01/06/2026

Attention Cleveland Lodging Council Hoteliers - Complimentary Anti-Trafficking Trainings

OHLA is partnering with Alliance Against Human Trafficking (AAHT) and the Ashtabula County Action Against Human Trafficking (ACAAHT) along with Homesafe, Madison Village PD, & the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center to present two days of Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Training specifically designed for hotel and motel environments. 

We are proud to offer one comprehensive training presented over two separate days to accommodate scheduling needs. Attendees may choose the date that works best for them. Note: To attend both trainings please register for each separately.  

Training Dates & Locations: 

Day 1: 

📅 January 8, 2026 

🕝 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM 

📍 Holiday Inn Express & Suites 

181 Water Tower Dr., Madison, OH 44057 

Registration Information: 

For the Madison training, please register with Scott Gubantar at 440-428-3421 or sgubanyar@madisonvillage.org. 

Day 2: 

📅 January 13, 2026 

🕤 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM 

📍 Wingate by Wyndham 

1715 S. Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041 

Registration Information: 

For the Geneva training, please register with Chelsea Moretti at 440-261-8690, via the desk number listed on the flyer, or by email at htadvocate@homesafeincac.org. 

Training Synopsis: 

This training is intended for hoteliers, law enforcement, first responders, social workers, business employees, and anyone who regularly interacts with at-risk individuals, victims, or survivors. Participants will receive essential information on how to recognize and appropriately report suspected human trafficking victimization. 

During the Geneva training, we are honored to welcome: 

• The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, who will discuss local trends, and 
• Carolyn Kinkoph, a mother of a human trafficking victim, who will share part of her powerful personal story. 

Training Overview: 

Participants can expect to learn about: 

• An introduction to human trafficking 
• Why a commitment to anti-trafficking efforts matters 
• The impact of trafficking on businesses 
• Partnerships and collaborative efforts 
• Specific “asks” for hotels and lodging establishments 

Business Considerations: 

• Liability and negligence considerations in hotel environments 

Anti-Trafficking Strategies for Hotels & Lodging: 

• Indicators of trafficking by hotel function, including: 
  • General observations 
  • Front desk 
  • Housekeeping, maintenance, and room service 
  • Valet, bell desk, and security 
• The importance of having a clear hotel protocol 
• Available protocol resources 

Lessons Learned from Changing Operational Practices: 

• Recognizing video equipment and suspicious bags 
• Considerations in short-staffed environments 
• Mobile and keyless check-in risks 
• Short-term rental environments (e.g., Airbnb) 
• Guidance on safely removing guests 
• Addressing liability concerns through specific, actionable steps 

We look forward to working together to strengthen awareness, prevention, and response efforts within our community. Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues or partners who may benefit from this training.