9 Best Hospitality Communities (Free & Paid) To Join In 2024

These hospitality communities are a great way to network, find a mentor, and learn from other people who've got their finger on the pulse of the day-to-day in your industry. Many hospitality communities even provide resources for mastering hotel management platforms and other tech-driven tools.

For any hotelier looking to stay ahead of the curve or maybe even negotiate a better hotel management salary, here are some great hospitality communities to join.

Best Hospitality Communities Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the best hospitality communities I think are worth joining in 2024:

1. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) - Resources in hospitality finance and tech
2. American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) - Resources for US hotels
3. Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) - For education and networking for hospitality sales and marketing
4. Hotel Association of Canada - For advocacy of Canadian hotel professionals
5. International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) - Networking and development for hospitality consultants
6. NEWH: The Hospitality Industry Network - For networking and education in the hospitality industry
7. National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) - For catering and events professionals networking and resources
8. U.S. Travel Association - General travel industry resources
9. International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) - For networking for hotel professionals

Engaging with the hospitality community can expose you to real-world scenarios that sharpen your hotel management skills. Find more details about each community below.

The 9 Best Hospitality Communities

1. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) - Resources for hospitality finance and tech

The HFTP is a global non-profit organization serving finance and technology professionals in the hospitality sector. It provides members with educational resources, certifications, and industry research.

• Audience: Financial and technology professionals
• Size: 5,200+ members 
• Membership Cost:
  • Student - Free
  • Young professionals - $200 annually
  • Professional/Individual - $450 annually
• Platform: LinkedIn

Why Join:

The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals community is crucial for staying ahead in the rapidly changing hospitality industry. This helps professionals navigate challenges like integrating new technology and managing financial operations effectively in a sector constantly influenced by global economic shifts.

Join our Newsletter

Discover What’s New In The Hotel Managing World.

• Your email*
• By submitting this form, you agree to receive our newsletter, and occasional emails related to The Hotel GM. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details, please review our Privacy Policy. We're protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
• Name
  This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

2. American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) - Resources for US hotels

AHLA advocates for the U.S. hotel industry’s interests, providing members with policy, education, and best practices resources.

• Audience: Lodging and related industry professionals
• Size: 32,000+ members
• Platform: Events and webinars

Why Join:

The American Hotel & Lodging Association members benefit from comprehensive resources on best practices, detailed industry insights, and opportunities that are indispensable for thriving in today's competitive market. 

3. Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) - For education and networking for hospitality sales and marketing

The HSMAI is a global organization dedicated to growing business for hotels and their partners by fueling sales, inspiring marketing, and optimizing revenue.

• Audience: Hotel professionals
• Size: 7,000+ members
• Membership Cost:
  • Student/Faculty/Retired - $50
  • Hotel/Associate - $295
  • Partner/Service Provider - $395
• Platform: LinkedIn

Why Join:

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International is an essential resource for professionals seeking to drive revenue and market their services effectively. This platform offers specialized training and certifications that keep members at the forefront of marketing trends and sales techniques. 

4. Hotel Association of Canada - For advocacy of Canadian hotel professionals

The Hotel Association of Canada represents the interests of hotels across Canada, advocating for their needs at national and provincial levels and providing resources to help them thrive.

• Audience: Sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals 
• Membership Cost: Varies by membership level and region
• Platform: Website member's area

Why Join:

The Hotel Association of Canada is vital for any Canadian hotelier looking to navigate the complexities of the hotel industry within the country. Membership ensures you are informed and represented on matters directly impacting your business. 

5. International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) - Networking and development for hospitality consultants

The ISHC is a professional society of leading hospitality consultants globally, focused on advancing the industry through knowledge sharing, and professional development.

• Audience: Experienced hospitality consultants
• Size: 200+ members
• Membership Cost: Invitation-only with an annual fee
• Platform: Annual conferences/events

Why Join:

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with top-tier professionals in the hospitality consulting field. This platform environment fosters collaborative learning and ensures members stay at the cutting edge of industry developments. 

6. NEWH: The Hospitality Industry Network - For networking and education in the hospitality industry

NEWH: The Hospitality Industry Network offers educational and scholarship opportunities, and promotes sustainability and excellence.

• Audience: Hotel owner/operator, interior designers, manufacturers
• Size: 18 chapters and 9 regional groups
• Membership Cost:
  • Education Professional membership - Free
  • Student membership - Free
  • Associate membership - Starts at $50
  • General membership - Starts at $150
• Platform: LinkedIn

Why Join:

NEWH: The Hospitality Industry Network is the platform for those involved in hospitality design and management. Members benefit from access to industry leaders and innovators, making it essential for anyone serious about advancing their career in hospitality. 

7. National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) - For catering and events professionals networking and resources

The National Association for Catering and Events is the leading organization for catering and event professionals, offering members education, certification, and a community for networking.

• Audience: Catering and events professionals
• Size: 48 chapters
• Membership Cost:
  • Professional - $415 annually
  • Non-profit - $330 annually
  • Young professional - $255 annually
  • Student - $55 annually
  • Corporate - $315 annually
• Platform: Facebook 

Why Join:

The National Association for Catering and Events is a crucial resource for anyone involved in planning, catering, or managing events. This platform offers cutting-edge educational programs and certifications that enhance professional skills and credibility.

8. U.S. Travel Association - General travel industry resources

The U.S. Travel Association represents all components of the travel industry in the United States, providing advocacy, research, and promotional resources to increase travel to and within the U.S.

• Audience: Travel businesses, organizations, and professionals across the U.S.
• Size: 1,100+ members
• Membership Cost: Starts at $50
• Platform: LinkedIn

Why Join:

The U.S. Travel Association is instrumental for businesses and professionals in the travel industry seeking to influence policy and gain analytical guidance. Members benefit from the association's robust advocacy efforts that help shape travel policies and economic strategies. 

9. International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) - For networking for hotel professionals

The International Luxury Hotel Association serves as a hub for hotel professionals to connect, share knowledge, and discuss industry developments and opportunities. This can be a great community to dig into if you are looking for experienced hotel staff to hire.

• Audience: Hotel managers, owners, and employees
• Size: 1,000+ members
• Membership Cost: Free
• Platform: LinkedIn

Why Join:

The International Luxury Hotel Association helps members stay informed about the latest industry trends and management practices. This platform offers immediate access to insights and advice that can improve your operational effectiveness and adaptability.

Hospitality Management FAQ

Do You Need a Hospitality Degree to Work in Hotel Management?

No, a hospitality degree is not mandatory for hotel management jobs, but it can provide a helpful boost. Many people in hotel management have learned on the job by working in various positions and gaining experience. The most important skills are usually leadership, customer service, and operational know-how.

However, some employers might prefer candidates who have taken hotel management courses or have a degree, which can show formal training in the field

Join For More Insights

Elevate your professional edge in hospitality & hotel management – subscribe to our newsletter for a curated blend of expert advice, industry news, and success secrets!