What has the Institute ever done for us?

A rather flippant title which paraphrases the old Monty Python scene in Life of Brian, but it underlines my basic premise here that you only get out of something what you put in.

Although I only joined earlier this year, the Institute of Hospitality has been a little bit of a revelation for me. The networking opportunities, the chance to discuss and share industry trends and business latest with like-minded professionals and ultimately, having a forum where I can put something back into the industry, are some of the main reasons why I enjoy being a member. In short, it's that satisfaction of being part of something really worthwhile that counts and I happen to like what the Institute of Hospitality stands for and the people it represents.

But not all members are made in the same mould and I suspect there are one or two who begrudgingly fire off the annual cheque and wonder what good it has done them beyond a quarterly magazine and a shiny plastic card in the post. From one end of the year to the next, they shy away from attending events or spreading the Insitute's message. Whether or not they can be encouraged to participate more, I'm not sure. I guess at least they are sending in a cheque. And I know that it is gratefully received, so please keep doing that.

With this in mind, I was very interested at the Annual Lunch to hear two or three different conversations on the challenge of attracting new members. As an organisation, the Institute has a lot to offer, but I have a feeling that not too many people in the wider industry are aware of what it is or what it sets out to achieve. People who don't have the words Hotel or Director on their business cards for example. Or don't even have business cards for that matter. Although from what I have seen, this does look set to change with some renewed energy.

Now, if you’re not a member and wondering what it is the Institute does, then go to their website here and have a look. It’s a professional body that offers training resources, industry guidance, personal development and the most fantastic networking opportunities imaginable to really boost your career prospects, business credentials and industry profile.  Whether you are a student (especially if you are a student!), a manager or an entrepreneur, I would urge you to consider becoming a member. And if you’re still not convinced, then give them a call to see if there is an event happening near you. Go along and see what you think. And whatever you do, make sure you follow them on Twitter (@IoH_Online).

If however, you are currently a Member or Fellow of the Institute reading this, don’t pat yourself on the back too soon, because (upstart that I am) I have a challenge for you. Why not pay it forward? I am sure you have been rewarded by your membership over the years, but the Institute needs new members and revitalised energy in the pipeline. Why not pick out an aspiring and talented younger member within your team and reward them by sponsoring their first year’s membership fee. Get them involved, get them motivated and get them talking about the Institute’s good work. That small contribution could make such a big difference to the future of the Institute. More importantly, it could make a profoundly big difference in the future of their lives.

It’s what you put in that determines what you get out. So perhaps the title of my post should have been ‘What have you done for the Institute lately’?

Setting tables to setting standards: the Hospitality Assured lunch

A nicely weighted envelope arrived on my desk a few weeks ago. A rare thing in this digital age. In it was a very nice note from Peter Ducker FIH, the Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, inviting me to the Institute’s Annual Lunch at The Lancaster Hotel on the 29th of May. He said it was in recognition of my contribution as a judge at the Passion4Hospitality Student Debate. In any case a very unexpected, if pleasant surprise for which I am most grateful.

At last the day arrived and on a grey overcast morning in London, I ventured in and took my seat at the Annual General Meeting which was convened an hour before lunch. Although attendance to this is not obligatory, I was keen to get a better understanding of the Institute and the committee members who have shaped it into what it is today. I did find the proceedings very formal, almost to the point of sedentary, but I suspect this belies the hard work and debate that goes on behind the scenes. Certainly it gave me a snapshot of the institute’s challenges and opportunities ahead. In business-like manner the Agenda was judiciously dispensed, proposals were seconded and as lunch loomed, the ayes eventually had it. ‘No scandal’, quipped one member as we got up from our seats.

Peter Ducker FIH

At the pre-lunch reception we were greeted by very friendly service staff proffering Champagne and delicate little canapés. What a great first impression. Catching up with old friends and making new ones is always a highlight on such occasions. Eventually as the chatter became more animated (Champagne does that, I find), our Toastmaster reassuringly announced that Lunch was now served. Finding my table, it was only when I got introduced to my fellow diners that I began to realise the sheer breadth of talent that turned out to celebrate our industry on this occasion. Sitting next to me for example, was Anna-Marie Dowling, the General Manager of the Sofitel Hotel at Heathrow Terminal 5. She oversees a massively busy operation with her team of 390 staff. Just last week they had an unexpected influx of 600 air passengers left stranded as a result of the runways being closed. The hotel was already full, so that was quiet a challenge.

Superb food at The Lancaster

The food at The Lancaster was absolutely superb and only matched by the super-friendly and efficient service. Only later, we found out we had been ‘guinea pigs’ as part of an elaborate initiative to include other ‘non F&B’ departments from around the hotel in the service of our meal that day. So HR, payroll and the other department heads stood shoulder to shoulder with the waiters and waitresses. This was a great team-building exercise and for the Hotel and a chance to showcase their Hospitality Assured values for which they were to win an award later in the proceedings. Speeches were made between courses with the grand finale of the annual Hospitality Assured awards being announced before we had pudding (as we call it here in Oxford). You can read all about the winners here. The people in those operations are certainly a credit to this industry.

Overall, the event was a huge success and the team at the Institute can all feel very proud of a job well done. It was great being in the company of such passionate people and I enjoyed listening to some very different perspectives. What a great boost to morale knowing the industry attracts people like these into it. Funny, now I think about it: a Hospitality Assured lunch to illustrate how the future of Hospitality is indeed assured.

The Winners of the 2013 Hospitality Assured Awards.

If you want to know more about joining the Institute of Hospitality then please call 0208 661 4927 or email membership@instituteofhospitality.org. 

And why not rise to the challenge of gaining the Hospitality Assured accreditation. As someone who has been through the process, I know firsthand that in striving to meet the criteria required, you and your business will benefit in ways that might surprise you.