We trust everyone had an amazing time at last night's Welcome Reception. It was a fantastic evening, and it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces having a great time together as we kicked off AAHOACON22 in style at M&T Bank Stadium, Home of the Baltimore Ravens.

Today, we turn our attention to education sessions, Trade Show activity, and tonight's extra-special AAHOA Block Party at Power Plant Live! 

First up this morning, after we fuel up with breakfast, we have our first General Session of AAHOACON22 at 9 a.m., where we'll hear from a very special keynote speaker, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who was a two-time Super Bowl champion, Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP during his 17-year career. Don't miss this one, folks. Let's make it a great day!

Today's the day! Don't forget to carve out some time to visit the Trade Show booths listed below where you'll hear directly from AAHOA Sponsors and Exhibitors about innovative products, services, and exciting announcements you won’t get anywhere else.

During the first day of AAHOACON22's two-day AAHOA Interactive offering, you can get an in-person presentation from companies that want to help you make money, save money, and protect your investment.

Download the AAHOACON22 Event App for the latest information, notifications, updates, and announcements. It's your official tool to make the most of convention, so download it now! 

Thanks to everyone who joined us at last night's Welcome Reception at M&T Bank Stadium, Home of the Baltimore Ravens, for drinks, food, and fun. It was a great way to kick off AAHOACON22, and we saw plenty of handshakes and hugs as we all reconnected with one another. Here's just a small taste of the festivities. If you have any photos from the night, be sure to share them on social media and use the tag #AAHOACON22.

Thanks again to Hilton for sponsoring this incredible kick-off event! 

Do you have plans for later today, say, around 3:30 p.m.? Join us in Ballrooms 314-317 for the always-popular Young Professional Hoteliers Session, where we'll talk about strategies for taking property development and acquisition to the next level.

As travel settles into the new post-pandemic normal, our industry has been predicting that this year will be the year hotel owners will be eager to buy and sell. Join us for this informative session as Justin Knight, CEO, Apple Hospitality REIT, and Jay H. Shah, CEO, Hersha Hospitality Trust, uncover what segments currently dominate the market and the best development and acquisition opportunities to capitalize on in 2022 and beyond.

With current labor challenges, price increases, pandemic-related construction delays, and more, the current landscape leaves much to the unknown. This informative session will discuss this new landscape and teach strategies on how to navigate property development and acquisition in this new era.

After a long day of learning, seeing old and new friends, and deal-making on the Trade Show floor tomorrow, you’ll be more than ready to kick back and relax in a festive atmosphere.

Don't worry. We have just what the doctor ordered as our insanely popular Block Party at AAHOACON22 is set for 7-10 p.m. tonight! We'll see you at Power Plant Live!, a vibrant dining, entertainment, and innovation district located one block from Baltimore’s world-famous Inner Harbor and just a short walk from downtown hotels and attractions.

Important Reminders:

• Transportation is provided
• Buses depart from the Pratt Street Drive main entrance of the convention center
• Buses begin departing at 6:45 p.m.
• You’ll need your badge and wristband to attend

It’s the perfect setting in which to network with peers, industry executives, and other hospitality professionals to blow off some steam after a long day of education and deal-making. We will have 11 different venues to choose from, all under one roof, and you’ll have the chance to network with peers, industry executives, vendors, and other pros, so we’ll see you there.

In addition, the multi-talented Jeffrey Iqbal – singer, songwriter, producer, and music composer – will be on hand to provide entertainment and keep the party atmosphere rolling. You don't want to miss this night of food, friends, and fun as we celebrate together with a mid-week pick-me-up. A huge thank you to our sponsors for helping to make this unforgettable night happen. And thank you to G6 Hospitality for sponsoring the  entertainment at tonight's event!  Be there or be square!

Thank you to everyone who has tweeted, posted, shared, and celebrated on social media their AAHOACON22 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 #AAHOACON22 hashtag.

AAHOA would like to thank all our valued sponsors for their support, partnership, and participation at AAHOACON22! You are a vital part of making this event possible. We couldn’t do it without you.

The on-site, printed AAHOACON22 Show Guide also is available in a digital format. Get a sneak peek at all convention details – be sure to check it out here or by clicking the image below.