On the first official day of AAHOACON21 yesterday, a steady stream of attendees and exhibitors filed through the registration station, explored the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, and prepared for the afternoon's sessions and the evening's Welcome Reception (more on those below). And while yesterday's schedule allowed some breathing room, today kicks off several days of back-to-back activities, sessions, networking, Trade Show time, and more.

Don't forget to attend this morning's General Session for a great overview of our industry, and we also will hear from Troy Aikman, 3-time Super Bowl champion and MVP of Super Bowl XXVII. Sure, we cover that a bit below, but we're excited so please forgive our enthusiasm.

At any point throughout the event, you can reference your printed show guide or access the digital version here. And you can set up a personalized schedule in the AAHOACON21 app.

Today is going to be a great – and busy! – day. See you in the sessions and on the Trade Show floor.

At 12:30, while exhibitors put finishing touches on their Trade Show booths, attendees gathered for the first of the day's three sessions. The afternoon kicked off with a touchstone issue for AAHOA Members during the BEST Inhospitable to Human Trafficking Training Sponsored by AAHOA. BEST CEO & Executive Director Mar Brettman, Ph.D., trained attendees on how to identify human trafficking and help end this scourge. And, as Brettman pointed out, remaining vigilant against this threat does more than protect victims; it also protects the hotel.

Next, parts 1 and 2 of the Recourse Series – Know the Law, Protect your Business, in partnership with THLA – commenced, with attendees hearing from THLA's General Counsel & Operations Manager Justin R. Bragiel and Associate General Counsel Nilesh (Neal) Patel. The sessions guided participants through a host of issues, including identifying and implementing the tools necessary for hoteliers to protect their bottom line by way of guarding against audits and costly lawsuits.

And after today's General Session, education sessions will continue in earnest this afternoon, following a break to refuel for lunch and to spend some time on the Trade Show floor.

Pitter patter, let's get at 'er.

Yesterday evening's Welcome Reception served as the official launch of AAHOACON21, with attendees and exhibitors gathering en masse at the The Exchange and Jaxon Beer Garden for a fun evening of reconnecting with one another for the first time in quite a while.

Throughout the night, The Exchange and Jaxon Beer Garden were awash in AAHOA shirts, as guests mingled and soaked up the atmosphere of the evening in celebration of the hospitality industry's resilience and fortitude.

Thank you to everyone who attended and for making it an evening to remember. We hope you saved some energy for today's events.

High-Level Leadership, Low-Level Stress – How to Win in Business Without Losing Your Mind
A Ballroom
3:30-4:30 p.m.

This year’s Women Hoteliers Session will feature guest speaker Neeti Dewan. A world-renowned efficiency, productivity, and work-life balance expert who has worked for more than two decades inside some of the nation’s top corporations, Ms. Dewan is called the “Chief Motivational Officer” by former colleagues and is well known for her upbeat personality, positive energy, and affirmative leadership style. Join fellow women hoteliers to learn how to gain massive momentum to create an extraordinary personal and business life for yourself.

Today and tomorrow, be sure to head over to the Trade Show floor to hear directly from AAHOA Sponsors and Exhibitors about innovative products and services, and receive exciting announcements you won’t get anywhere else. This year’s AAHOA Interactive has two stages, with presentations across two days, so be sure to stop by and grab a seat to hear directly from companies that want to help you make money, save money, and protect your investment.

Don't Miss Today's General Session to Hear from the 3-Time Super Bowl Champion and MVP of Super Bowl XXVII

Troy Aikman has harnessed the drive and dedication that formed the foundation of his Hall of Fame football career with the Dallas Cowboys in numerous successful business ventures since retiring from the game following the 2000 season. Through broadcasting, real estate, and The Troy Aikman Foundation, Aikman has quickly discovered numerous ways to keep himself occupied in “retirement.”

If you're looking for another opporutnity to connect with fellow AAHOA Members while in Dallas, there are numerous venues, restaurants, and bars in the area, and several of them are catering specifically to AAHOACON21 attendees. For example, The Joule created a couple of special event-specific cocktails, which you can learn more about here. Joule is just a few minutes away from the site of last night's Welcome Reception, so take advantage of the various Dallas businesses hoping to welcome you through their doors.

AAHOA Block Party at Texas Live!
7-10 p.m.

Watch out, downtown Dallas, because we’re taking over Texas Live! for our hugely popular Block Party this year. You’ll have a variety of different venues to choose from, all under one roof and all featuring regional food and beverages for all appetites. You’ll also have the unparalleled opportunity to network with peers, industry executives, and other hospitality professionals. Don't miss this night of food, friends, and fun!

Important Transportation is provided. Buses depart from Lower DE Driveway at the convention center. Buses begin departing at 6 p.m. You’ll need your badge and wristband to attend.

Thank you to everyone who has tweeted, posted, shared, and celebrated on social media their AAHOACON21 experience thus far.

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

Don't forget to tag AAHOA in your posts and include the #AAHOACON21 hashtag.

AAHOA would like to thank all our valued sponsors for their support, partnership, and participation at AAHOACON21! You are a vital part of making this event possible. We couldn’t do it without you.

The on-site, printed AAHAOCON21 Show Guide also is available in a digital format. Be sure to check it out here or by clicking the image below.