Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association

What Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association does

The Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA) is a private non-profit trade association incorporated in 1974 and headquartered in Oklahoma City at Valliance Tower. It serves as Oklahoma's only state-level trade body exclusively focused on the hotel and lodging industry and operates as the exclusive state partner of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). OHLA is co-managed alongside the Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA), with shared executive leadership across the three entities. The organization represents an industry generating $7 billion in state business sales, $5.5 billion in guest spending, and $2 billion in wages across more than 78,000 guest rooms statewide, with nearly 35,000 hospitality workers in the Oklahoma City market alone.

Name

Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association

Legal name

Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association

Website

https://oklahomahotels.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association is a 1974-founded non-profit trade association providing advocacy, training, and member services to Oklahoma's hotel and lodging industry, operating as the state partner of AHLA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Oklahoma City

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, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: OHLA generates revenue through annual membership dues from lodging properties, service providers, and allied members across Oklahoma's hospitality industry.
2. Training and Certification Programs: The association offers ServSafe Manager certification courses, ACE Alcohol Compliance Education, and other training programs for a fee. Members receive discounted pricing on training courses.
3. Marketing Partnership Fees: OHLA offers marketing opportunities and advertising in the SNAPSHOT newsletter reaching 500 industry professionals, allowing partners to reach the hospitality industry.
4. Events and Sponsorships: Revenue generated from signature events including the Annual Lodging Summit, Heart for Hospitality Celebration, Hospitality Day at the Capitol, and Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner through exhibitor fees, attendee registration, and event sponsorships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA) is Oklahoma's state-level trade association for the hotel and lodging industry, incorporated in 1974. The association delivers advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, professional training and certifications (ServSafe Manager, ServSafe Alcohol, ACE Alcohol Compliance, Human Trafficking Prevention), member benefits including legal consultations and preferred-supplier discount programs, and signature industry events such as the Annual Lodging Summit and the Oklahoma Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Product overview

The Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association (OHLA) is Oklahoma's trade association for the hotel and lodging industry, incorporated in 1974. OHLA provides a unified platform of advocacy, education, and resources for lodging professionals throughout the state. The organization's core offerings include industry advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, and membership benefits encompassing training certifications (ServSafe Manager, ServSafe Alcohol, ACE Alcohol Compliance, Human Trafficking Prevention), legal resources, insurance programs, payment processing discounts, and natural gas purchasing programs. OHLA organizes signature events including the annual Lodging Summit & Expo, the Oklahoma Hospitality Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and partners with the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. The association offers OKWIL (Women in Lodging) as a sub-brand focused on professional development for female hospitality professionals, and provides scholarship programs for hospitality students and industry professionals attending Hotels on the Hill in Washington, D.C.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OKWIL: Oklahoma Chapter of Women in Lodging - an industry-wide forum for Oklahoma's female hospitality professionals offering opportunities to connect with top professionals, gain career momentum, participate in focused educational experiences, and engage in community outreach initiatives.

Products and services

• ServSafe Manager Certification A one-day food-safety training course for hospitality managers; students complete a 90-minute exam requiring a minimum 70% score to earn ServSafe Manager certification, with textbooks and tests available in multiple languages.
• ServSafe Alcohol Online Training Online responsible-alcohol-server certification course approved by the ABLE Commission, developed by the National Restaurant Association and offered to OHLA members at a 33% discount.
• ACE Alcohol Compliance Education In-person alcohol compliance training program approved by the Oklahoma ABLE Commission, covering recent changes to Oklahoma's alcoholic beverage laws with 2-hour on-site seminars for groups of 15 or more.
• 24/7 ACE Online Alcohol Compliance Education Online alcohol compliance training option approved by the ABLE Commission as a state-wide mandated certification course, available on demand.
• Human Trafficking Prevention Training Free human trafficking prevention training developed in partnership with AHLA, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, PACT, and Unboxed Training & Technology; survivor-informed and available in English and Spanish.
• AHLA Safe Stay Program Industry-wide enhanced health and safety protocol endorsed by OHLA that prepares hotels to safely welcome guests and employees, including a COVID-19 Precautions for Hotels online training course developed with AHLEI.
• Legal Resource Center Member benefit providing access to free legal help, including 15 minutes of complimentary legal advice per month per member from partner law firms such as Barrow & Grimm, P.C. and Ogletree Deakins.
• AHLA Hospitality Law Database A database tracking laws across all 50 states and the top 25 U.S. markets, with filtering by topic and jurisdiction, accessible to OHLA members.
• SNAPSHOT Newsletter Monthly eNewsletter reaching nearly 500 industry professionals, summarizing pressing events, educational opportunities, innovative programs, and industry news, with advertising opportunities for partners.
• OHLA Text Alerts SMS text-alert service delivering industry updates, alerts, and legislative actions directly to members; opt-in via QR code.
• Scholarship Programs Scholarship offerings including the OKWIL Hotels On the Hill Travel Scholarship ($2,000), OHLA Member Hotels On The Hill Scholarship ($1,500), and Student Educational Scholarships for OSU HTM students.
• Annual Lodging Summit & Expo Annual premier event featuring the Annual Membership & Board of Directors Meeting, OHLA Expo with industry vendors, and the Heart for Hospitality Celebration honoring outstanding hospitality professionals.
• Oklahoma Hospitality Hall of Fame Annual induction ceremony honoring visionary leaders in Oklahoma's hospitality industry, with inductees recognized each August at the Oklahoma Hospitality Leaders Dinner.
• FICA Tip Credit Program Partnership with Adesso Capital enabling employers to receive tax credits for tips employees earn above federal minimum wages, available to members and non-members.
• Global Payments Card & Payroll Processing Discount Program Endorsed partnership providing program-discounted rates for VISA/MasterCard processing, payroll processing, and employee payroll cards, serving over 300 OHLA members since 2002.
• Clearwater Enterprises Natural Gas Program Third-party natural gas purchasing program with negotiated pricing, no minimum purchase requirement, and multiple pricing options (ONG Index, NYMEX, or fixed price).
• McGregor Insurance Group Health Insurance Program Exclusive group health insurance program endorsed by OHLA with discounted rates, requiring a minimum of 2 employees and offering no individual medical underwriting for groups with 5+ full-time employees.
• Industry Performance and Forecasting Report Annual report providing 2025 performance data and 2026 forecasting for Oklahoma's lodging industry.
• OKWIL (Oklahoma Chapter of Women in Lodging) Industry-wide forum for Oklahoma's female hospitality professionals offering networking opportunities, professional development, career advancement, educational experiences, and community outreach initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• OHLA has negotiated discounts that could cover the cost of annual membership dues through partner programs
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

40 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and flagship.

• Visit Oklahoma CitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive Presenting Partner of Distinguished Awards for OHLA's Heart for Hospitality Celebration. Supports advocacy for tourism and hospitality industry in Oklahoma's capital city.
• EcolabcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive Commemorative Honoree Gift sponsor for the Annual Lodging Summit and Heart for Hospitality Awards. Provides cleaning and sanitation solutions to hospitality industry.
• Auto-Chlor SystemcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGrand Finale Partner for the Annual Lodging Summit. Provides commercial dishwashing and laundry equipment services to hospitality properties.
• 110 EventssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner supporting OHLA's signature recognition events.
• Clearwater EnterprisessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides third-party natural gas purchasing program to OHLA members at discounted rates. Heart for Hospitality Partner.
• McGregor Insurance GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEndorsed insurance partner providing group health insurance and property/casualty coverage exclusively to OHLA members. Founded in 2008 by longtime hospitality industry supporters.
• Partners In HospitalitysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner supporting OHLA events and member services.
• Precision Linen by Spark HospitalitysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner providing linen services to hospitality industry.
• Versacor Managed Pest SolutionssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner providing pest management services to lodging properties.
• Global PaymentscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive endorsed partner for bank card processing and payroll processing programs. Serves over 300 OHLA members with discounted rates since 2002.
• Adesso CapitalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive partner for FICA Tip Credit and Tip Tax Credit financing programs, helping members recover FICA taxes paid on tip earnings exceeding federal minimum wages.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner relationship. AHLA is the national voice of the $483 billion lodging industry. OHLA participates in AHLA's Safe Stay initiative, Hotels on the Hill advocacy, and receives access to national resources, training programs, and industry standards.
• AHLEI (American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides professional certifications and training programs including COVID-19 Precautions for Hotels online course. OHLA receives 10 free trainings per property for independent AHLA members.
• Barrow & Grimm, P.C.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal services partner providing free 15-minute consultations to OHLA members. Full-service law firm established in Tulsa in 1976 specializing in commercial law, litigation, employment law, and hospitality regulations.
• Boesche McDermott LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCombined with Barrow & Grimm to provide 25 attorneys guiding clients through business enterprises with 15 Super Lawyers recognized attorneys.
• Ogletree DeakinssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEmployment law partner providing guidance on workplace policies, benefits compliance, and labor regulations for hospitality employers.
• Oklahoma Restaurant AssociationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-manages OHLA alongside Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. Shares staff resources, training programs, and advocacy efforts. Jointly hosts Hospitality Day at the Capitol.
• Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-manages OHLA alongside Oklahoma Restaurant Association. Represents tourism entities, operators, and members across the state. Jointly hosts advocacy events.
• Oklahoma Hospitality FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with OHLA to offer scholarships for hospitality students at OSU and member professionals attending Hotels on the Hill in Washington D.C.
• Asian American Hotel Owners AssociationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPresidential Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol event supporting legislative advocacy efforts.
• Omni Hotels & Resorts Oklahoma CitysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner and host venue for 2025 Annual Lodging Summit at Omni Hotel OKC.
• Cory's A/VsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAudio-visual services partner and Heart for Hospitality Partner. Team member Micha Krodel received 2025 OHLA Outstanding Volunteer Award.
• US FoodssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCongressional Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol providing food service supplies to hospitality industry.
• Republic National Distributing CompanysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCongressional Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol supporting legislative advocacy events.
• Superior Linen ServicesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCongressional Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol providing linen services to hospitality.
• Ben E. KeithsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvocate Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol, providing food and beverage distribution services.
• CintassupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvocate Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol providing uniform and facility services.
• HeartlandsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvocate Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol and Advisory Director representation on OHLA board.
• GoFreshsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvocate Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol.
• Burggraf Disaster RestorationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner providing disaster recovery services to hospitality properties.
• Integrated Payment SystemssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner providing payment processing solutions.
• Shake Rattle & Roll Audio-VisualsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner providing event audio-visual services.
• Total Roofing SolutionssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHeart for Hospitality Partner providing roofing services to lodging properties.
• Clearwater Energy ServicessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCongressional Partner for Hospitality Day at the Capitol.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City Downtown/Medical CentersupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCongressional Partner and venue for A Tasteful Affair Legislative Reception.
• Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHuman trafficking prevention training administrator providing subject-matter expertise grounded in survivors' lived experience. Developed training in partnership with major hotel brands.
• Unboxed Training & TechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic learning design partner working with PACT and major hotel brands to design and deliver scalable multilingual human trafficking prevention training.
• HiltoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing human trafficking prevention training curriculum made available to hospitality industry at no cost. Part of AHLA Foundation's No Room for Trafficking initiative.
• HyattcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing human trafficking prevention training curriculum made available to hospitality industry at no cost. Part of AHLA Foundation's No Room for Trafficking initiative.
• IHG Hotels & ResortscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing human trafficking prevention training curriculum made available to hospitality industry at no cost. Part of AHLA Foundation's No Room for Trafficking initiative.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Texas Hotel & Lodging Association: State-level hotel and lodging trade association in a much larger market. Provides a near-twin model of advocacy, training, and member services comparable to OHLA, just at a different geographic scale.
• Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA): Sister Oklahoma trade association sharing staff, facilities, and several executives with OHLA. Operates the same membership/advocacy/training model for the foodservice side of Oklahoma's hospitality industry, making it the closest operational peer.
• Oklahoma Travel Industry Association (OTIA): Co-manages OHLA alongside ORA, representing tourism entities, operators, and members across Oklahoma. A closely aligned state-level trade association with overlapping leadership, advocacy themes, and member benefits.
• California Hotel & Lodging Association: State-level hotel/lodging trade association with similar advocacy, training, and member benefit structure. Comparable in role and services to OHLA, though operating in a much larger and more regulated market.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Travel Association: National nonprofit representing the broader U.S. travel industry including lodging, attractions, and transportation. Functions as a higher-level peer in policy advocacy and industry research, complementing OHLA's state-level lodging focus.
• National Restaurant Association: National trade association for the restaurant industry and originator of the ServSafe program that OHLA delivers locally. Serves as both a content/training provider and a strategic counterpart in the broader hospitality association ecosystem.
• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): National umbrella trade association for the U.S. lodging industry and OHLA's exclusive state partner. AHLA operates analogous advocacy, training, and member services, but at the federal level and across all 50 states, making it the most direct functional counterpart despite its broader scope.

Emerging players

• Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA): National trade association representing hotel owners with a strong focus on advocacy and education. Already partners with OHLA on Hospitality Day at the Capitol, indicating overlapping member services and advocacy goals.

Others

• AHLEI (American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute): Educational arm of AHLA that provides professional certifications and training programs distributed through state partners like OHLA. Functions as an upstream supplier of curriculum OHLA resells to Oklahoma members.

Regional players

• Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP): International hospitality association focused on finance and technology professionals. Offers a complementary membership, certification, and networking model to OHLA, targeting a different functional segment within the same industry.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oklahoma-hotel-and-lodging-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 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 Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association