Committees

By providing valuable input to the WHLA Board of Directors, committees and task forces help establish the policies, priorities, and objectives of the association throughout the year. Committees meet as needed and are led by a Chair elected by the WHLA board and a staff liaison. WHLA offers a variety of ways for our members to get involved via committees and task forces. Individuals employed at a member property, organization, or company are invited to get involved by joining one of our open committees. 

Benefits of Committee Service

​This volunteering opportunity provides connections with other industry professionals, builds leadership skills, and contributes to the success of the association. Service on a committee can be a pathway to additional leadership opportunities, such as being elected to serve on the Board of Directors. 

GET INVOLVED
​Consider joining a committee or task force to plug in to the important work WHLA is spearheading on behalf of the industry. See below for a comprehensive list of our volunteer teams and positions.

Interested in volunteering with us?

Open Committees & Task Forces

Education & Conference Committee
​Chaired by a Director selected by the Board. Committee members plan the annual Wisconsin Lodging Conference and Trade Show. This committee also monitors WHLA’s educational offerings and makes recommendations on scholarships, partnerships with hospitality programs, student support, and more.

Open Committee: All WHLA members
Legislative/Tourism Committee
​Chaired by a Director selected by the Board. This committee monitors new and pending legislation in collaboration with WHLA staff and the contract lobbyist. Duties include reviewing legislation and providing position recommendation on relevant bills and issues to the Board of Directors. Additional duties may include advocacy assistance and the planning of WHLA Action Day.

Open Committee: All WHLA members
Membership Committee
​Chaired by a Director selected by the Board. The purpose of this committee is to ensure an active and engaged membership base. Duties of this committee include membership recruitment initiatives, development of board level recruitment and retention plans, and new member outreach.

Open Committee: All WHLA members
Publications Committee
​To provide leadership and direction to the association’s publication program that supports the mission of the association, and is responsive to the needs of WHLA members. Identify goals and strategies for the Wisconsin Lodging Directory, InnTouch Magazine, Wisconsin Lodging Innsider, and Capitol Innsider publications.

Open Committee: All WHLA members
Wisconsin Women in Lodging Steering Committee
​Chaired by a Director selected by the Board. This committee oversees events, content, and any other benefits for WWIL’s members. Assists in planning WWIL events and recruiting attendees.

Open Committee: All WHLA members
Workforce Development Task Force
To address workforce challenges by exploring partnerships with Wisconsin high schools, trade schools, and colleges. Help build a future workforce for the hospitality industry.

Open Committee: All WHLA Members
Workplace Culture Task Force
To share ideas for building workplace culture in WHLA publications and at regional events.

Open Committee: All WHLA Members

Closed Committees & Task Forces

Awards Committee
Chaired by the previous year’s winner of the Innkeeper of the Year Award (2025 Chair = 2013 IOY). This committee has two standing meetings, one in January to review feedback from the Conference Awards Program and plans for the current year’s awards, and the other in September to select Award Winners. This Committee provides recommendations for new awards and changes to existing award offerings to the WHLA Board of Directors.

Closed Committee: Open to the past four years of major award winners: Innkeeper, Corporate Champion & Associate of the Year winners (2025 = winners from 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and the 2025 Past Chair​
Executive Committee
Consists of the Chair of the Board, Past Chair, Chair-elect, Vice Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, At-Large Delegate, and the President & CEO as outlined in the WHLA By-Laws. The Executive Committee acts as a steering committee that prioritizes the agenda of the board meetings. This committee has full power and authority to attend to all duties necessary between board meetings, and act for and on behalf of the Board of Directors. Committee actions in all matters are subject to ratification and confirmation by the Board of Directors at a lawful subsequent meeting.

Closed Committee: Elected annually at the Annual Meeting
Nominating Committee
Chaired by the Chair-elect. The committee establishes priorities for board composition, plans for board director recruitment and succession, oversees board development, and takes the lead in performing governance tasks.

Closed Committee: Open to Chair-elect and Chair of the Board
Room Tax Task Force
Chaired by a Director selected by the Board. This committee is responsible for monitoring the State Room Tax laws while providing recommendations for improvements, and monitoring compliance within municipalities and tourism entities. This committee provides action recommendations as needed to the Legislative Committee and/or WHLA Board of Directors.

Closed Committee: Open to Board Members or Members Invited by the Chair Only
Scholarship Selection Task Force
Board volunteers are elected each January to review the scholarship program and select the current year’s winners. The task force will connect on a conference call in the spring to review scholarship offerings and review the timeline, and members will meet in-person in May to review submissions and choose a winner.

Closed Committee: Board Members Only