Hotelier Weekly
March 7, 2024
Champion PTAC, LLC
AAHOA News
  
Get ready to be inspired at AAHOACON24!
 
We're thrilled to announce Rahul Kapoor as our keynote speaker on Day 2, Thursday, April 4. As India's leading High-Performance Mindset Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Author, Rahul has impacted millions globally, including Fortune 500 companies.
 
Gear up for Kapoor's captivating presentation on the AAHOACON mainstage, where he'll share insights from his two-decade journey of unlocking potential through science, psychology, and spirituality.
 
Don't miss this dynamic opportunity to elevate your mindset and achieve extraordinary results.
  
The 2024 AAHOA Elections process is completely online via your smartphone. To participate in the voting process, you'll need to ensure:
  1. You are eligible to vote.
  2. You have a valid and unique email address and mobile phone number on file on MyAAHOA.com.
  3. You have access to a smartphone to utilize the 2024 voting app, Voatz.
Take two minutes today to confirm your eligibility and update your email and mobile number on MyAAHOA.com.
 
DID YOU KNOW?
2024 AAHOA ELECTIONS INFOGRAPHIC, VIDEO, & FAQ
  • Access AAHOA's infographics on voter eligibility and voting steps to learn more. In addition, your spouse's full name must appear on the membership application for him/her to be eligible to vote. Contact AAHOA at info@aahoa.com for assistance.
  • You can now watch AAHOA's recently released video on the complete process for how to vote in the 2024 AAHOA Elections - the video walks you through the entire process, step-by-step, so you can cast your vote on April 4 with complete confidence!
  • The 2024 AAHOA Elections take place in Orlando, FL, on Thursday, April 4, and voting will be open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. EDT.
  • On Friday, April 5, elections results will be announced between 1-1:30 p.m. EDT.
Check out the FAQ page for more information. Get ready to participate in the 2024 AAHOA Elections!
  
The March 2024 issue of Today's Hotelier magazine is out now! This month, we explore all things safety and security, as we examine a variety of topics, including embracing ADA compliance as an underserved market gap for hotel brands, the best defense against potential safety risks in your hotels, and much more.
 
In addition, this issue features a very special Q&A with 2023-2024 AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel as he reflects on his tenure and discusses his accomplishments during his year as Chairman, in advance of AAHOA's annual leadership transition at AAHOACON24 next month.
  
In a recent episode of M3 Minutes, the spotlight was on breaking barriers and paving the way for women in the hospitality industry. Hosted by Haley Wolf, the podcast delved into the origins of ownership by AAHOA, and the challenges faced by women in this dynamic field. The episode featured insightful discussions with two remarkable figures advocating for women in hospitality: Laura Lee Blake, President & CEO of AAHOA, and Casi Johnson, Chief Operations Officer at M3.
  • The conversation highlighted AAHOA's efforts to embrace diversity and empower women within the industry. Blake emphasized the association's commitment to expanding opportunities for women through initiatives like HerOwnership.
  • During the podcast, Blake also shared insights into negotiation strategies, emphasizing the importance of empathy and authenticity. She encouraged women to leverage their unique strengths in negotiation and leadership roles, fostering trust and building rapport with counterparts.
The discussion concluded with a call to action for greater diversity in hospitality leadership. Citing industry statistics, Blake acknowledged the underrepresentation of women in higher positions and urged organizations to prioritize diversity initiatives. By championing women's voices and fostering inclusivity, the industry can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
 
As AAHOA continues its mission to empower hotel owners and entrepreneurs, Blake's leadership serves as a beacon of inspiration for women shaping the future of hospitality. With each milestone and achievement, the industry moves closer to breaking barriers and creating a more equitable landscape for all.
 
You can also watch AAHOA’s recently released YouTube video honoring Women’s History Month and further be part of the movement to ensure women in the hospitality industry are being heard, represented, and supported.
Lead Designs LLC
Ajmera Law Group
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
Featured Content
  
AAHOA Members, please take note of this extremely important information regarding AAHOACON24 hotel accommodations and travel.
 
Registration is required prior to reserving a room. AAHOACON24 will be cross-checking housing lists against registered attendees. Your registration confirmation will also contain the direct links to secure accommodations for AAHOACON24.
 
As association and hospitality professionals, we recognize the importance of fulfilling our obligations to our hotel partners. We appreciate your support in booking within the AAHOACON24 hotel room block.  
  • Hotel Reservations
    • A non-refundable deposit equal to one night's stay is required to hold each individual reservation at the time of booking. Credit cards used to prepay the room deposit will be charged immediately. Should you choose to cancel your reservation entirely, the following will apply:
      • If canceled prior to TOMORROW, March 8, Liable for the one-night non-refundable deposit
      • If canceled after TOMORROW, March 8, Fully liable for the entire reservation
BEWARE OF UNAUTHORIZED AAHOACON24 HOTEL SOLICITATIONS
Please be advised that third-party companies not affiliated with AAHOA are marketing false room rates via email and are not legitimate.
 
AAHOACON24 has three contracted hotels within the group block. These are the Rosen Centre (HQ), Hyatt Orlando, and Hilton Orlando. Other hotels and resellers are not endorsed by or affiliated with the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show and should be considered a scam. It is uncertain if the rooms reserved using such unauthorized links will be honored at the advertised rate.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to info@aahoa.com.
 
The AAHOACON24 hotel room blocks are selling out quickly. Book your hotel room before rates increase!
 
The credentialing process, which verifies your identity to cast your ballot in the 2024 AAHOA Elections, began on March 1 and closes on March 29. This 28-day window is the ONLY opportunity you'll have to complete this important step. If you do not complete the credentialing process within the specified timeframe, you WILL NOT be able to participate in the 2024 AAHOA Elections.
Your participation and talent are vital to AAHOA's success. Apply to serve on a committee and help shape the future of the organization.
 
April 12: Ambassador Application Deadline
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.
HerOwnership
  
Elevate your expertise with three tailored education sessions at AAHOACON24, designed to empower women in hospitality and ignite success in hotel ownership. Launched in 2022, HerOwnership is more than just a program; it's a beacon of support, networking, and empowerment for women blazing trails in the hospitality industry.
 
Make plans to attend the Women Hoteliers Session & Luncheon"Global Truths to Intentional Awareness," from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, featuring keynote speaker Rashmi Airan of Dharma Leadership.
  • Rashmi Airan, a celebrated motivational speaker, TEDx presenter, and culture consultant, exemplifies the transformative potential of Dharma Leadership through her personal journey.
  • Transitioning from a distinguished lawyer to experiencing a one-year prison sentence due to an ethical blind spot, she underscores the profound impact of ethical leadership. In her presentations, she articulates the six global truths of Dharma Leadership, guiding audiences toward principles that foster integrity, accountability, and positive change.
Seize the opportunity to elevate your expertise with the inaugural AAHOA Commercial Strategy Certification Training, presented in collaboration with HerOwnership and Kalibri Labs.
  • This groundbreaking program, offered FREE at AAHOACON24, promises to revolutionize your approach to asset value.
  • Take a deep dive into the fusion of distribution analysis, marketing, and operational strategies, and discover how Commercial Strategy can propel your success from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2.
Finally, take advantage of the Masterclass: Profit Pathways - A Crash Course in P&L Management.
  • Crafted based on feedback from past HerOwnership attendees, this session is your key to mastering financial acumen and unlocking more profitable pathways.
  • Join hotel owners who have navigated financial management challenges and emerged triumphant from 3-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2.
  
March is not just another month at AAHOA – it's a time to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who contribute daily to the hospitality industry.
 
As we honor Women's History Month, AAHOA proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of women hoteliers across the nation.
 
You can now watch AAHOA’s special Women’s History Month video to join us in celebrating women's resilience, creativity, and leadership in hospitality.
 
In 2022, AAHOA launched HerOwnership, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to empowering and supporting women hoteliers. HerOwnership provides a platform for networking, education, and mentorship, fostering a community where women can thrive and succeed in hotel ownership.
 
AAHOA has hosted two HerOwnership Conferences since the inception of the HerOwnership initiative and will continue to host women-centric events, education sessions, and networking opportunities.
 
At AAHOA, we believe in celebrating women's accomplishments every month, but during March, we're elevating their voices even further. From trailblazing entrepreneurs to dedicated professionals, women have played a vital role in shaping the landscape of hospitality.
 
Together, let's honor the past, celebrate the present, and empower the future of women in hospitality. Happy Women's History Month from all of us at AAHOA!
American Pride Bank
Charter Communications Operating, LLC
Member Testimonial
"I love the AAHOA conference. I think the attendees are genuinely happy to be here. They want to benefit their hotels, they want to learn about trends and best practices. So quite frankly, I'm honored to be here."

- Craig Carbonniere, Senior Director of Sales for MIlestone Eight & AAHOACON23 Attendee

AAHOA Education
  
We're thrilled to announce our extensive lineup of 40+ education sessions designed to inspire, educate, and empower hospitality professionals nationwide.
  • AAHOACON gives you an unparalleled opportunity to delve into a diverse range of topics, from cutting-edge technology trends to operations and much more.
  • Our curated sessions feature industry experts and thought leaders sharing invaluable insights, fostering meaningful discussions, and providing actionable takeaways to help you thrive in today's dynamic landscape.
  • Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey, AAHOACON24 promises an enriching experience that will elevate your expertise and propel your success.
Chart your course for success as you embark on a transformative journey of learning, growth, and innovation!
Hotel Equities
Red Roof Inn
AAHOA in the News
Sen. Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission last week to express concern over Choice Hotels International’s “hostile takeover” of peer Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
 
In the letter, shared exclusively with Hotel Dive, Warren claims a Choice Hotels-Wyndham merger would drive up prices for consumers, reduce competition in the marketplace and harm franchisees. She is asking FTC Chair Lina Khan “to closely scrutinize” the proposed acquisition and “oppose this deal if it violates antitrust law.”
 
Hotel industry leaders — including Asian American Hotel Owners Association President and CEO Laura Lee Blake — have raised similar antitrust concerns as Warren.
 
Blake previously told Hotel Dive that “the merger of Choice and Wyndham would definitely create a monopoly within the economy and limited service segment of the industry.” 
 
“To suddenly have one franchisor have such dominance and control is frightening,” she added. 
Blake said the proposed deal would hurt Wyndham franchisees left to grapple with a “new culture, new operations and different property management systems” than what they signed up for.
Featured Club Blue Member
  
With the best technology in the industry, DISH Business delivers a premium entertainment experience for properties of all sizes. EVOLVE by DISH lets your guests cast personal content, watch live TV and access the apps they love – all on your in-room TV. Get DISH to give your guests the entertainment they want at prices you’ll love. Visit the website, then contact Tyler Floyd (Tyler.floyd@dish.com) to start saving today!
DISH Business
Featured Member Benefit
  
Docyt, pronounced “docket”, is a bundled, integrated, AI-powered accounting automation software platform. Docyt AI’s super power is enabling much faster decision making. Because it digitizes financial data, automates workflows, and continuously reconciles the books, you get real-time accounting. It also reduces the cost and technical complexity of bookkeeping and back-office tasks for businesses and their accountants.
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
  
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts makes travel possible for all. From big cities and small towns to beachfront resorts and highway hotels, our 24 iconic brands bring a diverse perspective to the travel experience. With friendly service, thoughtful amenities, and a range of options for the everyday traveler, Wyndham will be there to welcome you wherever you go.
Red Lion Hotel Corp - Sonesta
Industry News
Facing the ongoing workforce shortage, coupled with the stresses that often come with hand-in-hand in a public-facing industry, some hoteliers are recognizing the need to care for the mental well-being of their employees.
(Source: Restobiz)
Despite Choice's various tactics to complete a merger with Wyndham, the situation remains no clearer today than it did when Choice first initiated talks nearly a full year ago.
(Source: Hospitality Investor)
No longer the new kid on the block, AI looks poised to radically overhaul the way hoteliers drive traffic to their properties' websites.
(Source: HospitalityNet)
Naylor Association Solutions
Today's Hotelier

MARCH ISSUE

The March 2024 issue of Today's Hotelier magazine is out now! This month, we explore all things safety and security, as we examine a variety of topics, including embracing ADA compliance as an underserved market gap for hotel brands, the best defense against potential safety risks in your hotels, and much more.

In addition, this issue features a very special Q&A with 2023-2024 AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel as he reflects on his tenure and discusses his accomplishments during his year as Chairman, in advance of AAHOA's annual leadership transition at AAHOACON24 next month

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
  
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was 2.4% y/y for the week ending 3/2/2024, per STR, above the prior week's result of -2.9% y/y and above the trailing 10-week average of +0.9%. Last week’s results reflected strong mid-week group strength (Group RevPAR ~+13% y/y) with Monday through Wednesday overall U.S. RevPAR up 7%-12% y/y, the high watermark for the week. Las Vegas RevPAR had the strongest performance of any top 25 market up ~37% y/y, likely driven by conventions such as the International Builders Show, as mid-week RevPAR was up 96% & 97% on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Upscale RevPAR: +2.7% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: -0.4% y/y.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.