Dear AAHOACON24 Attendees
We’ve been planning for months, but AAHOACON24 is now only a day away. We have received an enormous amount of positive feedback that attendees are truly excited to gather in Orlando for the 2024 AAHOA Convention and Trade Show.
It is only appropriate that at AAHOACON, we’re focused on tomorrow, as this year, 2024, marks AAHOA’s 35th Anniversary. Founded in 1989, we collectively have 35 remarkable years of shaping the industry, advocating on behalf of America’s hotel owners, and positioning ourselves as the ONLY true voice of America’s hotel owners.
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AAHOACON23 welcomed nearly 8,000 attendees to the Los Angeles Convention Center. With more than 89,000 net square feet of exhibit space, 520+ exhibiting companies, and an immersive do-it-yourself product demo experience, it was the largest and most interactive trade show in AAHOA's 34-year history.
I can’t wait for you to see what AAHOA has in store this year – including the education sessions, masterclasses, Trade Show, Tech Pitch Competition, the Collegiate Championship: Hotel Turnaround Competition, and much more!
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AAHOA’s staff and Convention Committee have been working nonstop for months to make this year the best one yet.
Whether for networking, education, general sessions, learning, connecting, or simply having FUN, we’re grateful to those who have made the commitment to join us in Orlando!
It means the world to us that you’ve made the necessary sacrifices to be here.
We hope you walk away from AAHOACON24 feeling like it was a week well-spent, so be sure to take full advantage of all it has to offer.
We can’t wait to see old friends, make new ones, and celebrate our accomplishments over the past year.
Wishing you an unforgettable event,
Bharat Patel, CHO, CHIA
AAHOA Chairman (2023-2024)
Please be sure to share your excitement about attending AAHOACON24 by documenting your travels to and from – and experience during – the event and tagging AAHOA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and X using the hashtag #AAHOACON24. There's no better way to let the world know what a great time you're having.
We'll include some of our favorite posts in the daily newsletter we'll send out next week and on the big screens before General Session each day, so have fun with it!
New! AAHOA recently launched the Official AAHOA WhatsApp Channel. Be sure to follow along to never miss an update and stay in the know on all things AAHOA.
We hope you've packed some comfortable shoes and have an ample supply of caffeine on hand, because there will be a lot going on at AAHOACON24. We certainly can't cover everything here, so these are just a few highlights for the coming week.
Masterclasses, young professionals' events, education sessions, the Trade Show floor, content specifically for women hoteliers, the Tech Pitch competition, and so much more
This week is going to be jam-packed with opportunities for hoteliers across the industry to better equip themselves with the tools necessary to identify, address, and overcome the countless obstacles they face on a daily basis. Let's do this!
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Wednesday General Session Keynote Speaker: Kevin O'Leary
Join us as world-renowned businessman, author, investor, and TV personality Kevin O’Leary helps us kick off day 1 of AAHOACON24 for a special keynote presentation during the morning's general session.
Back by popular demand, this marks O'Leary's second time as an AAHOACON keynote speaker, and attendees can again count on O'Leary to offer invaluable insights and business acumen.
9-11 a.m., Wednesday, April 3
OCCC Valencia Ballroom"
Sponsored by DISH Business
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Wednesday HerOwnership Women Hoteliers Luncheon & Session Keynote Speaker: Rashmi Airan
Women hoteliers, please make plans to join us for this special event and can't-miss presentation from keynote speaker Rashmi Airan, a once-distinguished lawyer who saw her career derailed due to an ethical blind spot that gave her a one-year prison sentence, as she highlights the importance of creating empathy, accountability, and adaptability in our personal and professional lives.
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday, April 3
OCCC W224
Sponsored by G6 Hospitality, Red Roof Inn, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
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The AAHOA Garage
The AAHOA Garage is a game-changing platform designed to give you an immersive experience on the trade-show floor. Watch as our knowledgeable and resourceful industry partners help you learn what to do and how to do it right when it comes to dozens of everyday projects that always seem to be at the top of a hotel’s maintenance or operations to-do list.
1:30-4:30, Wednesday, April 3
1:30-4:30, Thursday, April 4
OCCC West Hall C
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Wednesday and Thursday Special Event: Live from AAHOACON24 – No Vacancy Podcast, the Official Podcast of #AAHOACON24
Hosted by Glenn Haussman, a well-known travel industry personality, renowned industry speaker, writer, and consultant, No Vacancy is the travel industry’s most exciting podcast.
1-4 p.m., Wednesday
1-4 p.m., Thursday
Trade Show Level
Sponsored by Red Roof Inn
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Wednesday Special Event: AAHOACON24 Block Party
Get ready to party like never before at the AAHOA Block Party – the ultimate celebration at AAHOACON24! Join us at ICON Park for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun under the stars. Mix and mingle with industry leaders, enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, and create lasting memories at AAHOA’s biggest party of the year!
7:30-10 p.m.
ICON Park
Sponsored by BWH Hotels, Chase, DISH Business, Red Roof Inn, Savant Energy, Sonesta
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Thursday General Session Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kiran C. Patel
Crowned Floridian of the Year 2018 by Florida Trend Magazine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel is a true embodiment of leadership and excellence. His remarkable contributions extend far beyond the realms of medicine, touching countless lives through his philanthropy and entrepreneurial ventures. A cardiologist, philanthropist, community leader, entrepreneur, hotelier and AAHOA Lifetime Member, Dr. Patel brings an abundance of real-world experience to the AAHOACON24 stage. You won't want to miss his appearance this morning.
9-11 a.m.
Where: OCCC Valencia Ballroom
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Thursday Special Event: Classic Bollywood Night
Join us for a memory-filled and celebratory evening on Thursday for Classic Bollywood Night from 7:30 to 10 p.m. as we celebrate the classic Bollywood film “Yaadien,” with a tribute to Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mohammed Rafi. This very special event will feature entertainment from singer and actor Prashant Naseri, known as the “voice of Kishore Kumar,” as well as legendary playback singers Shabbir Kumar and Sanjeevani Bhelande.
7:30-10 p.m.
Valencia Ballroom
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Friday General Session Keynote Speaker: Rahul Kapoor
Friday's Keynote Speaker, Rahul Kapoor, has made it his life’s mission to transform the way people work, interact, and live. With an inspiring and electric stage presence that has earned him the moniker “live wire,” he’s India’s leading mindset coach, motivational speaker, and author.
Through a unique combination of psychology, science, and spirituality, Rahul Kapoor uses insights to draw out the potential in each individual. He helps them understand how to unlock and ignite their abilities to live a life charged with purpose and positivity, thus creating better workplaces, better relationships, and better homes.
9-11 a.m., Friday, April 5
OCCC Valencia Ballroom
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Friday - Gala Night
This year’s AAHOACON24 Gala promises to be a can’t-miss experience as we dance the night away with the amazing talent of Bollywood Fusion!
Entertainment will include Abhijeet Sawant, winner of the first season of “Indian Idol,” Abhinanda Sarkaar, a performer at the FIFA World Cup 2022, and Gala is Kanika Kapoor, winner of the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer!
8:30 p.m.-midnight, Friday, April 5
OCCC Valencia Ballroom
Sponsored by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
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Be sure to mark your calendar for these amazing education opportunities happening tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2.
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Kalibri Labs Commercial Strategy Certification Training
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • OCCC W232
In Collaboration with HerOwnership
Be one of the first to earn a lodging industry-recognized certification in Commercial Strategy! AAHOA is one of four founding association partners (with HFTP, HSMAI, and HAMA) to recognize and endorse Commercial Strategy as a new industry certification developed and delivered by Kalibri Labs.
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Independent Insights Masterclass
1:30-5:30 p.m. • OCCC W224 (Networking Reception at 4:30)
The Freedoms and Challenges of Non-Franchised Hotel Ownership and Building a Successful Management Model. Brought to you by the AAHOA Independent Hoteliers Committee
In this unique Masterclass, offered in collaboration with HerOwnership, hear from owners just like you, who have taken on the challenge of elevating their financial acumen and are following more profitable pathways!
Profit Pathways: A Crash Course in P&L Management
3-4:30 p.m. • OCCC W222
AAHOA Masterclass Event. Brought to you by HerOwnership
Do you already own an independent hotel? Have you ever thought about it? Explore what it takes to be your own brand and be fully responsible and accountable for all facets of your business.
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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! Don’t miss any of the action – get the app (iOS and Android) TODAY!
With the AAHOACON24 app, you can:
- 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
- And much more!
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The AAHOA 2024 Election will take place on April 4, and polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.
Here, we’re answering some of the most common questions to ensure you’re ready to make your voice heard and participate.
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To be eligible to vote in the 2024 AAHOA Elections, you must:
- Have become a Lifetime Member on or before December 31, 2023; or
- Have paid Annual Membership dues no less than twice in the previous three calendar years; and renew your annual membership for 2024 on or before Monday, February 19, 2024.
If you have NOT already completed the credentialing process, you will NOT be able to participate in the 2024 AAHOA Elections.
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For a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know before voting, including a full list of the 2024 candidates and their bios, be sure to visit the AAHOA Elections Resource Center.
Need more information? Contact us at info@aahoa.com.
Get ready to transport yourself to the vibrant world of Miami Vice tomorrow at the AAHOACON24 Welcome Reception! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with retro glamour, pulsating beats, and tropical vibes. Dust off your pastel suits and neon shades as we kick off the conference in style, Miami Vice-style!
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When
Tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 2
7:30-9:30 pm
Where
The Rosen Centre Hotel Ballrooms and Pool Deck
Attire
Dress to impress in your Miami best! Embrace the neon glow, fast luxury cars, Cuban attitude, and a touch of Don Johnson chic. Whether it's big hair, white blazers, or flashy neon lights, make sure you stand out in true '80s Miami fashion.
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Thank you to our Welcome Reception sponsors:
We can't wait to see all the on-the-ground Tweets, posts, photos, and more when everyone gets here for #AAHOACON24. Here are just a few examples of activity we've seen on social media thus far.
Don't forget to use the #AAHOACON24 hashtag so we can see and share your posts.
AAHOA would like to thank all our valued sponsors for their support, partnership, and participation at AAHOACON24! You are a vital part of making this event possible. We couldn’t do it without you.
Attendees can expect to receive an in-depth printed guide to walk them through the ins and outs of AAHOACON24. In tandem with the official AAHOACON24 app, the printed guide is the best way to navigate this massive event. Check out the digital version of the guide here and start planning your week at AAHOACON24.
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