Mar 22
Ashley SpitzerNews economy, issue of the week, meeting industry
The following information has been distributed by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA):
By a narrow 219 – 212 vote, the House of Representatives voted late last night to send H.R. 3590, “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” to the President for his signature, handing the President a significant political victory.
What happens next:
• President Barack Obama is expected to sign this bill into law this week
• The Senate must now consider negotiated changes to the package through the Reconciliation Act of 2010 (H.R. 4872), which also passed the House last night
• Department of Health and Human Services must draft implementing regulations
• Several states have already publically discussed legal challenges to H.R. 3590
What this means for your business:
Many provisions will not be implemented until at least 2014; however, a number of changes can be expected this year, including:
• Insurance companies will be forbidden from denying coverage to sick children
• Adult children can stay on their parents’ policies until they are 26
• Small businesses will receive tax credits to help them buy insurance for their employees
• All new policies will be required to cover preventive care, including annual physical exams
• The practice of dropping insured people when they get sick will be banned
• A high-risk pool will be created to subsidize adults with pre-existing conditions
• For seniors, some medicines will become cheaper and the donut hole will be reduced somewhat
We’ll [AH&LA] continue to analyze the full impact of this legislation and provide more details as they become available.
The industry’s position:
Last Friday, we [AH&LA] urged members to ask their Representatives to vote against this legislation for the following reasons:
• Does not allow small business pooling across state lines
• Adds a new $2,000 per employee penalty on many employers
• Raises costs of drugs and many medical services
• Does not provide meaningful tort reform
• Adds new costs and regulations on businesses
Even though the bill has passed, AH&LA will continue working with Congress to ensure the best interest of our industry is protected. Please direct any questions on this matter to AH&LA Vice President of Governmental Affairs Kevin Maher at kmaher@ahla.com.
We [AH&LA] also encourage you to thank the 34 Democrats who withstood intense pressure and voted against H.R. 3590. If you’re a constituent of any of the following members of Congress, please take a moment to thank them for supporting our industry’s position on this controversial matter.
John Adler (New Jersey)
Jason Altmire (Pennsylvania)
Michael Arcuri (New York)
John Barrow (Georgia)
Marion Berry (Arkansas)
Dan Boren (Oklahoma)
Rick Boucher (Virginia)
Bobby Bright (Alabama)
Ben Chandler (Kentucky)
Travis Childers (Mississippi)
Artur Davis (Alabama)
Lincoln Davis (Tennessee)
Chet Edwards (Texas)
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (South Dakota)
Tim Holden (Pennsylvania)
Larry Kissell (North Carolina)
Frank Kratovil (Maryland) Daniel Lipinski (Illinois)
Stephen Lynch (Massachusetts)
Jim Marshall (Georgia)
Jim Matheson (Utah)
Mike McIntyre (North Carolina)
Michael McMahon (New York)
Charlie Melancon (Louisiana)
Walt Minnick (Idaho)
Glenn Nye (Virginia)
Collin Peterson (Minnesota)
Mike Ross (Arkansas)
Heath Schuler (North Carolina)
Ike Skelton (Missouri)
Zack Space (Ohio)
John Tanner (Tennessee)
Gene Taylor (Mississippi)
Harry Teague (New Mexico)
Jun 09
Ashley SpitzerNews airlines, economy, issue of the week, Keep America Meeting, meeting industry
Did anyone catch Ben Stein’s commentary on CBS Sunday Morning last Sunday, June 7th, on Meetings Mean Business?
Stein discussed the effect that organizations canceling meetings (namely, those who have not received bail out money from the government) has had on the economy.
This current trend is eroding the business at hotels, tradeshows, restaurants and will eventually effect the airline industry.
With unemployment numbers rising, Stein pointed out that meetings and conventions are exactly what we need to share ideas to stimulate new business.
We are grateful for Stein’s support of the travel and hospitality industry. Let’s keep America meeting!
Mar 30
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits economy, issue of the week, meeting industry
A few months ago, the trend across the industry seemed to be a freeze of all meetings in the works.
More recently, the “AIG Effect” has led to the cancellation of meetings across the country.
With April right around the corner, the stock market on the rise, and a hopeful attitude beginning to spread….
…we want to know how the economy is affecting you now? Are you planning more meetings?
What changes have you noticed over the past several weeks, or expect to see?
Mar 02
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits, News, Places to Stay economy, issue of the week, travel, travel tips
Leisure travelers could benefit from canceled meetings and conventions in large cities…
…and will not be under the government’s radar for taking a trip.
Travel news in brief: Convention cities slash prices | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press.
Will you take advantage of lower prices and travel?
Jan 19
Ashley SpitzerNews, Places to Stay hotels, issue of the week, meeting industry, unique activities, Washington DC
The big event is finally here!
How are you participating in the inauguration events? Are you watching from home? Do you plan/have you attended any events in person?
Here are some fun inauguration facts by the numbers…
…for example – did you know that the Marriott Wardman Park expects to serve 49,000 meals from Saturday through Tuesday??
Sep 12
Ashley SpitzerRFP, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners, Trade Shows issue of the week, meeting planner feedback, meeting planner help
Everyone makes mistakes – sometimes we forget things ourselves, and other times we have to pick up the slack for another’s…and sometimes these mistakes can be costly.
So this week, we want to know…
What is the biggest potential disaster you averted as a meeting planner and how did you prevent it?
Aug 28
Ashley SpitzerMisc Tidbits hsmai affordable meeting, issue of the week, meeting ideas, social media, Tips for Meeting Planners
Fall is quickly approaching, which means lots of tradeshows!
(Be sure to visit ConventionPlanit.com at Booth #3064 at Affordable Meetings National, including your favorite blog moderator…)
So, how do you make your event memorable? How will your organization connect members with social media at your next convention or annual meeting?
Jul 03
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips, Tips for Meeting Planners issue of the week, meeting industry, meeting planner feedback
Question of the Week…
Are current hotel ratings systems outdated? Some of the new avant-garde properties and chains offer décor and style that may not match traditional ratings (like 4 or 5 AAA Diamond/Mobil Star), yet they are clearly high-end properties.
What do today’s travelers want from hotels? Send us the top 3 things you want from your hotel. Also tell us what’s not important.
Do you really care about the bed ruffle and someone knocking on your door at 9 p.m. for “turndown service?”
Jun 20
Ashley SpitzerNews issue of the week, meeting industry, meeting planner feedback
What’s eating away at you? Have you seen something on the news that you want to blog about?
Here’s your chance – tell us what issues you want to discuss!
Our blog is an open forum for discussion, so let’s get some provocative ideas and conversations flowing!
Jun 03
Ashley SpitzerNews, Tips air travel, airlines, economy, issue of the week, meeting attendance, meeting industry
Airfares are soaring, checking baggage is costing money, and it even costs more to drive to the airport!
How will this affect meeting attendance this coming year? Will people stay home? Or, do you think more corporate meetings will be held in-house? Are companies holding more Webinars (for large groups) and/or conference calls (for small groups)?
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