Experts addressing conference attendees include Ron Rosenberg, Quality Talk, who will discuss managing change in the workplace; top purchasing consultants Neil Locke, Neil Locke & Associates; Joseph S. Goodman, Starwood Lodging Corporation; and Alan Benjamin, Benjamin West, LLLP, who will discuss the ethics, etiquette, education, and efficiency of purchasing; and Judy King, Quality Management Services, who will provide solutions to common reasons for turnover. 

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International has been tapped to present three sales and marketing tracks on the industry�s best practices, and the Hospitality

Financial and Technology Professionals have produced three technology seminars, including �What Should I Look for When Purchasing a Property Management System,� led by Rick Warner, senior vice president of hotel systems, Bass Hotels and Resorts; and �The Business of Telecom � 1999,� led by Bill Oates, director of telecommunications, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

In addition, there will be two educational sessions on the extended stay segment and one on the condominium/vacation ownership segment.

�The AH&MA Annual Conference will offer unparalleled educational seminars and dynamic industry speakers,� said AH&MA Chairman H.P. Rama, chairman and CEO, JHM Hotels, Inc.  �Our speakers and panelists will provide attendees with valuable information on the latest operations trends and techniques as we approach the turn of the century.�

Washington, February 23, 1999 � Former President George W. Bush will help honor Jack Vaughn, chairman of the Opryland Lodging Group, at the Dinner Tribute held during the American Hotel & Motel Association (AH&MA) Annual Conference & Leadership Forum/The Lodging Expo, April 14 � 16, in Nashville, Tenn.  The inaugural Hospitality Heritage Award will be presented to Vaughn for his distinguished career spent with one of the industry�s landmark establishments, the Opryland Hotel.

Philip Morris USA and VISA U.S.A. are providing special support for the black-tie-optional dinner on April 14 at the Opryland Hotel.  The Dinner Tribute proceeds will benefit the educational and research missions of the American Hotel Foundation (AHF), a subsidiary of AH&MA.

�We are pleased to continue our support of AH&MA, AHF, and the lodging community by providing a grant for the upcoming Dinner Tribute featuring President George Bush,� said Ellen Merlo, Philip Morris USA senior vice president of corporate affairs.  �Philip Morris is delighted to recognize Jack Vaughn for his tremendous vision and ingenuity in providing Americans with unique and accommodating experiences.  We are proud to participate in the celebration of his achievements, and we applaud the industry for honoring him.� 

To receive additional information or a ticket to the Vaughn Tribute Dinner ($175 per ticket), call (202) 289-3116 or send an e-mail to [email protected].  To receive additional information on the AH&MA Annual Conference & Leadership Forum/The Lodging Expo, call (914) 421-3377, send an e-mail to [email protected], or visit the AH&MA Web site, www.ahma.com.

AHF is a not-for-profit affiliate of AH&MA.  Currently, it is the only educational dollar-dispensing organization of AH&MA.  Over the last 40 years, it has provided funding for industry research, granted scholarships to hospitality management students, and assisted in enhancing public awareness of the lodging industry.

AH&MA, founded in 1910, is a federation of state lodging associations throughout the United States, with some 11,000 property members worldwide, representing more than 1.4 million rooms.  AH&MA provides operations, technical, educational, marketing, and communications services plus governmental affairs representation to the lodging industry.