The Americas Lodging Investment Summit

The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of global economy — creating jobs, fostering travel, and investing in local communities. It is also one of the industries hardest hit by substance use disorder (SUD).

Long hours, high stress, and a culture that can sometimes blur the lines between work and leisure contribute to heightened risks among its workforces. This year, the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) is taking a bold step forward by spotlighting Shatterproof as the featured charity.

Highlighting Shatterproof at the conference underscores that addressing addiction isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a societal and business necessity. Aligning with Shatterproof provides a lifeline for hospitality employees and a path toward transformation for the industry at large.

The Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS)

The largest and most influential hotel investment conference in the world, ALIS convenes thousands of investors, owners, developers and operators. Held in Los Angeles annually, and hosted by NorthStar, ALIS will be a three-day deep dive into trends, challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry.

Shatterproof will host the eighth annual Hospitality Heroes Reception, awarding Amanda Hite as the first female recipient of the Hospitality Hero award. Hite is the president of STR, a CoStar Group company and is being recognized for her courage and commitment toward raising awareness of substance use disorder and ending addiction stigma.

Shatterproof will also convene a panel discussion inviting founder and CEO Gary Mendell and Amanda Hite to the stage, alongside President and CEO of Wyndham Hotels Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of HEI Hotels and Resorts Anthony Rutledge, and IHG Hotels & Resorts Chief Development Officer Julienne Smith. The panel aims to educate and mobilize companies to further support Shatterproof’s mission.

Substance Use Disorder in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of SUD. High turnover rates, irregular work hours, and readily available alcohol in many settings can create an environment that leaves employees vulnerable to substance misuse.

According to a 2020 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), workers in hospitality and food services have some of the highest rates of substance use among all industries.

When an industry safeguards its employees, it better serves its customers and the community within which it operates.

ALIS 2025 and Beyond

As Shatterproof takes center stage at ALIS, attendees will have the chance to learn about the lifesaving work taking place to reverse the addiction crisis and practical solutions available to better resource their organizations.

The addiction crisis is reversable. With the right partnerships and a willingness to address challenges and solutions, we can make change. Shatterproof’s presence at ALIS is a clarion call for leaders to step up, engage, and create environments where both employees and guests can thrive.

Together, we can shatter stigma, support recovery, and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed — both in the workplace and beyond.

Learn more about the Hospitality Heroes Reception: shatterproofalis.org