advocacy
The AHA advocates on our members' behalf to protect your business and employees.
- Lobby key decision makers so they understand how legislation affects your business.
- Hosts Legislative Day during the legislative session to help keep you informed and in touch with your elected officials.
- Notifies you of critical policy developments through Phone2Action.
- Monitors thousands of legislative and regulatory initiatives.
- Hosts special events throughout the year to build connections and build relationships between members and elected officials. We create an environment for discussion on issues important to our members.
education
AHA supports all levels of training and education to foster growth of the Arkansas Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
- AHA members receive a discount on ServSafe, a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association. The program is accredited by ANSI and the Conference for Food Protection. ServSafe teaches safe food and alcohol handling practices for managers and employees.
- Exclusive workshops, webinars, and resources featuring relevant topics and impactful information are available to AHA members.
- ProStart® is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow's industry leaders. From culinary techniques to management skills, ProStart's industry-driven curriculum provides real-world educational opportunities and builds practical skills and a foundation that will last a lifetime. Access to advice from legal, research, regulatory, policy, and food safety experts.
awareness
The AHA helps shape a positive public opinion through messaging about the hospitality industry's impact on Arkansas's economy and communities.
- Each year, the Arkansas Restaurant Association, the Arkansas Lodging Association, and the Arkansas Travel Council join together for the Arkansas Hospitality Association Vendor Showcase & Convention. The show allows for industry professional, students and vendors to network and learn. During the event we have several competitions, including Star of the Bar, Iron Chef Throw Down, and Hospitality Games.
- The AHA hosts the annual Arkansas Culinary Classic, where Arkansas's Chefs showcase their food and compete in four categories: Soup/Salad, Dessert, Entree, or Appetizer. After judging is complete, each chef provides tastings of each entry for a culinary tasting.
- The Association hosts an annual gala called The Stars of Industry, where we honor employees and managers in the hospitality industry that go above and beyond their job descriptions to make their coworkers and customers feel privileged to know them. They are why the hospitality industry is the second largest industry in the state that provides over 100,000 jobs and brings over $5.6 billion to the state. Also honored are a region of the year, hotelier of the year, restaurateur of the year, and travel person of the year.
- Our Central Arkansas Chapter and the Greater Hot Springs Chapter meetings and special events allow our members to network with each other and here from industry partners. Each Chapter holds special events such as Day at the Races, and annual luncheons.
endorsed services
Our members have access to AHA Endorsed Services. If you have any questions regarding any of the listed services under the benefits or discount tabs or you would be interested in getting your company’s products and/or services endorsed by the AHA. Please Contact the AHA team by phone at 501-376-2323 or by e-mail to learn more and begin using the services we offer our members. Remember membership pays, especially if you take advantage of all of the services we provide!
There may also be other services offered by our associate members which are available only in your local area, but which are not endorsed because they are not offered statewide. To learn about these services, please attend your local area’s AHA chapter meeting or view our online Buyer’s Guide.
Don’t miss out on National Restaurant Association (NRA) member benefits for restaurants and American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) member benefits for hotels.
Please visit the NRA members services website to find out more about special discounts and offers available from the NRA.
Please visit the AHLA members services website to find out more about special discounts and offers available from the AHLA.
There may also be other services offered by our associate members which are available only in your local area, but which are not endorsed because they are not offered statewide. To learn about these services, please attend your local area’s AHA chapter meeting or view our online Buyer’s Guide.
Don’t miss out on National Restaurant Association (NRA) member benefits for restaurants and American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) member benefits for hotels.
Please visit the NRA members services website to find out more about special discounts and offers available from the NRA.
Please visit the AHLA members services website to find out more about special discounts and offers available from the AHLA.