IAHI Takes Center Stage in Toronto

Nearly 5,000 hotel owners, operators, general managers, directors of sales and IHG corporate employees attended IHG’s 50th Annual Americas Investors & Leadership Conference, held this year in Toronto.

During the Conference, immediate past IAHI chairman David Hart took the stage to discuss the progress the IAHI made during his term.

“Within the last year, the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza brands have stepped up in a big way, putting talent and resources to work, solidifying key alliances with NASCAR, Major League Baseball and the PGA Tour,” Hart said. “Not to be outdone, the other IAHI Brand Committees are working hard to make their brands the best in their segment, and the support committees are working just as diligently to add strength to the brand position and operations in the field.”

Looking ahead, Hart said that IHG licensees have an unmatched opportunity to guide their investments in their hotels due to the standing of the Association. Leading the Association’s efforts this year is IAHI Chairman Mike Hoffman. Hart pointed to Hoffman’s passion for the Holiday Inn brand, and says he will continue the efforts to improve the system.

As Hoffman took the stage, he said the owner involvement and a strong belief in consistent product quality and service are what it takes to make a great hotel. And that’s what he plans to focus his efforts on this year as Chairman.

“This business is hard if you are committed, and impossible if you are not,” he said. “I know that if we all work together on quality — staying involved, protecting our assets, and making the necessary investments — we’ll be very successful.”

(Large callout)
Throughout the two-day Conference, attendees heard from IHG executives about the strategies for moving the IHG family of brands forward, and the theme of “people serving people.” Owners also had the chance to attend brand sessions and workshops, designed to address challenges, opportunities and priorities for the year ahead.

A record number also attended the member party held at Toronto hop spot Shmooze (see related story linkXXX), and participated in the Fifth Annual IAHI Golf Tournament to raise money for INN-PAC,  the IAHI’s political action committee (see story linkXXX).

In addition, the IAHI hosted a reunion for graduates of all classes of the IAHI Leadership Institute and General Manager Academy. It was a great opportunity for them to network, reconnect with their classmates and share best practices.

The Conference ended with a celebration of the success of award-winning hotels, featuring entertainment from country music superstar Reba McEntire, singing her hit single “Love Needs a Holiday,” which has a special Holiday Inn connection.