Hotelier Weekly
March 22, 2024
Champion PTAC, LLC
AAHOA News
LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY! Complete the Credentialing Process by March 29
  
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!
 
ICYMI: Here are the 2024 AAHOACON Tech Pitch Competition Finalists!
  
The stage is set; drum roll, please! 🎉
 
🌟 Here are the contenders for this year's AAHOACON24 Tech Pitch Competition, Co-Powered by HFTP!
 
 
After reviewing numerous innovative entries, these talented finalists have emerged, ready to showcase their groundbreaking ideas for hotel owners in almost every facet of operations. Get ready to witness creativity, innovation, and passion collide as they compete for the coveted title of this year's Tech Pitch winner!
 
Be sure to check out this year's competition during AAHOACON24, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 in room W224, and support these trailblazers as they redefine the future of hospitality tech!
There's An App for That! Download the AAHOACON24 App Today
  
Just released, the AAHOACON24 app contains all the info you need to navigate the convention as easily as possible, including registration, agendas, speakers, Trade Show exhibitors, info for electronic voting, and so much more!
 
  • The AAHOACON24 app allows you to:
    • Create your personalized convention agenda
    • Navigate the Trade Show floor
    • Network with attendees and exhibitors
    • Book appointments to meet with exhibitors
    • Get exclusive news and updates
Don’t miss any of the action – get the app (iOS and Android) TODAY!
Recap: AAHOA at the 2024 Hunter Hotel Investment Conference
  
AAHOA's HerOwnership and HYPE Networking Reception at STATS Brewpub during the 2024 Hunter Hotel Investment Conference was a night of meaningful connections and opportunities. Industry professionals, including AAHOA Officers, gathered to support and mentor the next generation.
 
Attendees engaged in dynamic conversations, fostering valuable connections. Additionally, Chairman Bharat Patel and AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake participated in insightful panels during the conference, emphasizing the association's commitment to industry advancement.
 
This event exemplified the power of collaboration and set the stage for a brighter future in hospitality.
Lead Designs LLC
Ajmera Law Group
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
AAHOA's Hoteliers Push Forward Impactful National Advocacy Agenda in Washington, D.C.
  
Last week, as part of its 2024 Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC), AAHOA hosted more than 200 key AAHOA leaders and members for two days in Washington, D.C. The Conference opened with a legislative learning session at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, followed by an evening Congressional Reception at the Cannon House Office Building, and then a full day of Congressional meetings.
 
AAHOA wrapped up SNAC with an active day on the Hill, where AAHOA leaders participated in nearly 160 in-person Congressional meetings with U.S. Senators, Representatives, and their staff, across all party lines.

SNAC provides the opportunity for AAHOA to work with elected officials to identify viable solutions to the industry's biggest challenges. Through education, advocacy, and connecting AAHOA Members with their elected officials, SNAC continues to be an integral part of AAHOA’s advocacy plan.

AAHOA was proud to have nearly 30 key Members of Congress in attendance at its Congressional Reception. Each offered their comments and insights regarding the important role AAHOA and its members have in shaping the agenda of national policies and leading the industry in ensuring the voices of hoteliers are being heard. Elected officials also spoke one-on-one with their AAHOA Member constituents to build and strengthen their relationships for ongoing and future impact.
Friday Legislative Update Calls. Hear What's Happening in Your Region!
Featured Content
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Deadlines for AAHOACON24
The credentialing process, which verifies your identity to cast your ballot in the 2024 AAHOA Elections, began on March 1 and closes NEXT FRIDAY, 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
CAN'T MISS SESSION: Women Own the Room, in Collaboration with HerOwnership
  
Step into the spotlight at AAHOACON24 with our electrifying session: "Expert Insights: Navigating Ownership Decisions." This exclusive event, tailored for women owners and those aspiring to join their ranks, is your gateway to the world of hotel ownership.
 
Presented by Women Own the Room, in collaboration with HerOwnership, this is your chance to seize the reins of your destiny. No two journeys to hotel ownership are alike, and this session promises to unravel the mysteries of finding your perfect path.
 
What type of hotel is right for you? Will you self-manage or hire a management company? What is your experience level, and will you seek partners?
 
Join us for the 3rd annual Women Own the Room event at AAHOACON24 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, and be part of the transformational experience that awaits!
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
Calling All Independent Hoteliers! Workshop, Reception, and Networking at AAHOACON24
  
Calling all Independent Hoteliers!
 
There's an exclusive workshop and reception at this year's convention tailored to your needs from 1:30-5:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 2.
 
About the workshop
  • Do you already own an independent hotel? Have you ever thought about it? Explore what it takes to be your own brand and 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 and/or 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.
But wait... there's more!
There are more than 20 other sessions of interest to Independent Hoteliers at AAHOACON24. Also, be sure to check out the Vendor Spotlight Sessions and the AAHOA Garage, which will take place at the Trade Show on Wednesday and Thursday.
Hotel Equities
Red Roof Inn
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.
DISH Business
Featured Member Benefit
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
  
AAHOA is proud to collaborate with Kennesaw State University to establish the Michael Leven and Lee Dushoff AAHOA Scholarship for Compassionate Leadership. This annual scholarship will support students seeking an undergraduate degree in hospitality management. For more on the qualifications and how to apply, please call 470-578-2206. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the scholarship endowment, please click here.
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
BOOKIT N GO
  
Our mission at Bookit N Go is to make affordable travel services to customers and to deliver pleasurable travel experiences that are seamless from end to end. We offer hasssle-free travel services from the moment you start planning your vacation. We made the search and booking process simpler and stress-free as it ought to be.
Red Lion Hotel Corp - Sonesta
Naylor Association Solutions
Industry News
Group Travel Continues to Grow
Based on recently released research for 2023 as a whole, the top 20 U.S. markets are reporting 100% recovery for group business bookings, compared against 2019 statistics, with half of those markets reporting 110% or more increases.
(Source: Knowland Research)
Long Beach Hotel Workers on Track to Earn the Highest Minimum Wage in the Nation
In a move closely watched by industries and labor groups in numerous U.S. markets, the city of Long Beach, CA, is expected to vote to incrementally raise the minimum threshold for hotel workers to $29.50 by the time of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
(Source: Capital & Main)
Naylor Association Solutions
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
U.S. RevPAR -3.5% y/y Last Week. Another Soft Week - A Bit Concernin
  
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was -3.5% y/y for the week ending 3/16/2024, per STR, below the prior week's result of -2.8% y/y and below the trailing 10-week average of +0.6%. Last week’s results were again soft at the headline on seemingly a clean y/y comp. There was widespread weak results for Luxury and lower-rated hotels but particularly soft on Resort (-14% RevPAR) and Economy (-8%). We view a tough y/y leisure comp continuing to drag late 1Q results. Vegas results were also materially down y/y (-41%) which could be from the y/y timing of group events. The relative outperformance was from big city Urban travel; particularly Group. Upscale RevPAR: +0.4% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: -1.8% y/y.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.
Upcoming Events
2 Apr 2024
Learn More ArrowsAAHOACON24 | April 2-5