The Hay-Adams in Washington, D.C., has become the first hotel in the world to receive the Luxury Eco Certification from Sustainable Travel International.

U.S. Travel Assn. president and CEO Roger Dow says policies for international travelers to the U.S. are appropriate within the resources available, but that the security screening processes are not efficient or effective.

The event will take place this year on Sept. 9, and will feature appointments with individual members of Congress and talks from legislators.

The African American presence in the hospitality industry has grown tremendously. At the International African American Hotel Ownership and Multicultural Tourism Summit, speakers encouraged blacks in the audience to continue pressing for a larger presence. BY SENIOR EDITOR JASON Q. FREED

The Hospitality Technology Strategic Initiatives Council—spearheaded by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and Hotel Technology Next Generation—addresses pressing industry needs as they relate to hospitality technology. The council works to identify industry initiatives, find the best possible homes for these initiatives and reduce duplicated efforts.

AH&LA encourages hoteliers to stay informed and to develop strategies and precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of employees and guests.

Survey results from Meeting Professionals International reveal down attendance and reduced budgets for business meetings in 2009.

Atlanta–Attendees at the 12th Annual International African-American Hotel Ownership & Multicultural Tourism Summit & Trade Show were encouraged to fight through the sluggish economy and keep looking for deals that make sense. Hosted by the National Assn. of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers, the conference attracted about 350 people.

New York–At a typical Lodging Industry Investment Council roundtable meeting, topics vary across the board, from labor issues to financing to brand stability. At the most recent meeting in early June, held in conjunction with the New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, two topics stole the stage and dominated the conversation: industry demand and the lack of liquidity in the market.

San Antonio-Ten years after releasing a set of standards for franchisor-franchisee relationships it calls the "12 points of fair franchising," the Asian American Hotel Owners Assn. released a "harsh" progress report detailing how five major hotel franchisors are complying with those standards.