Hotelier Weekly
February 1, 2024
Bayer CropScience, LP
AAHOA News
Nominate an Exceptional AAHOA Member! 2024 Awards Submissions Due Next Week
Nominate an AAHOA Member to Honor Their Exceptional Service and Contributions to Our Industry
  • Nominations are open for seven prestigious awards to be bestowed at AAHOACON24 until February 9, 2024.
  • Although membership is a prerequisite for receiving an award, we welcome nominations from anyone passionate about acknowledging outstanding contributions.
  • Explore our diverse awards and submit your nomination today to be part of this celebration of excellence!
 
AAHOACON24 Sweepstakes - Enter to Win!
  
🎉 Get Ready for an Unbeatable Opportunity With Our Register-to-Win Contest!
 
Join the excitement for the 2024 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show and lock in your chance to win one of five amazing prizes!
 
Here's what's up for grabs:
  1. 🏨 Three nights of standard hotel accommodation at AAHOACON24
  2. 🛫 Round-trip coach airfare for one to Orlando
  3. 📸 One VIP photo pass with AAHOACON24 keynote speaker
  4. 💳 $400 Visa gift card
  5. 💳 $200 Visa gift card
Don't miss out! Register between January 30 and February 16 to be automatically entered.
For full rules and details, visit AAHOACON.com/sweepstakes.
 
The 2024 HYPE Conference Is Next Week!
  
AAHOA's inaugural HYPE Conference is almost here!
 
In less than a week, hundreds of young professionals in the hospitality industry will be gathering in the dazzling city of New Orleans to take part in unparalleled networking opportunities, engaging discussions, insightful education sessions, and an unforgettable reception at a private classic car museum.
  • Don't miss the 2024 HYPE Retro Rendezvous Reception; indulge in glamour and excitement at an iconic, private Classic Car Museum for an evening of luxury, networking, and fun.
  • Check out informative education sessions during the conference. Click here to access the agenda.
  • This event is FREE for AAHOA Lifetime and Annual Members.
  • Visit the new HYPE landing page for more information.
AAHOA Attends Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association's Capitol Day
  
On Thursday, January 11, and Friday, January 12, the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association (KRHA) held its Legislative Affairs Conference, which included visits to the Kansas Capitol in Topeka, KS, on January 12.
  • AAHOA Central Midwest Regional Director Arti Patel participated in this event along with several dedicated AAHOA Members.
  • It was an insightful and productive day, as the discussions at the Capitol covered crucial topics such as property taxes, eviction issues, ERTC taxation, and more, reflecting a commitment to addressing pressing concerns.
  • Arti also congratulated AAHOA Ambassador Jignesh Patel, who currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association. “Your knowledge and wisdom will help many hoteliers in our community,” she said in a Facebook post covering the event.
AAHOA Quoted in Press Release Announcing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
  
On Tuesday, January 30, Representatives Russell Fry (SC-07), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Robert Garcia (D-CA) introduced the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act.
 
The legislation aims to:
  • Provide federal relief for human trafficking survivors with non-violent offenses, establishing an affirmative defense against charges linked to their victimization. 
  • Rectify the unjust incarceration of survivors forced into criminal activity.
Rep. Fry highlighted the urgent need for this legislation, citing almost 30 million global trafficking victims. AAHOA's President & CEO Laura Lee Blake applauded the legislation, emphasizing the hotel industry's role in fighting human trafficking and underscoring AAHOA’s staunch involvement in human trafficking education and prevention.
 
Amerifab International, Inc.
Ajmera Law Group
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
Amplify Your Voice: Join the Waitlist for AAHOA's Spring National Advocacy Conference
As the premier voice of hotel owners, AAHOA seeks to partner with elected officials in Washington to identify viable solutions to the biggest challenges facing the industry.
  • AAHOA’s Spring and Fall National Advocacy Conferences provide the opportunity for America’s hoteliers to meet with and cultivate relationships with hundreds of elected officials.
  •  On Tuesday, March 12, and Wednesday, March 13, join AAHOA leaders and other AAHOA Members at the 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.
  • If you would like a chance to attend the 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference, the waitlist form is officially open for the remaining spots - please know that it's first come, first served, and spots will fill up quickly.
Fill out the form today to have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with your elected representatives on the issues that matter most to hoteliers.
Featured Content
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Deadlines for AAHOACON24
Lifetime Members need to register by February 2 to qualify for complimentary registration.
 
Help lead AAHOA into the future. Apply by February 4 to serve on the Board of Directors.
 
Nominate yourself or a fellow hotelier for one of seven awards to be announced at AAHOACON24. Nominations are due February 9.
 
Register for AAHOACON24 by February 16 for a chance to win one of 5 prizes, including a $400 Visa gift card and round trip coach airfare for one to Orlando. Winners will be announced Tuesday, February 20.
 
The last chance to renew your annual membership as a part of AAHOA criteria to be eligible to vote in AAHOA Elections is February 19.
 
The last chance to cancel your event registration or secure the best rate with early-bird pricing is March 3.
 
The participation and talent of our dynamic membership is vital to AAHOA's success. If you want to make a difference for AAHOA Members and the hospitality community, we encourage you to apply to serve as an AAHOA Ambassador.
American Pride Bank
Charter Communications Operating, LLC
Member Testimonial
"Right when I walked through the doors of the building, I realized how grand in scale the conference is. This entire auditorium, Convention Center, is massive, it's very beautiful. All of the production that goes into this, whether it's the snacks, you know, the different goodie bags you get, I walked the exhibitor floor a short while ago, everything is extremely grand in size, and I don't think I expected that. There's clearly been a huge push, I think from the organizational level as well as from the various business owners that help support this convention to make this a great one and it's coming through already on day one."

- Ankit Bhakta, Hotelier & Attorney, on AAHOACON23

AAHOA Education
30+ Must-Attend Education Sessions at AAHOACON24!
  
This year at #AAHOACON24, April 2-5, in Orlando, we are charting the latest trends and changes in property insurance, helping you avoid legal pitfalls, and navigating a flight plan to profitability, and much more. 
 
Gear up for 30+ insightful education sessions such as:
  • Insuring Success: Navigating the New Landscape of Hotel Property Insurance
  • Branding Brilliance: Crafting and Guarding Your Independent Hotel Identity
  • Freedom and Friction: Achieving Fairness in Franchising
Don’t just mark your calendar. Register now!
#AAHOACON24 Spotlight | Independent Insights: The Freedoms and Challenges of Non-Franchised Hotel Ownership and Building a Successful Management Model
Do you already own an independent hotel? Have you ever thought about it? 
 
We are offering, at no additional cost, an in-depth workshop and post-event networking reception on Tuesday, April 2, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. 
  • We will explore what it takes to be your own brand and be fully responsible and accountable for all facets of your business.
  • No different than the chief executive or operating officer of any other company, you probably represent investors/shareholders.
  • This workshop, using actual case studies, will show you what it takes to run your business by the same principles as any other successful corporate business leader.
  • Whether you’re building, buying, or transitioning to your brand, don’t miss this special event planned by AAHOA’s Independent Hoteliers for AAHOA’s Independent Hoteliers.
 
  • 1:30 p.m. Event Welcome
  • 1:45 p.m. Being the Chief Operating Officer: It's a Mindset, Not a Title
    • Setting goals and charting a course
  • 2:00 p.m. Marketing and Sales Case Study
    • Who are you targeting? Why should your concept appeal to him?
    • Branding 101: Making your concept come to life
    • Marketing differentiating your brand from competitors
    • Through what channels and with what messaging will you create awareness and interest for your brand?
    • Through pricing and promotion, where can you gain the most market share to achieve your financial goals?
    • Best sales practices and successfully proven strategies
  • 2:45 p.m. Break
  • 3:00 p.m. Operations Case Study
    • Yes, you have greater flexibility in tailoring services, decor, and operations to create unique, personalized guest experiences. That’s the good news and the challenge. Learn why!
      Standardizing operating procedures. Yes, you need to!
  • 3:30 p.m. People/Culture, HR, and Legal Case Study
    • Your people have to be better than their people. Period.
    • Creating a place where people want to work
    • Avoiding common HR and legal pitfalls
  • 4:00 p.m. Finance Case Study
    • Overcoming lender risk reluctance due to perceptions of brand recognition and the absence of operational support
    • Learning how to create impactful proformas, financials, and projections to show them you mean business
    • Just as in Shark Tank, your pitch matters!
  • 4:30 p.m. Networking Reception
Hotel Equities
Hilco Real Estate
Featured Club Blue Member
GAUTHIER, MURPHY & HOUGHTALING LAW
  
New Orleans-based Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling Law has had a leading role in litigation that has shaped the civil landscape in the U.S. for more than 50 years. Their attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in many areas, including business litigation, natural disaster litigation, class actions, insurance disputes, and more and have secured hundreds of billions of dollars (yes, with a "B") in verdicts and settlements for their clients. Check out their website to see how they can help with your legal needs.
Red Roof Inn
Featured Member Benefit
CHAMPION PTAC
  
Champion PTAC manufactures full lines of proprietary PTAC solution systems for the hotel, condominium, apartment, and residential markets. With more than 25 years’ experience in the commercial construction industry, Champion-PTAC brings to the commercial and residential markets for the first time leak-free PTAC systems with its patented and proprietary Champion-PTAC Wall Sleeve Design and Condensate Pellet Delivery System. Champion-PTAC’s delivery systems are backed by their 100% leak-free guarantee. Visit the website for more information to get started!
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
ECOLAB
  
Ecolab, the global industry leader in hotel cleaning and sanitization, offers preferred pricing to AAHOA Members. Save on laundry, housekeeping, kitchen, pool and spa chemical programs, and more! For more information, please visit the website, then contact Michael Pfister (Michael.pfister@ecolab.com) or call 952-852-0926 today!
Red Lion Hotel Corp - Sonesta
Industry News
Hospitality, Leisure Employment Reaches Highest Level Since 2020
Though a persistent labor shortage remains across the industry, hotels are enjoying a continued surge in staffing levels, with employment in hospitality and leisure reaching the highest levels since February 2020.
(Source: CoStar)
DOJ Investigates Seattle-area Hotels for ADA Violations
With ADA-related lawsuits on the rise, a recent spike in disability-related legal action on the federal level against hotels in the Pacific Northwest should serve as a warning to hoteliers across the country.
(Source: Axios)
Unlocking the Power of Creative Loyalty Programs
With competition for bookings as tough as ever, some properties and brands are finding success in earning repeat business with creative loyalty programs.
(Source: Inc.)
HUNTER
Today's Hotelier

FEBRUARY ISSUE

The February 2024 issue of Today's Hotelier magazine is out now! This month we take a special look at the industry from the perspective of the young professional, including the importance of seeking mentorship, AAHOA's new HYPE Ownership initiative, a deep dive on the 2024 advocacy priorities, and much more.

Featured Content

Join thousands of AAHOA Members, brand CEOs, and industry professionals by subscribing to our magazine. Receive every digital issue of Today’s Hotelier as soon as it’s released to the public. Click here to subscribe.
In the Market
U.S. RevPAR +4.8% y/y Last Week. Clean y/y Comp With Above-trend Growth Driven by Strong Group Results
  
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was +4.8% y/y for the week ending 1/27/2024, per STR, above the prior week's result of -2.2% and above the trailing 10-week average of +1.0%. Last week was a clean comp with Group outperformance. Chicago (RevPAR +52.1% y/y) and Las Vegas (+88.5%) had particularly strong Group RevPAR of over +150% y/y. Upscale RevPAR: +3.9% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: -0.7% y/y.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.