It was great seeing the AAHOA Board of Directors for the board meeting. The agenda of the board meeting was packed with discussions on critical issues that directly impact the bottom line of AAHOA Members. Topics ranged from insurance and labor workforce challenges to comprehensive advocacy strategies. It was a testament to the relentless commitment of #TeamAAHOA to address the concerns of members and work towards ensuring America’s hotel owners thrive.

Remarkable Milestones

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for AAHOA, and the statistics from various events serve as a testament to the collective efforts of our membership. The impressive list of accomplishments includes:

• 51 Town Halls
• 25 Regional Conferences & Trade Shows
• 10 Industry Receptions (YP, Women, VIP)
• 5 Golf Tournaments
• 4 Board Meetings
• 2 Brand Alliance Meetings
• 1 Convention
• 2 National Advocacy Conferences
• 1 HerOwnership Conference and Retreat
• 5 Volleyball Tournaments

These numbers reflect the quantity and the quality of engagement and impact AAHOA has had throughout the year. The diverse range of events underscores the association's commitment to addressing members' multifaceted needs and interests.

As we bid farewell to the remarkable achievements of 2023, our gaze is firmly set on the future. The upcoming year promises to be equally exciting and impactful, with a host of events on the horizon. AAHOACON, the regional season, charity golf tournaments, and numerous advocacy efforts across the U.S. are just a glimpse of what this great association has in store for each of you. 

AAHOA Launches New Initiative HYPE Ownership: Helping Young Professionals Evolve
We have more exciting news right before the year ends. AAHOA launched HYPE Ownership: Helping Young Professionals Evolve, an initiative dedicated to fostering the growth and success of emerging hoteliers within AAHOA and across the broader industry. In today’s ever-changing society, Young Professionals play a vital role. Their fresh mindset, adaptability, and willingness to embrace change are exactly what the hotel industry, if not every industry, needs right now. Today's younger generation will soon be tomorrow's leaders; we must recognize the contributions they make today as the cornerstones of our industry’s future. The HYPE Ownership initiative further highlights AAHOA’s commitment to encouraging young hoteliers to take an active role in hospitality with a program designed with their empowerment in mind. I thank Tanmay Patel, Young Professional Director Western Division, and Dylan Patel, Young Professional Director Eastern Division, for leading the charge in getting this initiative up and running. As part of our inaugural launch, AAHOA is hosting the inaugural Young Professionals HYPE Ownership Conference on February 6-7, 2024, in New Orleans, LA. Please encourage the Young Professionals in your network to RSVP today. 

You can get a closer look at who some of AAHOA’s Young Professionals are and the fantastic work they’re doing for this industry by catching up on the following articles:

• Feature: Youth movement: AAHOA’s young leaders are finding success through talent, work ethic, and drive
• Next Gen: Catching up with one of AAHOA’s bright stars of tomorrow
• Independent Hoteliers: Full throttle: The allure of independence for younger hoteliers
• Feature: Rickesh (Ricky) Patel, 2023 Outstanding Young Professional Hotelier of the Year Award
• Feature: Taran Patel, Managing Principal, A1 Hospitality Group; AAHOA Northwest Regional Director, 2022 Outstanding Young Professional Hotelier of the Year Award
• Feature: Armaan Patel, AGA Hotels, 2022 Outstanding Young Professional Hotelier of the Year
• Letter From the President & CEO: Fostering the next generation

Let’s end 2023 on a high note and carry this spirit into the new year, embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead. 

Bharat Patel

AAHOA Chairman