AHLA Foundation

AHLA Foundation Inspiring, supporting, and elevating all who work to advance the hotel industry.

07/10/2026

A hotel hero is someone who goes above and beyond in a true time of need—putting their own interests last to aid a guest, colleague, or property during a difficult situation or unexpected event. Do you know a team member like that? Nominate them for the 2027 Hotel Hero Award! 🏆

Daniel De La Cruz, maintenance employee at the Ramada Santa Barbara, and 2026 Hotel Hero Award recipient, is a dedicated hospitality professional with more than 16 years of service who is known for his reliability, care for others, and quiet leadership. His impact extends far beyond daily operations. Through quick thinking and selfless action, Daniel has saved multiple lives, including rescuing a child from a pond and performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking guest. His courage and compassion exemplify the true “Hotel Hero” spirit.

The hotel industry thrives because of the incredible people who make hospitality their passion. Nominate your hotel hero by July 17: https://ahla.secure-platform.com/a?utm_campaign=10530738-GM%20and%20STARS%20Awards&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_L6GLc0yR9PMUGmuHBhkpHw8ygkJ6fyjg1PXOpitJvUd6kb8ls32ht3GDssnS3cXisqkZVq6s4V3EB_qnVYfqR8-XUyA&_hsmi=420960445&utm_content=420960445&utm_source=hs_email

➡️ Questions? See our nomination guide: https://content.ahla.com/hubfs/2026%20GM-2027%20Stars%20Awards%20Nomination%20Guide%20052126-1.pdf?utm_campaign=10530738-GM%20and%20STARS%20Awards&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--iDXX9U_JYRTg0DPQoLMDgSOgB6OhoD81us-T_uxpKTPGYVgvdteVvcpaYftChZxte4bl9rWXZhbWB7HAmohnqowu01A&_hsmi=420960445&utm_content=420960445&utm_source=hs_email

04/27/2026

Still. Not. Over. FORWARD/26✨

This year, we brought together more than 1,000 women and allies committed to advancing women and shaping the future of hospitality leadership.

Here are a few highlights:
🎤A standout speaker lineup | 65+ speakers from across hospitality and beyond, sharing insights that inspired and challenged.
📖Connection beyond the stage | Attendees kept the conversation going through interactive discussions, Q&As, and book signings at the speaker corner.
🤝Career-building moments | The FORWARD Mentoring Program created meaningful opportunities.
🏨Connection at the center | Our immersive community hub became the heart of FORWARD.
🏆Recognition that matters | We proudly honored Sarai Jacko (Fairmont Hotels & Resorts) with the FORWARD Paving the Way Award, recognizing her leadership in opening doors for others. While the inaugural Ally of the Year Award recognized Justin Knight (Apple Hospitality REIT) for his commitment to advancing women into senior leadership roles.

A huge thank you to our attendees, speakers, partners, and presenting sponsors - American Express, Ecolab, Encore Global, Hilton, Hilton Supply Management, and WITS Experiential - for making this a record-breaking FORWARD

📅Save the date for FORWARD/27, May 6–7, 2027, in Washington, DC!

And just like that, has come to a close 💜Over two days, we brought together more than 1,000 hospitality professionals ...
04/17/2026

And just like that, has come to a close 💜

Over two days, we brought together more than 1,000 hospitality professionals for meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and long-lasting connections. From the inspiring main stage moments to engaging breakout sessions, the energy and community was undeniable.

We're grateful to the industry leaders, guest speakers, and attendees who showed up, shared their stories, and helped to make this the largest FORWARD conference ever. Together, we are moving the industry FORWARD. See you next year!

A special thank you to our sponsors: American Express, Ecolab, Encore Global, Hilton, HSM, WITS, EDS, GuestWorldwide, Host, Towne, Actabl, Aimbridge Hospitality, Apple Hospitality REIT, The Coca-Cola Company, Cvent, HD Supply, Highgate, IHG Hotels & Resorts, My Place Hotels, Pyramid Global Hospitality, STR, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

04/17/2026

Jenny on the street at /26🎤🤳

What better way to explore influence then to ask the people themselves?

Before her panel at FORWARD/26, Jenny hit the crowd with rapid-fire questions about influence.

Tune in to hear what FORWARD/26 attendees had to say ⬆️

Everyone wants to feel fulfilled everyday - but how does one actually make it happen? It begins with inner clarity.At ,...
04/17/2026

Everyone wants to feel fulfilled everyday - but how does one actually make it happen? It begins with inner clarity.

At , best-selling author Bonnie Wan shared insights from her latest book, The Life Brief: A Playbook for No-Regrets Living, on how to identify your core values and align every area of your life with them.

"I had to be nakedly honest about what I want - not what my parents want, not what my husband expects, or even what my children need - what do I want?"

This panel was practical and honest and illustrative of what it looks like to lead with agency and authenticity.

Influence is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and showing up for others. Two influential women in sports, Jenny Dell ...
04/17/2026

Influence is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and showing up for others.

Two influential women in sports, Jenny Dell and Katie Schumacher-Cawley, joined forces on the FORWARD/26 stage for a candid conversation about their personal and professional journeys. Their discussion highlighted the realities of navigating leadership, visibility, and growth as women in business, and the impact that comes from leading with purpose.

Curious how leaders use influence to drive change? They don't wait until they feel ready, they act in spite of doubt. AH...
04/17/2026

Curious how leaders use influence to drive change? They don't wait until they feel ready, they act in spite of doubt.

AHLA Foundation's Eliza McCoy, Stacy Huston, Executive Director at SixDegrees.orgs, and Tricia Primrose, Executive Vice President and Chief Global Communications & Public Affairs Officer at Marriott International, shared the stage at to discuss how to use storytelling, partnerships, and everyday action to drive meaningful social impact and lead with purpose.

04/16/2026

Let’s check out the badge flair at ✨

We love seeing everyone show off what influence means to them, because in the this industry it always comes back to the people.

The breakout conversations at continue! This afternoon, we dove into deeper discussions that offered practical strate...
04/16/2026

The breakout conversations at continue!

This afternoon, we dove into deeper discussions that offered practical strategies and new perspectives, bringing together influential voices from across industries to equip hospitality professionals with the tools to grow, lead, and positively shape the future of out industry.

What was on the agenda?
🗺️ Beyond the Obvious: Exploring Unexpected Paths in Hospitality
🏨 Women Leaders on Hotel Ownership
🧠 brainSHIFT®: Beyond Burnout - Women’s Brain & Hormonal Health in Leadership
👠 Beyond Fashion: Style as Strategy™
📝 How Today's Leaders Define Influence
✨ Leaders in Luxury: Creating the Unforgettable Experience

What a powerful group of breakout sessions at FORWARD/26!We heard from influential women across the industry on topics t...
04/16/2026

What a powerful group of breakout sessions at FORWARD/26!

We heard from influential women across the industry on topics that were practical and thoughtful, leaving attendees with insights that they can take back and put into action.

🧑‍💻From IT to the C-Suite: Leading AI Across the Organization
💪Empower Hour: Negotiating Successfully as a Woman
🗣️Own the Room: How to Talk So Your Audience Will Listen (And Act)
✨Culture Is More Than a Vibe
🫵Stop Trying, Start Influencing
🤹‍♀️Handling Hard Conversations: Tools for Feedback, Conflict, and Tricky Colleagues
💬Own the Room: How to Talk So Your Audience Will Listen (And Act)
📲More Than a Post: Building Meaningful Creator Partnerships in Travel

Don't miss out on the next two breakout sessions today, there is so much more to come at FORWARD/26.

Address

1250 Eye Street NW, Ste 1100
Washington D.C., DC
20005

Telephone

(202) 289-3180

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when AHLA Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category