AH&LA Women In Lodging Council To Host Networking Event At The Lodging Conference

Washington, The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) Women in Lodging Council (WIL) will host its third networking event during the 12thth annual Lodging Conference on September 19 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz. The networking event is sponsored by Carlson Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Women from every sector and segment of the industry are invited to attend the reception, which will capitalize on the latest trend to help female lodging professionals connect and build ties—“Speed Networking.” Participants will have the opportunity to exchange insight, information, and laughter in a 90-minute round of rapid networking.

“These events will provide AH&LA women members and students the opportunity to network with senior leaders in the industry in a fun atmosphere,” said WIL Chairman Nancy Johnson, executive vice president, brand leader full service, Carlson Hotels Worldwide. “Thus far, our events have proven to be valuable networking tools. With females comprising more than 40 percent of business travelers, and more women than men entering our hospitality schools, the Council is always looking at new ways to educate, engage, and support this vital center of business and leadership in our industry.”

In addition, on September 20, an all-star panel of women executives will discuss hotel branding; panelists include Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president, marketing, Best Western International, Inc.; Holly Houston, vice president, communications and brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants; Gina LaBarre, vice president, brand management, Candlewood Suites; and Rebecca Wyatt, senior vice president, brand management, Homewood Suites and Hilton Hotels Corporation.

The Council, which launched in May 2005, is comprised of more than a dozen high-ranking executives of major lodging companies. WIL is charged with fostering the development of women to obtain leadership competencies to further their career growth.

WIL was formed by AH&LA to promote opportunities for women within the lodging industry. WIL is tasked with focus on attracting, retaining, and engaging the best talent; promoting women’s leadership into executive positions within the lodging industry; promoting a culture of inclusiveness and cultural awareness; and contributing to business development efforts, including the women’s markets.

For more information, visit or call Kathryn Potter, AH&LA vice president of marketing & communications, at (202) 289-3130.

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.