After a ton of preparation and anticipation, AAHOACON24 is finally here, promising to be yet another amazing installment in this industry-leading event! This year, the industry's biggest and best event is officially underway, finding members gathering in sunny Orlando, FL. We're kicking things off with meetings, education sessions, keynote presentations, and the Welcome Reception, which will see thousands of attendees rubbing elbows as we throw it back to the 1980s and transport ourselves to the vibrant (or pastel, your choice!) world of Miami Vice!

Be sure to check out the current education schedule to plan out your week and take full advantage of everything AAHOACON24 has to offer, and make plans to join us TONIGHT for the AAHOACON24 Welcome Reception.

What: AAHOACON24 Welcome Reception
When: Tonight, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Rosen Centre Hotel Ballrooms and Pool Deck
Agenda: Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with retro glamour, pulsating beats, tropical vibes, exotic cars, gourmet delights, and much more.
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.

Thank you to our Welcome Reception sponsors:

As a complement to the AAHOACON24 education sessions, attendees in the independent segment should take advantage of this year's special masterclasses. There is one masterclass today and two education sessions on Thursday, and all three promise to deliver excellent content. If you're interested or involved in the independent segment, be sure to take advantage of these education opportunities. In addition, there are more than 20 education sessions this year that are helpful to independent hoteliers. 

Today, April 2, 2024 Independent Insights Masterclass 1:30-5:30 p.m. • OCCC W224 The Freedoms and Challenges of Non-Franchised Hotel Ownership and Building a Successful Management Model Thursday, April 4, 2024 Education Session: Building Your Brand 1:30-2:15 p.m. • OCCC W232 Crafting and Guiding Your Independent Hotel Identity Education Session: Operations Essentials 2:30-3:15 p.m. • OCCC W232 Operations Essentials for the Independent Hotelier

Join us from 7:30 to 10 p.m. tomorrow evening as we 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! What: AAHOACON24 Block Party When: Wednesday, April 3, 7:30-10 p.m. (buses to begin returning attendees to the Orange County Convention Center at 9 p.m.) Transportation: Buses will be providing transportation to and from the host hotels starting at 6:45 p.m. and will begin loading at 7 p.m. sharp! (Click here for more info on transportation.) Where: ICON Park Attire: Casual attire or AAHOA shirts/jackets

Sponsored by

New for AAHOACON24! By popular demand, we're offering more education sessions than ever this year, starting earlier than ever today, the first full day of AAHOACON24. Be sure to join us for three amazing opportunities, including an in-depth Commercial Strategy certification class, an exhaustive exploration of all things relevant to the independent hotelier, and a crash course on P&L management, offered in collaboration with HerOwnership. Be sure to check out the current education schedule to plan out your week and take full advantage of everything AAHOACON24 has to offer, and make plans to join us TONIGHT for the AAHOACON24 Welcome Reception.

Today's education opportunities and offerings

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. 

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
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.

Profit Pathways: A Crash Course in P&L Management
3-4:30 p.m. • OCCC W222
AAHOA Masterclass Event. Brought to you by HerOwnership
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!

AAHOA Elections will be held on Thursday. Are you ready to vote? Polls will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. EDT Thursday only, with candidates making their pitch as to why they deserve your vote during that morning's General Session. 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.

Stream the Speeches
If you're not able to attend AAHOACON24 in person, you can still participate, aside from casting your vote. Each candidate will have an opportunity to speak to eligible voters, and there will be a Secretary debate during General Session, which begins at 9 a.m. EDT Thursday, April 4. As a special service to all out-of-town members unable to attend, AAHOA will also live-stream the candidate speeches and Secretary debate from the AAHOA YouTube Channel.

Thank you to everyone who has tweeted, posted, shared, and celebrated on social media their excitement about #AAHOACON24 starting today. We're looking forward to seeing photos of attendees rubbing elbows and having a great time throughout the week.

Here's a quick roundup of just a few of our favorites.

Don't forget to tag AAHOA in your posts and include the #AAHOACON24 hashtag.  

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.

In tandem with the official AAHOACON24 app, the printed guide is the best way to navigate the massive event that is AAHOACON24. Check out the digital version of the guide here.