• Make a business disaster preparedness plan.
• Price rooms the right way during an emergency.
• Use the Emergency Accommodations Module (EAM) to assist evacuees, utility workers and other responders with lodging accommodations.
• Download the FEMA app.
• Report whether business is open, partially open or open with limited resources.

States of emergency have also been declared in South Carolina and Georgia. AAHOA will continue to keep members updated throughout the storm. Follow us on Facebook or keep an eye on your inbox for the latest information. 

Last week, AAHOA members throughout the state of Texas stepped up to assist and serve others during Hurricane Harvey. In addition to partnering with state officials to provide AAHOA members with information and resources on business management during a natural disaster, the association donated $5,000 to the Rebuild Texas Fund, which is spearheaded by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. The foundation will be matching it dollar for dollar. Based on their website, the "contribution will help people, organizations, and businesses recover and rebuild in all the impacted communities in Texas."

The 2017 Women Hoteliers Conference will take place next week, Sept. 15-16, in Anaheim, Calif., at the Embassy Suites by Hilton. The event has been updated this year with more education sessions and interactive activities that will help attendees apply what they’re learning and lots of networking opportunities. Seats are still available. Register today to reserve your spot.  

Hotel professionals seeking to become certified in hotel industry analytics will be able to do so in a few weeks. In partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, and STR, AAHOA is pleased to offer members-only access to an exclusive training program that results in Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA). CHIA is primarily geared toward revenue managers, general managers and research professionals. It is the only hotel-related certification for industry professionals focused on analytics. The certification acknowledges thorough knowledge of the foundational metrics, definitions, formulas and methodologies used by the hotel industry. Core content areas include: hotel industry analytical foundations, hotel math fundamentals, property level benchmarking (STAR Reports) and hotel industry performance reports.

The onsite training will take place Oct. 3-4 in Little Rock, Ark., at the Holiday Inn Little Rock Conference Center. Registration is capped at the first 60 participants.  

Workers’ compensation insurance is required by most states and also makes smart business sense. This webinar will focus on the many benefits of carrying workers’ compensation insurance and identify the high risks of failing to obtain it. Don’t miss this opportunity to minimize your potential liability and control costs. 

An estimated 80 percent of all doctor visits are directly related to stress or stress-related symptoms such as low energy, poor sleep and changes in mood. Because the effects of stress can impact the ability to focus and effectively collaborate with co-workers and guests, this webinar offers helpful tips to manage everyday stress.

Are you having trouble keeping up with the latest drive by litigation for ADA website accessibility? Frustrated that there aren't enforceable website accessibility regulations? Learn about trends in website litigation, best practices for enhancing the accessibility of your website, and what you can do to minimize your potential liability.  

Hear from a marketing expert on how to utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to increase traffic to your website in a way that is budget friendly and will result in more direct bookings.

Avoid the mistakes many hoteliers make after spending millions on their hotel. Learn the 10 things you must do to start seeing a return on your investment right away. Join hotelier and hospitality consultant Rupesh Patel as he shares strategies to showcase your hotel and boost visibility.

According to Harvard Business Review, eight of 10 customers who choose a competitor for their next stay, report that they were satisfied with their previous experience. Then why are they leaving? Join us to find out how to get your property noticed and improve your customer loyalty.  

Cultural competence refers to an ability to successfully negotiate cross-cultural differences in order to accomplish practical goals. Join Seema Jain, Director of Multicultural Affairs at Marriott International, and learn how enhancing your cultural competence can positively impact the customer's experience and drive your bottom line.