpose

Throughout numerous HSMAI meetings, including board meetings, commercial week, and leadership conferences, a consistent and powerful theme has emerged regarding the role of leadership in the post-pandemic era. It has become evident that effective leadership is paramount in defining an organization’s culture, fostering a sense of community, and serving as a shining example of collaborative teamwork. The insights presented in this excerpt from the HSMAI Foundation Special Report: The State of Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization Talent 2023-2024 are attributed to HSMAI board members and leaders from these meetings.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Evan Sewell & Marvella Castaneda Champion Hospitality and Inclusion at Signia by Hilton Atlanta

At Hilton, celebrating and empowering our women team members is something we’re focused on year-round, and we believe these efforts help make us the award-winning company we are today. With so many amazing women-led teams, Hilton is proud to commemorate Women’s History Month by showcasing two outstanding leaders at the newly opened Signia by Hilton Atlanta: Director of Beverage Evan Sewell and Sommelier Marvella Castaneda.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Hospitality Leaders: Retention through Upskilling, Reskilling, and Providing Pathways to Upward Mobility

The HSMAI Foundation Special Report: The State of Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization Talent 2023-2024, explores the idea: Hands-on learning is the only way to build a pipeline of talent ready for unknown roles. You have to build this talent because you cannot buy them (McCarthy, 2023). As we navigate the 21st century, the need for upskilling and reskilling is more critical than ever, particularly in the sales, marketing, distribution, revenue management, and loyalty space not only to retain valuable employees but also to position the hospitality industry as a destination career choice. 

WTTC Pays Tribute to James Robinson III

WTTC is saddened to hear of the death of one of our Founding Members & the first WTTC Chair, James Robinson III, the former Chairman and CEO of American Express. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Breaking Barriers and Honoring Legacy: A Conversation with the Palace Hotel's First Female General Manager

A: Being the first female General Manager at the Palace Hotel, and previously the first female Hotel Manager in 2017 and 2018, is a profound honor for me. I've had the privilege of working alongside many talented women in hospitality throughout my career, particularly here in San Francisco, so while it's not entirely unprecedented, it's certainly an important milestone. Beginning my journey as a room attendant in housekeeping, I'm thrilled to serve as another example for women in hospitality, showcasing that gender and humble beginnings does not limit one's career trajectory.