Good morning, AAHOACON24! We hope everyone enjoyed last night’s AAHOA Block Party at ICON Park. A little rain didn't seem to dampen spirits, as attendees enjoyed a packed evening of amazing food, wonderful drinks, and virtually unlimited entertainment. Extra kudos to those brave enough to take a ride on The Wheel or any of the other adrenaline-pumping attractions. By the way, take a quick minute to check out an amazing video from Tuesday night's Welcome Reception here.
Thursday is always crunch time for AAHOACON, and today is no different. There are plenty of education sessions, networking opportunities, tonight's Classic Bollywood night, and so much more waiting for you today, including the final day for Trade Show activity.
Also, today is the day for AAHOA Elections. Be sure to come to this morning's General Session from 9 until 11 a.m. in the OCCC Valencia Ballroom to hear from all the candidates before polls open at the General Session's conclusion.
For those not in attendance, today's Secretary debate and Board of Directors candidate speeches will be livestreamed today here, and polls will open at 11 a.m. EDT.
Grab some coffee, lace up your comfortable shoes, and get ready for another busy, but rewarding, day.
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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. K brings an abundance of real-world experience to the AAHOACON24 stage. You won't want to miss his appearance this morning.
What: AAHOACON24 General Session
When: Today, 9-11 a.m.
Where: OCCC Valencia Ballroom
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The future of our industry is in great hands! Don’t miss this must-attend education event featuring the finalists of AAHOA’s inaugural Hotel Turnaround Competition Championship. Hear top student teams pitch to industry pros and the audience. Powered by Russell Partnership Technology and some of the most innovative University Hospitality programs in the country, AAHOA is proud to bring you this final round of an industry-first hotel turnaround simulation competition. There will be a People’s Choice award. So, you’d better be there to help choose the winner!
What: The AAHOACON24 Collegiate Championship - Hotel Turnaround Competition Finals
When: Today, 1:30-3 p.m.
Where: OCCC W330, 3rd Level
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In a rapidly evolving landscape, staying ahead requires vigilance and foresight. Fortunately, pioneering companies are already forging ahead, envisioning cutting-edge technologies and applications poised to revolutionize guest experiences, staff engagement, and operational effectiveness. More than two dozen nominees submitted ideas for this year’s contest. Join us as we unveil the eight finalists who will present their solutions to esteemed judges, vying for the coveted title of AAHOACON24 Tech Pitch Winner. |
What: Tech Pitch – Powered by Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)
When: Today, 3:30-5 p.m.
Where: OCCC W224
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Be sure to join us this evening for a very “chill” get-together with your industry cohorts at a special reception held just for AAHOA young professional members. ICEBAR Orlando is the most popular year-round ice bar in the world. In addition to spectacular ice sculptures, everything from the seating to your glass is made out of hand-carved ice. After chilling at the ICEBAR, warm up in the Fire Lounge.
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What: HYPE Young Professional Hoteliers Reception
When: Tonight, April 4, 6-7 p.m.
Where: ICEBAR Orlando
Sponsored by: Avendra, DISH Business, Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling, Home Box Office
In 2021, 80 percent of the sex trafficking cases reported in the United States involved a victim who was exploited at a hotel. But there is something hoteliers can do to help stop human trafficking. Be sure to attend today's free human trafficking prevention training session.
| BEST's Inhospitable to Human Trafficking Awareness training, sponsored by AAHOA, is an effective tool that enhances hotel safety. Human trafficking has devastating effects on its victims and poses significant safety risks to guests and employees. Additionally, it can leave businesses exposed to substantial legal and financial liabilities. By training yourself and your staff, you can gain the knowledge needed to help prevent human trafficking at your hotel and get certified in human trafficking prevention! |
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AAHOACON24 is hosting one more of this training during AAHOACON24:
- Thursday, April 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Your session facilitator, Violeta Vega, is the Senior Program Manager for Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking. She will help you learn how to spot the indicators of human trafficking in hotels so you can safely report it. This can help survivors get connected to the resources they need to rebuild their lives and keep your community safe from the crime of human trafficking.
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Are you ready to vote in today's AAHOA Elections? Polls will be open from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. EDT today only.
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.
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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 today's General Session, which begins at 9 a.m. EDT. 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.
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There’s no need to go to YouTube. See it live in The AAHOA Garage. 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.
Sponsor and topic presentation times are posted throughout the trade show floor and in the AAHOACON24 app.
What: The AAHOA Garage
When: Today, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: OCCC West Hall C
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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.
What: The No Vacancy podcast
When: Today, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Trade show level
Sponsored by: Red Roof
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Click here for a one-on-one interview with No Vacancy host Glenn Haussman and AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel where they discuss all things AAHOACON24.
Thanks to everyone who came out last night for the AAHOACON24 Block Party at ICON Park, even if we did have to dodge a few raindrops. In spite of the weather, after a packed couple of days of activity, it was great to see so many attendees enjoying themselves, mingling with each other, making new connections with industry peers, and taking full advantage of the wonderful food, exciting attractions, thrill-inducing rides, and wonderful atmosphere this amazing venue has to offer.
Sponsored by:
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This has certainly been an exciting and jam-packed week, but we hope you've saved some energy for a very special event tonight.
Join us for a memory-filled and celebratory evening for Classic Bollywood Night 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.
What: Classic Bollywood Night
When: Tonight, 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: Valencia Ballroom
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Thank you to everyone who has tweeted, posted, shared, and celebrated on social media their #AAHOACON24 experience thus far. We're looking forward to seeing more photos of attendees rubbing elbows and having a great time.
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.
Don't forget to pick up your copy of the in-depth printed AAHOACON24 guide, which walks attendees through the ins and outs of everything going on this week. 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 plot out the rest of your week at AAHOACON24.
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