Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association

06/17/2026

We are incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Award of Excellence for Best Government Relations Program from the International Society of Hotel Associations (ISHA).

This recognition celebrates our Hotels Work for Chicago campaign and the collective effort to elevate the industry's role as a driver of jobs, economic growth, neighborhood investment, and throughout Chicago.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that it comes from our peers, association leaders from across the United States and Canada who understand the importance of effective advocacy and industry storytelling.

The Hotels Work for Chicago campaign was built on a simple but powerful message: are more than places to stay. They create careers, generate critical tax revenue, support small businesses, and help make Chicago a world-class destination.

Thank you to ISHA for this tremendous honor, and congratulations to all of the award recipients. We are proud to represent Illinois' hospitality industry and grateful for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our members every day.

05/29/2026

IHLA is excited to welcome our new hotel member this month:

Fairfield Inn by Marriott - Springfield Southwest, General Manager Justin Roesch

We’re proud to continue growing our network of hospitality leaders across Illinois. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to Susannah Flanner at [email protected]

05/28/2026

IHLA is proud to highlight our Platinum Level Strategic Partner, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol and a proud multi-generational, family-owned company. With decades of industry experience and a continued commitment to innovation, SGWS’ reach spans 47 U.S. markets, as well as Canada, the Caribbean, and South America.

As a valued sponsor of IHLA events, Southern Glazer’s helps IHLA bring educational programming, networking opportunities, and signature experiences to life, strengthening Illinois’ hospitality community.

To learn more about Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, visit https://southernglazers.com/.

05/26/2026

Start your summer off right and spend the first Monday of the season on the green with hospitality leaders from across Illinois at the 2026 IHLA Hospitality Golf Classic.

Join IHLA on June 22 at Harborside International Golf Course for a full day of golf, networking, food, drinks, and friendly competition at one of IHLA’s most anticipated summer events.

Foursomes are filling quickly, and availability is limited. Whether you’re coming to play, connect, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

https://illinoishotels.atlasams.com/atlas/events/ihla-2026-golf-classic-2162/details

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, IHLA honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

In hospitality, we have the privilege of welcoming travelers, families, service members, and veterans each day. This holiday weekend, as hotels and hospitality professionals come together to serve guests across Illinois, we do so with gratitude for those who gave everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy and the communities we proudly serve.

From all of us at the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, we wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

The Palmer House is more than a historic hotel — it’s a symbol of Chicago’s rich hospitality legacy. From surviving the Great Chicago Fire to welcoming generations of guests, its story reflects the resilience and impact of the hospitality industry.

This feature from NBC Chicago is a great reminder of how iconic hotels help shape the culture and history of our cities.

https://www.nbcchicago.com/video/news/local/only-in-chicago-a-history-of-the-palmer-house-hotel/3935656/

It is the oldest continuously operating hotel in North America, and the Palmer House Hotel in the Loop wears that title with pride, as Lexi Sutter reports.

05/20/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for IHLA’s 2026 State of the Industry Luncheon & Awards.

We were proud to bring together hospitality leaders from across Illinois for an afternoon of industry insights, meaningful conversations, and recognition of the individuals who are truly shaping the future of hospitality in our state.

This year’s awards program was the heart of the afternoon, and we are especially proud to celebrate our honorees:

Stephen L. Schwartz — IHLA Lifetime Achievement Award

Konstantine Drosos — Ambassador of Hospitality

Iris Junge, CRME — Ambassador of Hospitality

State Representative Brad Stephens — Ambassador of Hospitality

Each of these leaders has made a lasting impact on Illinois hospitality through their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

A special thank you to Kristin Richards the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Isaac Collazo of CoStar for sharing valuable economic and hotel industry insights as we look ahead to the second half of 2026.

Thank you to our attendees, sponsors, and partners for helping make this event such a success.

05/13/2026

IHLA is proud to highlight our Platinum Level Strategic Partner, SP+ Parking | A Metropolis Company.

SP+ develops and integrates industry-leading technology with best-in-class operations management and support to deliver mobility solutions that enable the efficient and time-sensitive movement of people, vehicles, and personal travel belongings. With over 20,000 team members located throughout North America and Europe, SP+ is committed to providing solutions that make every moment matter for a world on the go.

To learn more visit: https://www.standardparking.com/

05/11/2026

It’s officially feeling like spring across Illinois, which means it’s time to register for IHLA’s summer events. Join your hospitality colleagues — or invite a top client — for two unforgettable summer experiences on the golf course and along Lake Michigan.

🏌️ IHLA 2026 Golf Classic — June 22 at Harborside International Golf Course

https://illinoishotels.atlasams.com/atlas/events/2162/details

🚢 Women in Lodging Annual Cruise — July 15 aboard the Spirit of Navy Pier

https://illinoishotels.atlasams.com/atlas/events/women-in-lodging-annual-cruise--2163/details

Both events sell out every year, so don’t miss your opportunity to join us. Register today!

05/06/2026

Students from Chicago Academy, in partnership with EMBARC and the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association, recently had the opportunity to explore the world of hospitality during a visit to Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Throughout the experience, students went behind the scenes, connected with professionals across multiple departments, and gained firsthand insight into the many career pathways within the hospitality industry. The visit brought classroom learning to life while helping students envision future careers in hospitality.

Thank you to Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and EMBARC for investing in the next generation of hospitality leaders.