CHART - Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers

What CHART - Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers does

CHART — the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers — is a U.S.-based nonprofit professional association founded in 1970 and headquartered in Westfield, New Jersey. It serves trainers, learning and development leaders, and human resources professionals working in the hospitality industry, with a stated reach of more than 650 individual members drawn from 350+ companies that collectively employ more than 3 million hospitality workers. The organization's core mission is to advance the practice of training and workforce development across hotels, restaurants, and related service-sector employers.

CHART's product portfolio combines membership services, content, learning technology, and live events. Core offerings include two learning management platforms — The Lobby LMS and the Competency LMS — alongside a Training Competencies Program and Competency Master Facilitators certification. Content products include the Training High 5 eBook, Training Articles, CHART Talks Videos, the flipCHART Newsletter, the Training Flash E-Newsletter, and Webinars. Community and live-event products include Regional Training Forums, the numbered CHART annual conference series (currently CHART 110 in Boston), the Trainer Toolbox, the Ask My Peers forum, a Job Board, and the Training Trends Study. The organization also launched the CHART Shop merchandise line as an ancillary retail channel.

CHART's business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue mix: individual membership dues, corporate membership fees, conference registration and sponsorship revenue, and a tiered commercial partner/sponsorship program featuring Silver, Gold, and higher partners such as Home of Training, Expert LMS, Servsuccess, AHLEI, Wisetail, ELB Learning, Articulate, Schoox, Restaurant365, Attensi, Bites, and others. The model monetizes CHART's position as a curated distribution and community channel for hospitality training vendors while providing members with peer learning, certification, and industry benchmarking.

Name

CHART - Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers

Legal name

Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers

Website

https://chart.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CHART is a U.S. nonprofit professional association founded in 1970 serving hospitality trainers and L&D leaders, with 650+ individual members from 350+ companies reaching 3M+ hospitality workers via memberships, conferences, LMS platforms, and certification programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hospitality Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Corporate Learning & Training Content Development (EDAGAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Professional & Certification Expos Organizers (THAHABAD)

Keywords

• Hospitality training association
• Professional membership programs
• Learning management system
• Training competency certification
• Hospitality industry networking

Headquarters

HQ city

Westfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Memberships: Annual membership fees for individual hospitality training professionals providing access to conferences, webinars, training resources, peer networking, and the member community
2. Corporate Membership Packages: Group membership packages for restaurant, foodservice, and lodging companies allowing multiple employees to access CHART resources and professional development
3. Conference Revenue: Registration fees for semi-annual conferences (winter and summer) including educational sessions, networking events, and Training High Five recognition program
4. Partner Sponsorships: Partnership programs with Silver, Gold, and other partner levels providing visibility to hospitality training technology and service providers

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

CHART is a non-profit professional association that delivers membership-based professional development for hospitality training professionals through individual and corporate memberships, semi-annual conferences, Regional Training Forums, webinars, and a Training Competencies Program with Competency Master Facilitator certification. Members access two proprietary learning management systems (The Lobby LMS and Competency LMS), peer forums (Ask My Peers), an extensive content library (Training High 5 eBook, CHART Talks videos, Training Articles), newsletters, and a Job Board, while corporate sponsors gain visibility to the hospitality training market.

Product overview

CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers) is a non-profit professional association serving hospitality training professionals. The organization's offerings center around The Lobby LMS and Competency LMS platforms for learning management, complemented by semi-annual conferences (summer and winter) featuring CHART Talks Videos and Training High Five recognition. Key resources include the Training High 5 eBook annual collection, Training Articles/Blog, flipCHART and Training Flash newsletters, Webinars (on-demand library), Regional Training Forums, Training Competencies Program, and Trainer Toolbox. The association provides Individual and Corporate Membership Programs, Competency Master Facilitator certification, a Job Board, Training Trends Research, and Ask My Peers community forum. CHART represents over 600 members from 350+ restaurant, foodservice, and lodging companies, serving training professionals from entry level to senior executive.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Lobby LMS: The organization's learning management system platform for members.
• Training High 5
• CHART Talks
• flipCHART Newsletter
• Training Flash

Products and services

• Membership Programs (Individual and Corporate) Annual subscription memberships for hospitality training professionals (individual tier) and hospitality operating companies (corporate tier) providing access to all CHART resources, conferences, webinars, the Lobby LMS, Competency LMS, content library, and peer community.
• Semi-Annual Conferences (Winter and Summer) Registration-based in-person conferences held twice a year featuring training competency sessions, CHART Talks, Training High Five award recognition, networking events, and professional development for hospitality trainers.
• The Lobby LMS CHART's proprietary Learning Management System (powered by Wisetail) used by hospitality training professionals for online training content delivery, competency tracking, and continuing education.
• Competency LMS Competency-based learning management system for hospitality training professionals, providing structured competency development pathways aligned to the Training Competencies Program.
• Training Competencies Program Structured competency framework for hospitality training professionals with recognized certification pathways supporting professional development from entry level to senior executive roles.
• Competency Master Facilitator Certification Certification program for trainers who lead competency-based training sessions through CHART, advancing their credentials within the hospitality training profession.
• Training High 5 eBook Annual eBook compilation of award-winning training ideas and strategies contributed by CHART member companies, available to members as part of the Trainer Toolbox and used to recognize innovative training practices across the hospitality industry.
• CHART Talks Videos Library of short video presentations from members covering training tips, leadership insights, and hospitality best practices, distributed through the CHART website and the CHARTTube1 YouTube channel.
• Webinars (Live and On-Demand) Upcoming live webinars and on-demand library of past webinar recordings supporting continuing professional development for hospitality trainers.
• Regional Training Forums In-person regional training events held across different U.S. locations to complement CHART's larger semi-annual conferences, providing networking and learning opportunities closer to members.
• Trainer Toolbox Online resource library for members containing training tools, templates, and the archived Training High 5 eBook library.
• Ask My Peers (Member Forum) Member-only peer consultation and knowledge-sharing forum hosted within the MemberClicks community, where hospitality training professionals can post questions and receive advice from peers.
• CHART Partner Sponsorship Programs (Silver, Gold) Tiered partnership programs (Silver, Gold, and other levels) giving hospitality training technology and service providers visibility to CHART's 650+ members and 350+ company community through conferences, Resource Gallery Expo, and partner marketing calendar.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3 million+ workforce represented by CHART members
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered silver partner and partner.

• Expert LMSsilver partnerTechnology or Integration · 23 June 2026Expert LMS is an all-in-one learning technology platform designed to simplify training, compliance, and workforce development for hospitality organizations. The partnership supports CHART's mission by providing integrated learning administration and employee development solutions.
• Home of Training (HOT)silver partnerTechnology or Integration · 16 June 2026Home of Training is a leading provider of Learning Management Systems (LMS), compliance training, and custom content development for the hospitality industry. The partnership provides CHART members with access to comprehensive learning and development solutions including compliance certifications, custom content, and video solutions.
• ServsuccesspartnerTechnology or IntegrationTraining and certification partner for restaurant industry professionals
• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI)partnerTechnology or IntegrationPremier hospitality education and certification organization providing training standards for hotel professionals
• WisetailpartnerTechnology or IntegrationLearning management system provider powering CHART's The Lobby LMS platform
• ELB (ELB Learning)partnerTechnology or IntegrationE-learning development and instructional design tools provider
• ArticulatepartnerTechnology or IntegrationE-learning authoring software provider for creating training content
• Legacy EventspartnerGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent production services for CHART conferences and events
• SchooxpartnerTechnology or IntegrationLearning and talent development platform for hospitality industry
• Opus (Opus Training)partnerTechnology or IntegrationTraining and enablement platform for hospitality operations
• Modern TrainingpartnerTechnology or IntegrationTraining technology solutions provider
• Restaurant365 (R365)partnerTechnology or IntegrationRestaurant management and operations software provider
• AttensipartnerTechnology or IntegrationAI-powered simulation training for hospitality industry
• BitespartnerTechnology or IntegrationTraining and communication platform for restaurants
• SOL (GetSol)partnerTechnology or IntegrationTraining solutions provider for hospitality industry
• PPStratpartnerTechnology or IntegrationPerformance and training strategy consulting
• Smart TrainerpartnerTechnology or IntegrationMobile training platform for hospitality
• Training SimplifiedpartnerTechnology or IntegrationSimplified training content and solutions
• WIRL (Women Leading Restaurants)partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen's leadership network in the restaurant industry
• HR in HospitalitypartnerGTM or Marketing PartnerHR professional organization serving hospitality industry
• IFBTA (International Food and Beverage Technology Association)partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional association for food and beverage technology
• MFHA (Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance)partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganization advancing diversity and inclusion in hospitality
• GLEAM NetworkpartnerGTM or Marketing PartnerHospitality training and development network

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): The principal US trade association for hotels, parent of AHLEI, focused on advocacy, operations support, and workforce initiatives. Serves many of the same lodging companies as CHART but from a broad-policy and operations lens.
• Association for Talent Development (ATD): ATD is the largest professional association for talent development and learning professionals across all industries. It is a broader incumbent covering the same L&D practitioner audience as CHART but with cross-vertical scope rather than hospitality specialization.
• National Restaurant Association: The largest US trade association for the restaurant industry, offering training resources (ServSafe), advocacy, and the annual NRA Show. It is a broader incumbent that overlaps with CHART's restaurant-company member base but is not training-specialist.

Regional players

• Institute of Hospitality: The UK-based professional body for hospitality professionals, offering membership, training, and credentials globally but with primary roots in the UK/Europe. Comparable to CHART as a professional association serving hospitality practitioners outside of CHART's US focus.

Direct peers

• Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management (SHFM): SHFM is a professional association for corporate hospitality and foodservice management professionals, providing education, networking, and certification. Directly comparable to CHART in serving a corporate-employer hospitality audience.
• Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA): MFHA is a non-profit advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the foodservice and hospitality industry through education and training. Listed as a CHART partner; comparable in serving hospitality employers with people-development programming.
• Women Leading Restaurants (WIRL): WIRL is a network advancing women leaders in the restaurant industry through community, education, and mentorship. Listed as a CHART GTM partner and is highly comparable as a hospitality-focused community and professional development organization.
• Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP): HFTP is a professional association serving finance and technology professionals within hospitality, providing certifications, education, and networking. Comparable to CHART as a niche hospitality professional association with similar membership and education model.
• International Food & Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA): IFBTA is a professional association serving food and beverage technology professionals globally. Listed as a CHART GTM partner, it overlaps in hospitality/foodservice professional community building and event-based programming.
• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI): AHLEI is the training and certification arm of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, providing hospitality-focused educational programs and credentials. It is CHART's listed Premier Partner and is the most directly comparable training-focused hospitality organization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/charttrainers
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ChartTube1
• Facebookfacebook.com/timeline
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/council-of-hotel-and-restaurant-trainers
• Instagraminstagram.com/charttrainers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CHART - Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers