Your AAHOA officers are in Spokane, Wash., this week speaking on your behalf to audiences at the Red Lion Hotels Corporation Conference. More info and updates to follow – check our Facebook page!

The 2016 AAHOA Northeast Regional Meeting wrapped up last Thursday in Springfield, Mass., and raised over $8,000 in PAC donations. We added quite a few new lifetime members and annual members, and applauded the 2016-2017 Northeast Region Premier Ambassador, Vibhu Joshi [fourth from right]. Great job, Northeast!

Congratulations to Georgia Regional Director Kapil (Ken) Patel and the Georgia Region Ambassadors on pulling off an amazing event on Tuesday. The trade show was packed with happy vendors and members, and the business meeting was a huge success – Georgia members contributed almost $16,000 in PAC donations! We also heard from Cobb County Chairman-Elect Mike Boyce and Georgia State Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), and received an important industry and region update from the AAHOA officers. Finally, congratulations to our 2016-2017 Georgia Region Premier Ambassador, Andy Bhula!

A Texas federal court set a trial date of January 2, 2018, for the National Federation of Independent Business' challenge to the Labor Department's persuader rule. In June a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the rule, which increased disclosure requirements for the hiring of union-busting consultants and attorneys.

The International Franchise Association warned Monday that an agreement between the Labor Department and Subway to improve franchisee compliance with wage-and-hour laws might prompt the NLRB to classify Subway a joint employer with its franchisees.

Hey, North Texas! Your regional meeting is happening on Tuesday, August 9, in Dallas. Have you registered?

The next Red Roof Regional Conference is next week – August 10–11 – in Las Vegas! Check with Red Roof or email rachel@aahoa.com for more info. 

HD Supply Hospitality Solutions offers an AAHOA members-only rate, saving members an average of 12 percent! Plus, get FREE next-day shipping to all U.S. properties! 

It’s a challenging time for the global tourism industry, and the hospitality sector is no exception: Acts of terrorism. The immediate after effects of Brexit. The looming U.S. Presidential election. The state of the economy. Lower oil prices. The growth of short-term rentals. The spread of Zika. These are just a few of the major issues having a direct impact on the global hospitality industry.

Hoteliers are thinking outside the box when it comes to personalizing the guest experience by offering unique in-room extras beyond standard amenities and tech needs. The Kimpton Glover Park Hotel in Washington, D.C., is in the process of finding the perfect in-room telescopes to provide guests with an excellent view of downtown D.C., the Washington Monument and the Potomac River.

Donald J. Trump might be the highest profile hotelier in history. The billionaire business mogul has an empire that includes his iconic skyscrapers, clothing lines and several hotels and resorts. Trump was also the star of the hit reality television show "The Apprentice." Now he’s running for president of the United States, and his campaign has brought new attention to his business. 

When content reigns supreme, what tactics and strategies are some of the largest hotel brands using to entertain, inform and educate their guests?