Napolitano, Hoyer, Collins to Keynote AH&LA Legislative Action Summit

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. April 12, 2013

April 12, 2013 - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) 2013 Legislative Action Summit (LAS) will feature keynote remarks from prominent voices engaged in the current policy discussions in Washington: Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).

Secretary Napolitano will speak day one of LAS, highlighting the strong partnership between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the lodging industry. The Secretary will address steps DHS has taken to create a welcoming entry process for incoming international travelers and what she expects to see from the Visa Waiver Program now that Taiwan has been added to the list of 37 partner countries. She will also address the role of DHS as Congress considers a broad-based solution to immigration reform.

A leader of the Democratic Party for over a decade, Hoyer plays an integral role in every issue brought before and decided by the U.S. House of Representatives. When addressing LAS attendees during the afternoon Policy Update on day one, Hoyer will share his views on the current immigration debate, tax reform, and what House Democrats hope to accomplish in the 113th Congress.

Senator Collins will provide LAS attendees with insights from her work as a bipartisan voice in the U.S. Senate. With her roles on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence, Senator Collins has shown leadership on homeland security, national defense, disaster response, business development, and health care. In addition, Senator Collins has long advocated on behalf of a robust lodging industry in Maine and across the country.

“We are excited to present our members with opportunities to hear from leading decision makers in Washington, D.C.,” said Marlene Colucci, AH&LA executive vice president for public policy. “Secretary Napolitano, Democratic Whip Hoyer, and Senator Collins have agreed to speak at LAS 2013 because they understand the importance of lodging to the U.S. economy and local communities across this nation. Our industry has taken a lead role on the important policy debates and we are thrilled to share this access with our attendees.”

As hundreds of hoteliers participate in civic engagement during LAS, AH&LA will honor J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the board, Marriott International, Inc., with the 'Voice of the Industry' award. Presented during the AH&LA State Leadership Awards Luncheon, the award honors Mr. Marriott's significant contributions to enhance the profile of the lodging industry among the highest levels of government.

A strong program will include expert panels on travel, immigration, and regulatory issues. The second day of LAS will feature face-to-face meetings between hoteliers and their members of Congress, followed by a reception in the historic Mansfield Room in the U.S. Capitol.

AH&LA's mobile app, available here, will include information for LAS attendees. Hoteliers can also follow AH&LA on Twitter at @AHLA and participate in LAS panels and events with hashtag #LAS2013.

Registration and information for LAS, being held April 23-24 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, is available at www.ahla.com/LAS.

AH&LA's LAS is generously supported by founding sponsor American Express, supporting sponsors Cornell University School of Hospitality Administration, HD Supply, Heartland Payment Systems, and media sponsors Hotel Business, Hotel Management, Lodging Magazine, and USA Today.

Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, AH&LA is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, including individual hotel property members, hotel companies, student and faculty members, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AH&LA provides members with national advocacy on Capitol Hill, public relations and image management, education, research and information, and other value-added services to provide bottom-line savings and ensure a positive business climate for the lodging industry. Partner state associations provide local representation and additional cost-saving benefits to members. For more about AH&LA, visit www.ahla.com.