The leadership of Westin believed deeply in this concept, and they committed to the continuous education and professional development of their associates.
In 1969 the corporate division of Personnel & Education was established, with Gordon Schneider heading the group.
The following decades conferences, workshops, seminars were conducted for an array of disciplines including Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, Food & Beverage, Accounting, Front Office, Reservations, Housekeeping, Security / Loss Prevention, Public Relations, Engineering & Energy Management, and Purchasing.
Associates at all levels were encouraged to continue learning outside these organized events, and anyone taking an American Hotel & Hotel Association course was reimbursed for the tuition / textbook costs. If the person scored a grade of B or better they were awarded $50.