The hospitality sector is stepping up its commitment to tackling addiction and supporting recovery as the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles becomes a platform for change. On January 28-30, the annual gathering will feature a powerful event aimed at raising awareness and funds for addiction recovery, with Shatterproof’s eighth annual Hospitality Heroes Reception scheduled for January 29.
Shatterproof, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the healthcare system for those battling addiction in America, continues to make strides in providing quality treatment based on scientific evidence. The reception will honor Amanda Hite, president and CEO of STR, a leading hotel data firm, and acknowledge the hospitality companies that have championed Shatterproof’s mission to improve the quality and accessibility of addiction treatment.
At the heart of this initiative is Shatterproof’s drive to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction while offering education on prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. Since its founding in 2013, Shatterproof has made remarkable progress, raising more than $5 million through its Hospitality Heroes Reception alone. This year, the organization plans to continue its momentum by leveraging ALIS’s platform to highlight the crucial role the hospitality industry can play in addressing addiction.
In addition to the reception, the ALIS Summit will host a general session panel discussion on addiction, which will bring together top industry leaders. The panel will include Amanda Hite, Gary Mendell (Shatterproof’s founder and CEO), and executives from leading hotel companies such as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and IHG Hotels & Resorts. The conversation will focus on the impact of addiction on the workforce and the hospitality industry’s responsibility in providing education, resources, and support for individuals affected by substance use disorders.
A particularly timely and impactful element of this year’s event is a collaboration between Shatterproof and Northstar Travel Group, the parent company of the ALIS organizer, BHN Group. Over the next year, Northstar will work to provide addiction education and resources across its portfolio of 28 brands and more than 100 events. These efforts will address pressing issues, including the risks associated with fentanyl and alcohol use disorder, both of which have significant implications for the hospitality and travel workforce.
Bob Sullivan, Northstar’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed the company’s dedication to tackling substance use disorder within the industry, saying, “We recognize the critical impact of substance use disorder on the hospitality and travel workforce and are committed to leveraging our platforms to address this public health challenge.” This collaboration with Shatterproof aligns with Northstar’s mission to bring essential resources and awareness to the hospitality sector, ensuring that the industry is equipped to offer support to those affected by addiction.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent wildfires in parts of Los Angeles County, the ALIS event will proceed as planned. BHN Group has confirmed that its trio of ALIS Hotel Week events ALIS, ALIS Law, and ALIS Design will take place during the week of January 27, bringing together industry professionals committed to creating positive change.
As the hospitality industry continues to grapple with the effects of addiction on both its workforce and its guests, the collaboration between Shatterproof, Northstar, and ALIS marks a significant step forward in providing meaningful support and fostering long-term recovery. By combining the power of education, industry influence, and a unified commitment to change, this partnership offers hope for a future where addiction recovery is not only possible but also a priority within the hospitality sector.
