THE BACKBONE OF HOSPITALITY The Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering has a storied history dating back to 1989 when a small group of hotel engineers in Queensland, led by founder Neil Weenink, came together to discuss the challenges they faced in their profession. These meetings provided a platform for engineers to exchange ideas, share solutions, and collectively elevate the standards of hotel maintenance and operations. This collaborative spirit led to the expansion of the AIHE into other states, including New South Wales and Western Australia. In the early 2000s, Yapa and a few fellow engineers took the initiative to establish the Victorian chapter, further broadening the institute’s reach. “The early days were all about bringing engineers together to solve common problems and to keep up with the rapid technological advancements in the industry,” Yapa recalls. “We wanted to create a community where knowledge could be shared freely, and everyone could benefit.” However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic 2019 presented unprecedented challenges for the AIHE. The disruption caused by the pandemic led to suspending activities in several chapters as many engineers left the industry or shifted to different sectors. Despite these setbacks, the New South Wales chapter has remained active under Yapa’s leadership and continues to thrive, serving as an example of resilience and dedication to the profession. EQUIPPING THE INDUSTRY’S BEST The AIHE’s mission is to ensure that hotel engineers and their teams are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to maintain and enhance hotel operations. This mission is pursued through various activities, including monthly meetings, educational conferences, and technical site visits.“Our goal is to keep our members at the forefront of the industry,” says Yapa.“We want to ensure that they are not just keeping up with changes but leading them.” The institute offers seven membership categories, catering to a wide range of industry professionals. These categories include fellow members, honorary fellows, members, associates, students, affiliates, and corporate members. Originally, membership was primarily focused on chief engineers, but Yapa saw the need to include second-in-command engineers, recognizing their potential to become future leaders. “It’s important to nurture the next generation of hotel engineers,” Yapa explains. “They are the ones who will carry the torch forward.” CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY Effective communication and engagement are key pillars of the AIHE’s strategy to support its members. 45 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HOTEL ENGINEERING (AIHE)
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