Onto The Hill, Into a New Chapter: My LAS/Hotels on the Hill Experience

Ok this seems like an interesting event, I’ll attend. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to DC anyway

This was the main thought I had when looking to attend AH&LA’s Legislative Action Summit in DC (Hyatt Regency at Capitol Hill). It came at a time when I had left the hotel industry, wondering if I had hit my ceiling and didn’t know my path forward. I enjoyed working in hotels but told myself I’d try food and beverage in other avenues, to see if there was something I enjoyed. But during that time away there was something pulling me to keep researching, keep watching, and I discovered the Under 30 Gateway Group, a group dedicated to connecting young and aspiring professionals in the hotel space.

I’ve always had an analytical style, a fondness for “how things get done”, the steps it took to accomplish things, and the barriers that often came right behind them. I felt it could be a good combination (or an entertaining one at minimum). Being able to share how things are done in hotels, share that insight with congressmen and women on Capitol Hill, and hear from them what the perception is of our industry is quite eye opening.

In addition to this being my first industry conference, the day before I attended my first industry reception; one dedicated to those who were 30 and under. As the doors opened, I was surprised to find a group of 40-60 people across all facets of the hotel industry. From students graduating with their degrees to people working in leadership roles, and (to my surprise) those who were hotel General Managers. It was here I first realized that there was a larger world. I met people who had the same challenges I was, others who overcame them, and many who had careers paths I never would’ve thought possible until I saw it with my own eyes, meeting those such as Omari Head , Ashli Johnson, M.S., CHT, CGSP , Andrew Quinto , Christopher Henry, CAHTA, ISHC, and Davonne Reaves.

It was intimidating at first, coming here you realize a lot of titans in our industry are proud to represent and share their stories of their journey in the industry, often I wondered how my voice mattered. Over time I realized they cared that I came to keep learning, get involved, stay engaged, and share my experiences to help Congress understand what they do really does have an impact on what happens in our properties.

It’s easy to take some hits in this industry and at some point, feel like a nobody, or think the day-to-day grind is the only thing to look forward to. However, those days of learning, touring the Capitol, and being able to understand the gravity of what the hotel industry contributes to its local community I left changed and renewed, because I left DC with these facts.

“I can be somebody in this industry.”
“There are so many avenues to tap into in the world of hotels/hospitality.”
“There is a place for me here.”
“I see others who are walking the same path I am.”
“I have something to contribute.”

As I continue to attend, what sticks out to me is always what I notice (high level c suite executives, the ones are used to driving the conversation of the markets) and what I don’t: the operations leaders who are in the hotels, doing the hiring, and are dealing with guests, and situations that come up and bring life to our industry.

Where is the Housekeeping/Rooms/ F&B Manager who struggles with bringing in quality staff to clean their rooms and serve their guests?
Where is the Engineering Leader who has to deal with supply chain issues and processes that keep hotel fixes always the next four months away?
Where is the hospitality professional that someone has identified as their emerging leader and wants to expand their vision?

Every year I find myself wondering, I wish I would see more who are currently in Operations come to DC. It’s really your voice Capitol Hill needs to hear: what started your journey in this industry, what guests are actively saying as they walk in and out of your doors, and the associates who’ve made careers, and enrich lives on a day-to-day basis. Consider this:

In December 2018 the government shut down for 35 days until funding bills were passed. In the past I thought “I still have guests making dinner reservations and checking into hotels, who cares if Congress can’t get their act together” However, during government shutdown federal parks have to close which means people are canceling hotel stays and not checking into rooms across the US. In addition, how many hoteliers in DC/VA/MD had meeting room blocs and banquets cancelled/put on hold until it was resolved? Here’s a link shared by @AAHOA about other troubles a government shutdown affects the hotel industry: America’s Hoteliers Highlight Government Shutdown’s Effects on Industry (hospitalitynet.org ).

In 2019 one of the issues we brought to Congress was the rise of online booking scams and how that was impacting guest hotel stays and causing issues for hoteliers not only from a financial sense, but also from a guest experience. It sounds silly until I shared my story about an upset guest at our bar who claimed they booked our property because they were told it had a pool. The pool had been non-existent for at least 3 years and was replaced with a rooftop bar
In 2023 VISA and H2B challenges were shared with Congress, and we came to DC to ask for their help increase the number of international/seasonal workers (or at least streamline the process). Normally there are only 66,000 H2B (seasonal worker) visas typically allocated for hotels and resorts to fill openings, yet there are 67,000+ hotels in the US. At some larger beachfront hotels and resorts the need can range anywhere from 10- 200 international team members alone depending on the size of the property and their department needs. I shared with Congress we have international team members who have been working with us for YEARS and have developed relationships with guest and members. I’ve had guests ask me “Is Travis coming back?” or “We look forward to seeing Aleisha and Reynaud every year when we come down for our anniversary trip, why aren’t they here?” I’ve had guests ask me that when I checked to see if they were enjoying their meal, what would your response have been?

LAS/Hotels on the Hill stays on my calendar having started as a first-year rookie to a yearly attendee because of what I learn, who I meet, and most importantly what it meant for my hotel journey. I call on more on the Operations side to join me in DC, to be present, and share your voice. It seems scary to step away from daily business to talk about issues that feel so far removed and happen outside our buildings, but that’s the exact reason why it's so important: Tell your elected officials “I have traveled here away from my guests to share with you what is happening in your state/district and why we need your help”

Hoteliers across the country do more than provide rooms, meetings, and meals for travelers: The vision is to enrich the lives of travelers who trust us with their time with friends and loved ones, in addition to the men and women who work in our properties to make those memories special.

I’m sure we could all agree bringing a little more hospitality to Capitol Hill is never a bad thing, especially in this climate.