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AAHOA is thrilled to share the agenda preview for the 2024 HerOwnership Conference! Taking place in Redondo Beach, CA, at the stunning Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina on September 12-13, this transformative event is dedicated to empowering women in hospitality.
- Background: Focusing on mental health & wellness, executive leadership, and hotel ownership, the third annual HerOwnership Conference by AAHOA will focus on helping you elevate your career, determine your next steps, and inspire your journey.
- Deeper Dive: Some of the agenda preview highlights include:
- Two pre-conference masterclasses
- Three diverse breakout sessions
- Inspiring, dynamic speakers, including Bobbie Singh-Allen, Mayor of Elk Grove, CA, and Executive and COO of California Lodging Industry Association
- La Dolce Vita Reception, Powered by Sonesta
- What's Next: Stay tuned for further updates and speaker announcements! We'll see you in Redondo Beach in September!
This week, AAHOA introduced its first ever round of Quarterly Regional Reports.
- Why it Matters: These reports are meant to inform AAHOA Members about key region updates, upcoming region events, as well as the top AAHOA news for each quarter.
- Deeper Dive: Check out a few of the AAHOA Quarterly Regional Reports:
- What's Next: Stay tuned for the Q4 edition of AAHOA's new Quarterly Regional Reports in a few months.
AAHOA Vice Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel visited Washington, D.C., this week to meet with members of Congress and discuss issues facing the hospitality industry.
- What Happened: While visiting Capitol Hill, he met with several members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle and also attended events hosted by legislators, including one where House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was present.
- Deeper Dive: KP connected with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC), and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC). AAHOA thanks these Members for their ongoing support of AAHOA and the hospitality industry.
- What's Next: AAHOA Officers, Leaders, and Members will return to D.C. in September for the 2024 AAHOA Fall National Advocacy Conference.
AAHOA expressed deep concern over the recently introduced New York City Council bill that would prohibit hotels from operating without an additional license, including preventing the use of subcontractors for core functions such as housekeeping, front desk, and security.
- Why it Matters: The proposed leglislation's blanket approach, coupled with its rapid progression and lack of consultation with hospitality experts, fails to consider the unique operational of New York City hotels.
- Bottom Line: This would pose substantial challenges in maintaining consistent operations under the new mandates.
AAHOA welcomed the recent announcement that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has formally withdrawn its appeal of the Federal Court decision nullifying the latest attempt to rewrite the joint-employer rules.
- Why it Matters: This development marks a significant victory for hotel owners and franchisees across the United States.
- Deeper Dive: The joint-employer rule, which could have a significant impact on small business owners, including franchisees, determines when multiple employers are responsible for an individual employee. The proposed changes created considerable ambiguity.
- Bottom Line: The court's decision to revert to the 2020 standard, requiring direct and immediate control over another employer's worker, brings much-needed clarity.
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The 2024 AAHOA Fall National Advocacy Conference is only a few months away, Sept. 18-19, 2024. If you are interested in attending this event, please join our waitlist by filling out this form. AAHOA Members will be admitted to this event on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why it Matters: Attending FNAC allows AAHOA Members to directly engage with Members of Congress, influencing policy decisions and protecting industry interests while networking with peers and strengthening AAHOA's advocacy efforts. This opportunity amplifies our collective voice, ensuring that the hospitality industry's needs are addressed and fostering a favorable business environment.
Bottom Line: You have until Friday, Aug. 23, to join the waitlist, so don't delay!
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The July edition of AAHOA's In Your Corner Advocacy Brief is now available, and it's packed with everything you need to know about AAHOA's recent advocacy efforts.
Why it Matters: This essential monthly resource is designed to keep members informed and engaged with AAHOA's ongoing efforts to advocate for the hospitality industry.
Topics from this month's edition include:
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Recently, many hotel owners in San Diego received letters from the City Treasurer's Office about potential outstanding Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Tourism Marketing District (TMD) assessments based on rate parity amounts for reservations booked through Expedia.
- Deeper Dive: It has been reported that the City of San Diego reached a settlement agreement with Expedia, in which Expedia has agreed to pay some - but not all - of the outstanding TOT and TMD assessments. The City is now looking to the local hotels to assist with obtaining the remaining assessments.
- Action Steps: To participate, hotels that received the notice directly from the City must grant the City permission to access data from Expedia by completing, scanning, and emailing the hotel’s Records Consent Letter (see p. 2 of the linked document) to the City of San Diego at SDRevenueAudit@sandiego.gov. The DEADLINE to respond is currently July 31, 2024.
- What's Next: AAHOA, SDCLA (San Diego County Lodging Association), and CHLA (California Hotel & Lodging Association), are actively advocating for equitable outcomes for our members. We are highlighting the advantages and disadvantages that this proposal poses to hoteliers and proposing policies to reduce tax burdens on our industry.
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Through new partnerships with CoStar and AHLEI, AAHOA now offers its members exclusive discounts to access a suite of educational offerings for members and your staff.
Deeper Dive:
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Studies show music enhances your business by making customers happier. But it’s important to know that under federal copyright law, when copyrighted music is performed in any establishment, permission must be granted from the copyright owner. In most cases, that permission comes in the form of a music license. In this webinar, you will hear from Daniel Spears from BMI, who will help you navigate the complex world of music licensing. BMI represents more than 1.3 million songwriters, composers, and publishers with over 20.6 million musical works.
HBO, the oldest and most award-winning premium channel in the U.S., is offering AAHOA Members the chance to earn money back. Members get a rebate of $9 per room (5-year contract) or $7 per room (3-or 4-year contract) when they add or renew HBO at their properties. Click here today to complete the rebate form and get started.
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!
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.
As more properties adopt tech-forward solutions, the need to ensure property safety protocols are followed has never been greater.
(Source; Security Magazine)
In an increasingly competitive market, many hotels are finding an edge in the marketplace by implementing a well-thought-out branding strategy.
(Source: HospitalityNet)
While it's true many bookings are made online, research shows that properties with dedicated reservations staff – whether in-house or offsite – often average higher daily rates.
(Source: Hotel News Resource)
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The power of customized branding
In the dynamic landscape of the hospitality industry, where competition is fierce and guest expectations are ever-evolving, hotels are constantly seeking innovative ways to distinguish themselves. Beyond providing a place to rest, modern travelers crave unique experiences that leave a lasting impression. Looking for differentiation, the role of customized branding elements within hotel spaces emerges as a tool for creating memorable guest experiences.
Branding in hotels was once confined to standard neon signs and generic printed amenities. Today, forward-thinking establishments recognize the value of seamlessly integrating their brand identity into every aspect of the guest’s stay. It’s not just about adding a logo to a product; it’s about crafting an immersive environment that tells a story.
Read more
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As Truist Securities wrote, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was +3.4% y/y for the week ending 7/20/2024, per STR, above the prior week's result of -5.2% y/y and above the trailing 10-week average of +1.2%. Last week's results reflected a catch-up of business and group travel following light travel in the prior week of 7/7 (lighter demand for the full week after July 4th). Shifting to two large markets: Houston RevPAR continued to be very strong with relocation-related demand post-Hurricane Beryl. Houston RevPAR was +56.0% y/y; the top performer of the Top 25 markets. Las Vegas had a strong week with RevPAR +26.2% (absolute occupancy was 84.7%; group RevPAR was +280.5% y/y). Upscale RevPAR: +4.2% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: +3.3% y/y.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.
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AAHOA South Florida Town Hall @ NABHOOD Conference
