As the travel and tourism sectors experience increased guest demand, recruitment and retention has become an increasingly important area of focus for hotel owners, managers, and operators. With the rise of the gig economy luring hourly workers away from entry-level jobs and record low unemployment levels, hotels are struggling to maintain minimum staffing levels to keep the doors open.

​With the labor shortage and a high turnover rate it’s no secret that the hospitality industry is struggling to find employees and retain them. Milwaukee Area Technical College Hospitality programs are working on being innovative to create a streamline of employees into the field. The programs are creating new ways of teaching and learning while providing students accolades with each step.

At last week's WHLA Board of Directors meeting our leadership approved changes to the structure of our conference and trade show that are intended to enhance the attendee and exhibitor experience, while also addressing the major increases we are seeing in costs to put on a successful event.