Sonoma County Accredited Hospitality Professional (AHP)

What is the Sonoma County AHP Program?

This educational initiative was designed to provide the Sonoma County hospitality workforce a comprehensive curriculum based on the foundational elements that make Sonoma County so unique.

Our professionals begin their journey by completing the Foundational Five. Five classes covering key areas of Sonoma County and its hospitality economy. Each foundational class will provide our professionals with critical tools for creating authentic engagement with our visitors.

The Foundational Five:

Power of Tourism
Natural Environment/Sustainability
Wineries/AVA’s
Art/History/Culture
Customer Service/Visitor Safety

Once accredited, our members will have access to exclusive educational and networking opportunities as well as supplementary courses that will provide additional tools for their professional development.

Our unique curriculum has been designed with the insight of industry experts in each segment, providing tactical applications and hands-on experiences. All of this to elevate our professional’s knowledge, engagement, and confidence.

Whether you’re a manager looking to foster a stronger team within your company, or an individual looking to enhance your own marketability to employers, our accreditation is an endorsement of your expertise within the hospitality industry in Sonoma County.

We hope you’ll join us in making Sonoma County synonymous with an incomparable level of service for our visitors.

Certifications from Accredited Hospitality Program

Charles Schulz Museum hosting one of our AHP classes

Becoming an AHP

Registration Each industry professional can sign up for the initial AHP Foundational Five classes for $45. Once the Foundational Five (FF) classes are complete, you will be able to enjoy continued networking and professional opportunities. This will allow you to engage with other AHPs and continue to grow your knowledge about Sonoma County, all while completing the annual educational experience (EE) element for the program. Expanded knowledge of our amazing destination will ultimately provide a more authentic experience for our visitors, facilitated by YOU!

The Foundational Five Once you register, you will then receive a confirmation email that includes a link to sign-up for the Foundational Five classes. In-person classes will be taught in 4-hour blocks covering all FF components or in two 2-hour blocks. New class times will be published in the calendar below.

If you don't see a class option that works for you, please contact [email protected] to see about upcoming availability options. If you need to take the FF later into the year, you will NOT need to re-register. The program manager can help add you to a class of your choosing.

AHP Class Calendar/Events

Educational Experiences

Once you have registered you will be invited to join ANY of our Educational Experience (EE) activities. These will range from seminars, tours and walks into our communities (galleries, restaurants, wineries, lodgings and retail businesses), lunch & learn engagements, special events and tastings, and so much more. Again, these are included with your registration & annual renewal. If you are a business and an AHP (you can benefit in both ways). Sign your business up to host AHP’s and share the experiences you offer guests!

AHP students at botanical gardens Glen ellen

AHP at the Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen

FAQs

How much does it cost?
The Foundational Five (FF) classes/initial accreditation is $45. Annual renewal is $20.

What do I need to do to renew?
There are 5 Educational Experience (EE) credits required. EE opportunities provided for you throughout the year. All EE will be included with fees above, with occasional exception of a small fee for food and beverage, or transportation. You will be notified at time of scheduling about any additional fees.

Do I have to keep track of my continuing education?
EE credits will be tracked for you if you utilize the offerings by Sonoma County Tourism and this program.

Are there other opportunities for me to learn?
The AHP program will be the hub for helping to coordinate skilled enhancements such as the Food Handlers Certificate, Responsible Beverage Service and CPR certification. Please let us know if there are particular certifications that would be of use to you. (Costs determined by service provider).

How do I stay informed?
Be sure to read our email communications coming from [email protected]. We suggest you add this email to your address book so that it doesn’t get stuck in your spam folder. You may also receive emails from [email protected].

Who do I contact with questions or to update my contact information?
Please contact [email protected] or [email protected].