American Express has long been committed to supporting programs that contribute to the long-term strength and professional development of its hospitality partners.  The Educational Institute is the premier source for quality hospitality training programs. 

“When American Express was looking for a way to provide strategic business solutions to the lodging industry, we were a natural partner for them,” explained Nancy DelBianco, EI’s director of professional development. 

Content for the diversity seminar is based on results of an American Express benchmark study of best practices in diversity gathered from companies in a variety of industries. An advisory board of key hospitality industry professionals will review the seminar’s content for validity and relevance to the lodging industry. Members of this board will include: 

• Anthony G. Marshall, president and CEO, Educational Institute
• William P. Fisher, president and CEO, American Hotel & Motel Association 
• Emelie Smith, vice president, travel and retail marketing, American Express Establishment Services
• Bill Mackellar-Hertan, vice president, diversity, American Express Establishment Services
• Valerie Ferguson, chairman, American Hotel & Motel Association; regional vice president and managing director, Loews Philadelphia Hotel
• Dr. Diann R. Newman, assistant professor, human relations, School of Hospitality Management, Florida International University 
• Howard Nusbaum, executive vice president, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association 
• Other key industry leaders

Funding for Building Success Through Diversity comes from the American Hotel Foundation’s “Hospitality 2000” fundraising campaign, to which American Express was a major contributor.  Money from this fund is used to provide hospitality scholarships, fund industry research, and establish innovative professional development and training programs. 

For more information on the Educational Institute’s professional development seminars, call 1-888-454-7766 or 407-649-8252, or email seminars@ei-ahma.org. 

Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel & Motel Association, the Educational Institute is the world’s largest hospitality communication resource center, providing quality training and educational materials for the hospitality industry. 

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American Express Company—a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company founded in 1850.  It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance, and international banking.