The Lodging Conference Connects AH&LEF With The Investment Community

Washington | The 12th annual Lodging Conference is promoting the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF), the not-for-profit affiliate of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The Lodging Conference, Sept. 18-21, 2006, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz., is one of the industry’s most successful events for deal making, information gathering, and networking opportunities.

To encourage attendees to support AH&LEF and its industry initiatives, the Conference will include AH&LEF’s Annual Giving brochure in all welcome bags; post information about AH&LEF on the Conference Web site; provide free registration to 10 AH&LEF scholarship students; display onsite signage at the registration desk and exhibit hall; and include information about the Foundation, including a donor coupon, in future conference brochures.

"We're grateful to The Lodging Conference for providing AH&LEF with this increased visibility, and we hope each attendee will consider making a donation to AH&LEF," said AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA. “Funded solely by individual and corporate donations, AH&LEF is the only source the industry has to fund essential research and educational programs. The industry's progress depends upon it."

The Foundation identifies, cultivates, and supports the human talent, research, and initiatives most vital to the progress and prosperity of the lodging industry. Its reach extends to all facets of the industry, from workforce development to studies on the impact of room taxes and energy management. This year, AH&LEF will disburse nearly one million dollars to prepare promising college students for a career in hospitality, attract and retain quality industry professionals, and fund valuable research for lodging properties. Since the Foundation’s inception, $5 million has been disbursed through its scholarship, education, and outreach programs, as well as more than $2.2 million through its research programs.

"For years, we have hosted AH&LEF students at the conference," said Conference Chairman Morris Lasky and Conference Producer Harry Javer. "They are the future of our industry. The Conference affords them with an opportunity to meet one-on-one with top executives, and learn first-hand what it's like to work in the hospitality industry. It was only natural to take our support of AH&LEF a step further."

For more information about AH&LEF-funded research and scholarships, visit . To donate to the AH&LEF Annual Giving Campaign, contact Michelle Poinelli, vice president of foundation programs, at (202) 289-3181 or [email protected], or visit . All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

For information, visit The Lodging Conference Website at .

AH&LEF is the charitable fund-raising and endowed fund-management subsidiary of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Founded in 1953, AH&LEF is the premier organization for scholarships, professional certification, and instructional material as well as funding for hospitality industry research. For more information on AH&LEF, visit .

Serving the hospitality industry for nearly 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.