Running Head: NETWORKING REPORT: THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Networking Report: The Hospitality Industry

William Huang
The University of Southern California
Running Head: NETWORKING REPORT: THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
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Executive Summary

Purpose and method of this report

The hospitality industry is a fast-growing, ever changing landscape that accounts for over 2
trillion dollars in total revenue in the US alone each year. The prevalence of hospitality
surrounds us each and every day, from the chefs that prepare our breakfast to the cashier that
checks you out at the grocery store. The purpose of this report is to:
● Highlight the vast networking opportunities that the hospitality industry
possess
● Recommend which network to join, and how to join said network
I conducted extensive online research on three different networks to find out which one allow me
to reach my full potential. The research was done using both primary and secondary sources and
aimed to dig as deep as possible into the hospitality industry network.

Findings and Conclusions

Three organizations were contenders as the best associations to join if one is looking to broaden
their hospitality network: : The National Restaurant Association, The National Association for
Catering and Events (NACE), and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
(HSMAI). All three associations brought similar benefits for its members and had

The results of my research showed that there was one association that bolstered the best return on
investment.

Recommendations
With how fast the hospitality industry is changing and how much a network aids in guiding
through hospitality, the NRA is the perfect association to join. With all the information they
provide, opportunities they give, and strong members they possess, the NRA has everything an
individual needs to succeed in the hospitality industry.
Running Head: NETWORKING REPORT: THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
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Introduction

The Hospitality Industry

The Hospitality industry is filled with misconceptions on what it entails, and who is a part of it.
Hospitality networks help guide through these misconceptions and create a connection between
key players in the industry. There are three main players that have hugely contributed to forming
the networks we see today: The National Restaurant Association, The National Association for
Catering and Events (NACE), and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
(HSMAI). These three associations are major players in the Hospitality industry, each with
thousands of members spanning over the globe. To truly understand these associations, I did
immense research to find out what each provides for a potential member.

Findings
The National Restaurant Association
Known as “the other NRA” due to its similarity in name to the National Rifle Association, the
NRA was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Washington DC. With dues ranging from
$100 (for students) -$300 (for restaurants), it is the most expensive of the three options. The
membership process is easy and takes minutes to complete. All that is required is basic personal
information and a membership fee. With over 40,000 members representing nearly 500,000
foodservice establishments, it is also the most expansive network in the United States and of the
three associations. Benefits of joining this organization include: free reports about trends in the
industry, free admission to the National Restaurant Association Show. and exclusive discounts
and offers not found elsewhere. There is only meeting held every year (this year in Chicago, IL),
where members and key players in the hospitality field discuss their findings and futures. The
best way to contact this organization is through their online contact information.
The National Association for Catering and Events
NACE was established over 60 years ago and now fosters over 40 chapters around the globe and
over 3500 members. They are the first non-profit organization for hospitality players looking to
enhance their network. They can be contacted through their online portal and are located in
Columbia, Maryland. With fees ranging from $50 (for students) - $400 (for professionals), it is
the second cheapest of the three options. While they do not host a yearly meeting, there are
chapters meeting throughout the year that one may find. This organization has not found much
growth over the years and are mainly focused on the catering aspect of the hospitality industry,
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
HSMAI was founded in the United States in 1927 and currently have over 5,000 members from
35 different countries worldwide. They host monthly chapter meetings with locations around the
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globe (there is one in Los Angeles). Fees range from $45-$80, making this organization the
cheapest one to join. To contact HSMAI you may contact their phone number or email them.
While there are no yearly meetings or big events, HSMAI makes up for it with scholarship
opportunities as well as volunteer experience. HSMAI seems like a great start for someone in the
hospitality industry, yet with so many similarities to the other two organizations, it is still a
relatively new player to the field.

Conclusion
The Benefits of Each Organization
While each organization has similar benefits ranging from individual workshops to online
seminars and in-depth research information, only the NRA had a yearly meeting that allowed for
a physical networking opportunity with key leaders in the hospitality industry. The other two
organizations had mere chapter meetings with individuals around one’s location, a very weak
and small network that one could build. With the hospitality industry being so vast and
expansive, thinking global is what a player should be doing, and the NRA is the only group that
would allow for such a mindset.

Recommendation
Final Recommendation
With all three organizations in mind and in-depth research of what each has to offer, I
recommend that an individual joins the National Restaurant Association in order to fully reap the
benefits of an association. By being the biggest and oldest organization around, they possess the
most power among the three associations. They also have the most benefits and a certain
professionalism about them that other organizations do not. By joining the NRA you’ll enhance
your hospitality network at an exponential rate while also learning more about the industry from
the comfort of your own home. The NRA is the holy grail of hospitality, linking together all
different players from the industry.