“I cannot think of a better resource for hospitality associations than Trisha Pugal and Pam Inman.  They offer unparalleled experience with trade associations and have superlative instincts on how to maximize your resources and opportunities within an organization and a changing world. Whether it is strategic planning, managing a leadership transition, or an in-depth review of your organizational protocols, you will be extremely glad that you hired Back 9 Consultants.” 

— Scott Joslove, President & CEO, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association

"Pam and Trisha have been an invaluable resource for me for the last 15 years. With their extensive association experience at the local, state and national level, I have always counted on their reasoning and guidance through some of the tough issues that have presented themselves."

— Jim Sprouse, CAE, Executive Director, Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association

"Back 9 Consultants are synonymous with association excellence. The incredibly talented executives behind Back9 Consulting are highly respected and have experience in all facets of association management and strategic planning. Whether your organization is large, small, or somewhere in the middle, Pam and Trisha are equipped to provide new insights from which seasoned CEOs and their staff will no doubt benefit."

— Patti Colley, Chief Strategy Officer, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and Oklahoma Restaurant Association

“Trisha Pugal has a proven track record of success providing expert guidance and steady association leadership. She has been an invaluable resource to the WH&LA with her wealth of knowledge on current issues affecting our industry as well as experience in effectively guiding and managing an association. She is a problem solver and has the ability to provide clarity and direction during crisis management.”

— Greg Stillman, 2020 Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, President of Foremost Management and Owner of Parkwood Lodge, Door County, Wisconsin

"I had the pleasure of working with Pam Inman at both the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Illinois Hotel Lodging Association where I served as Chairman for both associations. Pam's strong relationships with the hotel industry leaders and intimate knowledge of each state's issues helped us form strong alliances and commitments that served our industry well. I am proud to have worked alongside Pam and the knowledge she had shared with me was invaluable"

— Ron Vlasic, Chairman of the Board of the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the Illinois Hotel Lodging Association, Chief Operating Officer, Hostmark Hospitality

“I have worked with Trisha for over 12 years while I was a board member and in several executive board member positions. Trisha is the ultimate professional when it comes to problem solving or approaching a new legislative initiative. An expert on issues that affect the lodging industry today, Trisha understands how to masterfully navigate the legislative process, bringing representatives together with owners, operators and related associations to move an issue forward.

Trisha skillfully managed our state lodging association, always being one step ahead in efforts to grow our membership and revenues. She is an expert in providing great value to our members.

Recently our association reached out to Trisha on a limited term while we went through a CEO replacement search. She stepped right in while our industry was hit with the shock of COVID, diligently providing our members with information, communication and guidance.”

— John Chastan, Past Chairman of the Board & Current Executive Committee Member of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, and General Manager, Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells