The HotelPAC Congressional Dinner featured briefings by Reps. Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif.; James Clyburn, D-S.C. [above]; and Dan Boren, D-Okla.

Washington–While the political agenda for the American Hotel & Lodging Assn.'s annual Legislative Action Summit might look familiar, there is a climate of change for this year's election season, according to the keynote speaker.

"Experience doesn't matter when people want change," said Mike Murphy, founding principal and member of the executive committee of DC Navigators LLC, during the opening session April 14.

The presidential election could have implications for some of the hotel industry's biggest issues, but Americans want a nonpartisan Congress to facilitate change, he said.

On the State of Travel & Tourism panel, airport and border security was top of mind. The group sentiment was that security procedures hindered a welcoming environment for international travelers. Panelists said risk management has to be the philosophy.

American Hotel & Lodging Assn. Chairman Tom Corcoran moderates the State of Travel & Tourism panel, where panelists discussed airport and border security issues and promoted risk management and education as ways to overcome security problems. Top issues at the summit included: seasonal labor (H-2B Program), employee workplace rights (card check), U.S. tourism, sustainability/environmental responsibility, immigration, Social Security no-match letters, ADA changes and the Family and Medical Leave Act. [From left] Corcoran, chairman, AH&LA and chairman of the board, FelCor Lodging Trust; Bill Connors, executive director and c.o.o., National Business Travel Assn.; Al Martinez-Fonts Jr., assistant secretary for the private sector office, Department of Homeland Security; and Stewart Verdery, partner and founder, Monument Policy Group LLC.

"We know we need speed and security," said Al Martinez-Fonts Jr., assistant secretary for the private sector office, Department of Homeland Security. "That's what our office is trying to figure out."

Stewart Verdery, partner and founder of Monument Policy Group LLC, said educating travelers is a must. "A big problem is we have all of these security programs, but no outreach programs."

Another key issue on AH&LA's agenda is H-2B visa relief.

Returning-worker exemption provisions, which dramatically increase the number of visas issued and help hotels and others get seasonal help, expired in September. Further legislation has been introduced, but there is some resistance because of the misinformation that it allows foreigners to take jobs from Americans or that employers are mistreating H-2B workers.

"With a new president, there is a huge risk," said Bob Alter, executive chairman of Sunstone Hotel Investors and chairman of the AH&LA Governmental Affairs Committee. "We need to band together and raise money and get out there."

Stevan Porter, president, The Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group, said it's an emotional issue.

"A concern is the belief that [hoteliers] are bad employers, and if we were better employers the problem would be solved," he said. "That is not the case. And for the few exceptions, we don't need legislation to sort that out. ... It's up to us without the government to improve the industry."

Card check also has been misrepresented, according to Yvonne LaPenotiere, chief branding officer, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, who said it's a travesty.

"It opens up employees to coercion and intimidation," she said. "The issue is below the radar and we need to make it famous. ... If they knew what this bill was really about, people would be upset about giving up their civil liberties."

Rep. Ric Keller, R-Fla., told attendees, "Card check is going to go nowhere, I am happy to report."