To put it lightly, Wednesday was packed with activity. After attendees fueled up with breakfast, the General Session kicked off AAHOACON21 with a bang. AAHOA Chairman Biran Patel (2020-2021) addressed the packed room by recounting the many challenges this industry has faced during the past 18 months. "When the going gets tough," he said, "we want smart people with big ideas driving the recovery." And those qualities, he added, are exactly what AAHOA Members exude in spades.

Attendees also received a greeting from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who congratulated members for their resilience in spite of the pandemic. And 3-Time Super Bowl Champion and MVP of Super Bowl XXVII Troy Aikman, along with fellow sports broadcaster Chris Myers, held court in front of a rapt and raucous audience. (We're looking at you, Eagles and Cowboys fans).

And serving as a major highlight of the session, hospitality expert Anthony Melchiorri was on hand to lend his unbridled enthusiasm during the official unveiling of the AAHOA-commissioned Oxford Economics Report, which demonstrates the formidable power of AAHOA Members as a whole across the industry. If you missed the presentation, it was big. Really big. Look for more info to come from AAHOA in the weeks and months to come, and be sure to check out the graphic linked above.

We hope you got a good night's sleep, because Thursday promises to be just as busy in the best way possible.

Innovations, Ideas, and Products to Propel Us Forward
5-6:30 p.m.
C3-4 Ballroom

AAHOA is excited to announce its first hotel tech pitch competition! We’re exploring the latest and greatest technology innovations that can help you make money, save money, and protect your investments. Come hear from select companies that will pitch to five seasoned judges with expertise in technology and hospitality. See why they think they can make a difference in our business today, and identify and support companies making a difference for hoteliers as we come out of the most challenging time in our industry’s history.

A Young Professional Hotelier’s Guide for Harnessing Powerhouse Leadership
3:30-4:30 p.m.
A Ballroom

Geoff Ballotti President & CEO Wyndham Hotels & Resorts	Mehul Patel AAHOA Past Chair, 2013-14 Managing Partner & CEO, NewcrestImage

Advancing Hospitality with Technology and Design Thinking
C3-C4 Ballroom
2:15-3:15 p.m.

Technology has been disrupting the industry for quite some time, but the implications of COVID-19 have forced the industry to adapt and adopt to stay afloat. This session will provide hoteliers with practical advice for implementing technology and how to apply design thinking post-pandemic.

After a great first day yesterday, don't miss the second and final day of AAHOA Interactive this afternoon. 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, 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.

Thursday, August 5
2-5 p.m.

IDeaS
2-2:25 p.m. - Stage No. 1

IHG
2:30-2:55 p.m. - Stage No. 2

OYO
3-3:25 p.m. - Stage No. 1

Virdee
3:30-3:55 p.m. - Stage No. 2

Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling
4-4:25 p.m. - Stage No. 1

Hotel PET Supply
4:30-4:55 p.m. - Stage No. 2

While it's true that it can be supremely difficult to capture the energy, depth, and enthusiasm of the AAHOACON21 Trade Show floor, we're still going to give it the old college try. Thanks to everyone who made the first day of Trade Show activity a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Here's to another great day today.

Thank you to everyone who came out to last night's Block Party! AAHOA was out in full force, taking over Texas Live! and celebrating with friends new and old while demonstrating that the hotel industry is as resilient as ever. The night was filled with plenty of food and fun, as members had 12 different venues to choose from to release 18-plus months of pent-up energy. And while the event officially concluded – on paper, at least – at 10 p.m., many revelers stayed long into the night to soak up the atmosphere and continue making new connections.

Thank you to all our Block Party sponsors, to all the venues that participated, and to all of you for making the evening such a memorable affair.

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.