Each year, I think AAHOACON was the best yet, and this year was no exception. What an amazing week we had in Baltimore. I’m still digesting the fact that it’s over after months of preparation and anticipation.

And, as of AAHOACON22, I’m honored to assume the role of AAHOA Chairman – the youngest person to hold this position in the history of the association. I’m here to do my very best to serve all of you, and I’m here to listen and learn. 

I plan on continuing the traditions of AAHOA, but I also plan on introducing new ideas, changing the way we do things, and never losing sight of what it’s all about – YOU, our members.  

This great association exists for one reason, to be the foremost advocate and resource for America’s hotel owners, and I’m committed to just that.  

Thank you all for helping make last week in Baltimore one to remember. See you next year in Los Angeles – the City of Angels – for AAHOACON23!

AAHOACON22 marked the culmination of numerous campaigns, as one Officer position and 10 Board seats were up for election. For the first time at AAHOACON, participants were able to cast their votes electronically and were not required to be physically present at the event. Thank you to everyone who ran for office and to those who voted for candidates they believe will make AAHOA stronger.

“I’m thrilled to welcome our new AAHOA Secretary and all of our newly elected Board members," AAHOA Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel said. "Over the past 30 years, our volunteer leaders have worked tirelessly to make AAHOA a leading hotel association in the U.S. and to advocate for initiatives that help the hospitality industry thrive. As we continue on this road to recovery, it is encouraging to see so many members rising to the occasion and serving America’s hotel owners.

"I can’t wait to start working alongside the new AAHOA Officers, our Board of Directors, and the entire AAHOA Team. Together, we will work on taking this great association to the next level.”

Please join us in congratulating our new Board members, and be sure to check out the full 2022-2023 AAHOA Board of Directors list here.

There should be a word in English that means "tired but energized," because that's exactly how we would describe what we're feeling after AAHOACON22. Like spending a week at an amusement park with your family, you probably have new memories and new callouses on your feet.

But you should start resting up now because AAHOACON23 will be here before you know it. We will convene in Los Angeles April 11-14 next year for another fantastic installment of this can't-miss event and build on the momentum we created last week in Baltimore.

Will we have returned to pre-pandemic travel levels? Will business travel have returned? What will our workforce issues look like? How will the presidential elections affect our industry?

While we certainly can't answer those questions now, we can guarantee that our industry will remain resilient, and AAHOACON23 in Los Angeles will represent another opportunity to address the issues facing our industry and reconnect with one another.

Please make plans to join us. It will be a time to remember, and we hope to see you there!

This year, during the third day of AAHOACON22 on the General Session stage, the association recognized achievement and excellence in the hospitality industry with its annual awards. Listed below are the six honorees. For more information and a full description of the awards, be sure to read the press release here.

AAHOA Award of Excellence
Vimal Patel, President & CEO, QHotels Management; AAHOA Ambassador, Gulf
Region

Cecil B. Day Community Service Award
Manhar (MP) Rama, CEO, Sima Hospitality; AAHOA Past Chair (2005-2006)

Outreach Award for Philanthropy
Babu Patel, Trustmark Park Hospitality

Outstanding Woman Hotelier of the Year Award
Pinky P. Bhaidaswala, SSN Hotel Management, LLC

Outstanding Young Professional Hoteliers of the Year Award
Armaan Patel, AGA Hotels
Taran Patel, Managing Principal, A1 Hospitality Group; AAHOA Ambassador, Northwest
Region

Anyone else nursing tired feet after hustling up and down the AAHOACON22 Trade Show floor? Whew!

Throughout the event, the hall was packed with exhibitors, AAHOA Interactive sessions, and attendees looking for new solutions to old problems. Here is a small selection of highlights from the Trade Show floor, but the only way to get a true idea of this event's scope is to experience it first hand. (Hint hint, see you next year in Los Angeles for AAHOACON23!)

• Neal Patel Officially Takes on Role As AAHOA Chairman
• Indian American Hotelier Nishant (Neal) Patel of Texas Becomes Asian American Hotel Owners Association’s Youngest Chairman
• New AAHOA Chairmanship Begins During AAHOACON22
• Nishant (Neal) Patel Named Chairman at Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) in Atlanta
• AAHOA Announces 2022 Award Winners
• HB on the Scene: AAHOA Draws Crowd
• AAHOA Conference & Trade Is a Show'tastic Good Time in Baltimore
• AAHOACON22 Under Way in Baltimore, MD

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

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

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 have done it without you.