Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association

IHLA will be represented at #TheHospitalityShow this week. Will you be in San Antonio? Let us know in the comments! American Hotel & Lodging Association

Be a part of the biggest celebration in hospitality and join us in toasting the incredible achievements of the 2024 Stars of the Industry. With only 3 weeks left until registration closes on November 15, now is the time to secure your spot.

Tuesday night, we launched the inaugural Women in Lodging Lessons in Leadership Speaker Series: Education, Mentorship & Networking. We were fortunate to hear from Kathy Heneghan, CMP and Devin Griffith who shared invaluable insights on leadership, hiring practices, and navigating career journeys. The evening wrapped up with a networking reception, providing attendees the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships with fellow hospitality professionals. If you missed this event, don’t worry. We’re excited to expand the program in the coming year.

Cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks while supporting future hospitality leaders and the IHLA Educational Foundation! Join us November 6th at 7:00 p.m. for an exciting evening of fast-paced hockey, exclusive networking, and all-inclusive food and drinks—all from the comfort of a private suite. Only 8 tickets remain, register today! 

Thank you to the Rockford hoteliers who joined us today for a presentation on IHLA’s current initiatives including a recap of this year’s advocacy successes and a preview of the 2025 legislative session. We appreciate our continued partnership with John Groh and his team at GoRockford. The meeting featured a special recognition to Chintan Thakkar on his nomination for IHLA’s Stars of the Industry. Register for Stars here: https://lnkd.in/gbCWqmZH

"Hilton announced today an industry-first, exclusive partnership with Be My Eyes to ensure guests who are blind or have low vision can experience a more accessible, seamless and welcoming stay." Watch this video, which features The Wit Hotel Chicago, to learn more about this phenomenal partnership. #inclusivetravel #HiltonForTheStay #AccessibleStaysForAll #accessibility #accessibletravel

Seize the opportunity to celebrate your 2024 Stars of the Industry by purchasing a Congratulatory Message for your nominees. Messages will be featured at the 2024 Stars event and are a meaningful way to recognize and show appreciation for your team members' contributions. The deadline for all Stars purchases is November 15. 

We had a fabulous time at our inaugural Class & A Glass – A Beginners Guide to Self-Defense last night. The evening was filled with learning, networking and great company. Thank you to Tyrone Hemingway & Aaron Patton of Bushido Marital Art Karate for leading an innovative and humor-filled self-defense class. And, to our sponsors, who are always part of evenings like this being a success: Royal Sonesta River North, Boston Beer Company, Pepsi, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits and Windy City Laundry.

Michael Jacobson represented IHLA in Japan this week on a Gubernatorial Trade Mission led by Governor JB Pritzker. Hotels, tourism and hospitality play a critical role in the state’s overall economic development and we are proud to be part of #TeamIllinois. Intersect Illinois Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Congratulations from IHLA to Veronica Kelsey of First Hospitality and Saim Malik, MBA, of Atrium Hospitality two Illinois Hospitality Professionals who have been included in Hotel Management's 2024 30 under 30 list.