CSU student wins a school-sponsored trip to the 2017 AAHOA Convention

This year, AAHOA extended invitations to the 2017 Convention to students at hospitality schools across America in an effort to develop the next generation of hotel owners. Here is the story of Crystal Alcantar, a hospitality student at California State University at Northridge, who attended the 2017 AAHOA convention after her submission to the school’s "Win a trip to AAHOA!" essay contest took first place.

Alcantar, who is working toward a degree in business management with an emphasis on hospitality and tourism, called the AAHOA convention experience "amazing."

Alcantar also described the 11-member major-brand CEO panel, held during the morning general session on Wednesday, April 12, as "inspiring." Asked to share some of what she learned during the convention, Alcantar responded immediately: "The importance of networking, preparation, and good [business] habits, absolutely," she said. "AAHOA is the place to be if you’re interested in hotel ownership."

"In the Department of Recreation & Tourism Management at California State University Northridge, we believe strongly in experiential education – that students learn through experiences in the field and reflecting on them," said Dr. Mechelle Best, associate professor at CSU. "Students who are interested in hospitality and tourism take courses such as accommodations management, meetings and conventions management, and food and beverage management. Attending a convention such as that hosted by AAHOA offers them many opportunities to experience key aspects of what they have studied and more."

AAHOA Chairman Bhavesh Patel echoed Dr. Best’s comments and added, "We have a responsibility to the next generation of hoteliers - to invest in their development and to provide the resources they need to be successful. I am delighted that Ms. Alcantar was able to attend and grateful to CSUN for their generosity and very wise emphasis on real-world experience."