NEW YORK—As part of its Fall Conference, The American Hotel and Lodging Association held its annual inaugural gala last night at The Pierre to fete incoming chairman and industry veteran Joseph Kane Jr. Taking the reins from Pedro Mandoki, Kane, the group president for Cendant Hotel Group and president/CEO of Days Inn Worldwide, Inc., will helm the organization in the voluntary position in 2006, which is the midway mark of a three-year plan to move the association forward in terms of membership, increasing AH&LA’s brand value, and promulgating diversity and multicultural opportunities. “These three objectives are not just worthy— they are necessary. And they will be achieved because we have a plan in place to make them happen,” Kane assured the packed room of industry executives and their guests. Kane said he also is planning to focus on planning and leadership, training and “taking a risk” to accomplish some goals. Toward that he said the organization would relaunch its “Spirit of Hospitality” training program. Working with the association’s Educational Institute, the enhanced program will offer the latest strategies in training to deliver on guest service and retention of guests via improved customer satisfaction. Kane said he would encourage lodging CEOs to get behind the initiative. “…EI is offering this remarkable program at 50% off the normal member price of $80 for all of 2006. Trust me; it will be the best $40 you invest all year on your team,” Kane told the audience. He noted everyone who completes the program would get a “We’ve Got The Spirit” lapel pin to create an increased sense of accomplishment— and unity— in trying to heighten the service culture. “The ‘Spirit of Hospitality’ is something we, as an industry, can own and be proud of and I’m counting on all of us…to seize the moment,” said Kane.
