IHG Owners Association

John Muehlbauer has been appointed as the Association’s chief executive officer. Muehlbauer's extensive experience and strong relationships make him an ideal candidate for the position. He will continue to uphold the Association’s mission of maximizing owners’ investments in their IHG-branded hotels and serve as the primary liaison between the Association and IHG corporate. Visit owners.org to read the full press release.

Don’t miss the IHG Owners Association’s first Expert Session of the new yearan interview-style conversation featuring Teague Hunter, Deepesh Kholwadwala and Norm Leslie. Join them as they discuss lending relationships, cash management, deferring or capitalizing interest, reserves, foreclosure and more. Log into connect.owners.org to register.

President Trump signed a $900 billion relief package to aid individuals and businesses suffering from the continued financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among its many provisions, the package replenishes and expands the Paycheck Protection Program, provides further debt and tax relief and boosts unemployment benefits. Learn more through the Industry News section of owners.org.

The IHG Owners Association is proud to call Atlanta, Ga. home, and with so much attention being payed to Georgia in recent weeks, IHG is partnering with Explore Georgia to help people see more of the Peach State. Learn more at ihgplc.com.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to remind everyone of the importance of protecting sensitive information, including guest, colleague and other IHG data. All who work in hospitalityfrom owners and operators to GMs and housekeepersplay a role in keeping such valuable information safe and secure. Visit the News tab on Merlin to learn more about cybersecurity and how to ensure the proper handling of sensitive information.

The IHG Owners Association’s Europe Regional Council held an in-person meeting on October 13, including a virtual option for those unable to attend, at the InterContinental London Park Lane. The meeting was carefully designed to be in accordance with all government-mandated rules as the U.K. currently allows business gatherings, provided they are able to maintain at least two (2) meters of distance between individuals. Following extensive preparation from both the Association and hosting hotel, the Association firmly believes the on-property meeting demonstrates a commitment to working together to execute cleanliness and safety brand standards that will bolster consumer confidence in IHG-branded hotels and the hospitality industry at large. Read the full press release on owners.org.

Join us for our upcoming Expert Session with Tammy Gillis of Gillis Sales. The hour-long webinar will explore how to pursue business in an environment of scarcity and provide an overview of recent changes in the market, sales tactics to build base business and ways to outmaneuver your competition. Visit the Expert Sessions page of owners.org to register.

In 2020, IHG’s annual Giving for Good month is taking a new form as the Giving for Good awardsan opportunity to celebrate incredible acts of kindness at IHG hotels from around the world. These awards will recognize those colleagues or teams who have gone above and beyond to support their communities, guests or each other this year. Visit 2020.truehospitalityforgood.com and complete the Giving for Good awards nomination form. You can nominate either yourself, a team or another colleague. Nominations close on November 16 and winners will be announced on December 3 in recognition of the UN International Volunteering Day.

In response to the economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association is offering a 20 percent discount on membership dues for 2021. Also, all new and renewing members will receive an additional 10 Free Nights to use in 2021 since many members were unable to travel this year. In this current, volatile business climate, now is more important than ever to stay connected with fellow owners and the Association as we provide advice and counsel to IHG to meet the challenges our industry faces. Visit www.owners.org to join or renew today.

The IHG Owners Association’s Board of Directors held its first in-person meeting of 2020 on September 22-23, including a virtual option for those unable to attend. During this meeting, the Board covered a wide range of pertinent, owner-driven topics as well as met with IHG leaders at the InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga. The meeting was carefully designed to be in accordance with state-mandated rules as Georgia currently allows gatherings of 50 people or less without ...restriction. Following extensive preparation from both the Association and hosting hotel with an emphasis on IHG's Meet with Confidence protocol and CDC guidelines, the Board firmly believes the on-property meeting demonstrates a commitment to working together to execute cleanliness and safety brand standards that will bolster consumer confidence in IHG hotels and the hospitality industry at large. Read the full press release on owners.org. See more

Join the COVID Relief Now Coalition in urging your respective representatives to pass much-needed financial assistance for hoteliers, including a second draw on funds for eligible businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program. Visit https://p2a.co/bahOtVI to advocate for our industry today.

Sunday marks World Tourism Day, and the importance of our industry to both the global and local economies is more evident now than ever before. Learn more about how tourism drives job creation, development and the protection of cultural heritage at www.un.org/en/observances/tourism-day

This week marks the 39th annual International Housekeeping Week; an opportunity to recognize the hard, consistent work of hospitality’s housekeeping heroes. To all those on property helping push our industry through this year and beyond, we thank you!

IHG Americas CEO Elie Maalouf was featured on CNBC’s Closing Bell program, during which he discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with reopening hotels and resorts amid the ongoing pandemic. Watch his full segment on cnbc.com/video.

As wildfires continue to spread across parts of California, IHG has activated the Colleague Disaster Relief Assistance Fund as well as made a donation to the American Red Cross in support of their vital relief efforts across the Western U.S., including temporary evacuation points, shelters, cooling centers and emergency hotel lodging where possible. Learn more about these efforts or access the Colleague Disaster Relief Assistance Fund form through Merlin.

Join us Tuesday, August 25 at 1 PM ET for our latest Expert Session, led by IHG’s vice president of global paid media, Chris Copp. The hour-long webinar will dive into IHG Ignite, provide owners the opportunity to ask questions and will cover different program elements, including reporting and billing structures as well as how IHG Ignite is designed to benefit owners. Log into our members-only Online Community to register.

IHG CEO Keith Barr joined Bloomberg’s European Open program today to discuss IHG’s COVID-19 strategy, its recent financial performance and the company’s plans for recovery. Watch the full interview through the link below. https://www.bloomberg.com//intercontinental-hotels-china-b