Christina Trauthwein
Editor
As you’ve no doubt noticed by now, Hotel Business is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. We started 2017 off with a special piece in our January 15th issue detailing major movements in the industry over the past two-and-a-half decades, and even put them into the context of what was happening in the world—and pop culture—that might have influenced the way our industry was shaped and even transformed during those times. As we head into the rest of 2017, be on the lookout for three more special sections, which will take a snapshot of the last quarter-century of innovation, design and notable people within the lodging space.
And in every issue since the January edition, we’ve dedicated a page to “A look back…” and have, so far, included glimpses to the past about AAHOA’s origins; management company stats; and, in this issue, products (see page 16); as well as other past gems.
But, May is our true anniversary month—Hotel Business was launched in May 1992—and so our May 21st edition, which also happens to be our NYU Conference issue, will be a little extra-special. After all, 25 years in any business is certainly an achievement, and we want to celebrate with you and hear your stories. One of the great things about the hospitality industry is that we’re not alone in our longevity: So many of you have been part of this industry as long as Hotel Business has—maybe even longer. It seems that once the “hospitality bug” bites, you’re a lifer. Folks move around from company to company, taking on new opportunities, but they’re still a part of the fabric of the lodging landscape. And it’s this movement that makes this industry so dynamic. Literally. You’ve seen it all, been there through the mergers, the recessions, the natural disasters, the great successes and the achievements. And so, you must have stories to tell. To share.
We want to hear them. To publish them. And what better issue than our actual silver-anniversary issue? Hotel Business will reach out to leaders, legends and icons of the industry to share some thoughts to include in print, but I encourage each of our readers to send me an email with a memory, a personal anecdote recounting an experience you’ve had over the last 25 years. How has the industry changed? Evolved? What was a pivotal moment in your career? Is there a chance encounter that changed your professional life? Did you have a mentor? It can be a serious account or maybe a funny side note. Please submit your thoughts to me at [email protected], with the subject line “25 years.” The deadline is May 10.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
