Profile: Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston

The Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston (HLAGH) is a non-profit organization that represents 225 members comprised of general managers and owners of hotels and motels as well as suppliers, service companies and consultants who sell and service the hospitality industry.

HLAGH is a unified voice representing the hotel and motel industry in governmental affairs on a local, state, and national level as well as provides updates on issues facing our industry.  In addition, the Association works closely with the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote Houston as a convention and tourism destination.  

The Association’s objectives include providing a forum for education and networking opportunities through monthly membership meetings, educational seminars, and special events.  HLAGH strongly believes in supporting our community through outreach events.  The Association works to educate future hospitality employees through its mentoring activities and scholarship programs.

Mission Statement

HLAGH is devoted to representing the interest of the hospitality industry through education, political action, and member benefits that improve the financial position and public awareness of the industry.

Association History

The Houston Hotel & Motel Association was founded by a handful of hoteliers in the late 60’s as a peer group.  Some of the original hoteliers included Max Peck - GM of the Rice Hotel, Ed Davis - GM of the Lamar Hotel and Ron Hughes - GM of the Shamrock Hotel.

The Association did not have a paid staff and was run by the current President.  In 1971, the Association was granted its tax-free non-profit status.  In the late 70’s, Ed Davis, became the permanent Secretary-Treasurer and ran the Association from his office at the Lamar Hotel .  By then, Associate Members were accepted into the Association.

In the fall of 1981, it was announced that Dr. James Taylor was retiring as founding Dean of the Conrad Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management.  Dr. Taylor was asked to become the first paid staff member.  At the time Dr. Taylor took over the Association, membership consisted of 60 Hotels and 30 Associates Members.

In 1999, Joan Johnson was hired as Interim President and was appointed permanently on January 1, 2000.  The Greater Houston Hotel & Motel Association was renamed in 2001 to the Hotel & Motel Association of Greater Houston.  Membership currently consists of 138 hotels representing approximately 30,000 hotel rooms and 90 allied members.  

In July 2005, the Association was renamed the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston.