Washington, D.C., | The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) Under 30 Gateway – the association’s newest membership category exclusively for young hospitality professionals – has teamed with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation's Mentorship Center at San Diego State University to host the ‘Gateway Afternoon of Service’ Sunday, January 25, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Industry students, hospitality professionals, and attendees of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) will convene at San Diego’s High School of International Studies to beautify their campus by painting, landscaping, and generally cleaning up the area.

This is the first volunteer event coordinated by the Gateway, with the goal of providing San Diego's future hospitality leaders in this inner city school a place they are proud to go and learn everyday. The event, organized in part by the high school students themselves, will be followed by an informal networking reception nearby in downtown for attendees of all ages to further build relationships.

“The young people in our association have taken the initiative to identify a need in this community, and organized an event that will have a profoundly positive impact on the city’s future industry employees,” said Joe McInerney, AH&LA president/CEO. “And I am personally looking forward to rolling up my sleeves with volunteers young and old to bring hospitality back to where it begins – in our educational system.”

There is no cost to participate, though online registration is required by Wednesday, January 21 via . Questions and press inquiries can be directed to Jessica Soklow at .

This event is also sponsored by Icelandic Glacial, Inc. More information about the Gateway, its member benefits and programs is online at www.ahla.com/Gateway. Gateway membership is free to hospitality professionals under age 30 who are currently employed by AH&LA member companies.

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.

Rosanna Maietta
AH&LA