The Voice of Innkeeping Issue 3 Vol. 1 June 2016 | Page 7

Back in early April we all gathered in Nashville for AIHP’s first Summit.

It was indeed successful! The energy, enthusiasm, education and of course my favorite thing… networking. We learn so much from each other. It’s also a reunion for so many of us and you will see lots of great pictures in the Summit showcase on page ___ of friends reuniting.

I always think about what I learned or as my friend Mary Lotto Ross says, “What was your takeaway from this experience?”

So my takeaway was: I met my co-workers here at AIHP for the first time; Rob, Michele, Emily and Derrek. That was a gift, as talking every Monday on our conference calls is such a far cry from working and meeting in person. We came together very quickly and hit the ground running every morning for the conference. In all honesty I collapsed every night ☺ when I went to bed.

My second takeaway was I took my daughter Sydney to the conference so she could volunteer and have an understanding of our industry. She and another young volunteer (Emily’s daughter, Kate) helped manage the registration desk and welcomed hundreds of people, it was an awesome experience. The fact too we drove all the way from Ontario, Canada and made it an unforgettable adventure.

My third and final takeaway was the incredible generosity of our members and volunteers. For instance Liza Simpson flew all the way from Utah to volunteer and she’s not even an innkeeper anymore! She has many friends in our industry and as she says, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world”. Our other volunteers were so mazing I don't think I can ever thank them enough or keep up with them!

My mother always said, ‘When you gain momentum don’t stop till you cross the finish line!’

It was an amazing finish and to be continued…… see you in January

Mary Hughes

Editor-in-Chief,

From the desk of Editor

Mary Hughes

Mary Hughes

Editor-in-Chief,

[email protected]

Gaining Momentum

My daughter Sydney who volunrteered at the Summit with Innkeeper Bebe Woody at end of Summit celebration

Who deosn't like selfies... even if they are bad ones... with Liza Simpson and AIHP supporter.