The biggest gathering of Asian American Hotel Owners Association Members, AAHOACON24, took place April 2-5, 2024, in Orlando, FL, with nearly 6,500 attendees and 524 exhibitors. The event featured 44+ education sessions, an immersive do-it-yourself product demo experience, top-level keynote speakers, and several networking events all focused on the theme “For Tomorrow”. Here are Inside Hospitality Solutions’ highlights from the event:
Engaging Speakers, Panel Discussions and Education Sessions
Renowned figures like Kevin O’Leary, Rahul Kapoor, and Dr Kiran C. Patel took the stage as keynote speakers, providing insights into entrepreneurship, mindset coaching, and philanthropy. Each shared their life experiences along with recommendations that could be applied to business and everyday life.
Sarah Dandashy moderated an insightful panel discussion comprised of industry executives including, Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, John Murray, Sonesta, Rajiv Trivedi, Red Roof, Julie Arrowsmith, G6 Hospitality, Greg Juceam, Extended Stay America and Larry Cuculic, BWH Hotel Group.
The discussion provided CEO perspectives on industry topics but also the opportunity for the audience to learn more about each executive as a person with questions such as, “Share something about yourself that most people might not know?” “I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan,” Arrowsmith stated, quickly followed by Juceam, who admitted the same. When it came to AI, the overall consensus was that if implemented correctly, AI is an opportunity to improve guest service.
The many Education Sessions were tailored towards helping hoteliers with their branded or independent properties with insights into various topics focused on improving operations and the guest experience as well as exploring ways to embrace technology and prepare “For Tomorrow”.
Trade Show Highlights
AAHOA Members own over 60% of the hotels in the US and spend more than $51B annually with suppliers, so the extensive Trade Show floor was buzzing with activity. Here are just a few of the 524 exhibitors:
Cee Cee Mileti from Guest Supply by Sysco had several show specials for attendees, ranging from cases of single-serve coffee cups to dispensers to vacuum cleaners. If you are an AAHOA member, contact your Guest Supply Sales Consultant and ask about the AAHOA show specials.
Kevin Stephenson explained how Borrowed Time Coffee offers organic and sustainable coffee for hoteliers to serve their guests. Their products are good for the environment, and as a nonprofit, they are good for the community.
Serving hoteliers from destination resort chains to boutique hotels, Vincent Nicholson from Kingsdown Bedding displayed several comfortable hospitality mattress options.
MicroFridge by Danby the B2B division of Danby Products, is the leading supplier of small space appliances to hotels, assisted living residences, colleges and universities, military facilities, and offices in North America. They are an approved vendor for the major hotel brands, providing quality products such as in-room refrigerators and microwaves, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, wine and beverage coolers, and full-size appliances for extended-stay suites.
Karl Bush and Julianna Smith offered attendees delicious PepsiCo snacks and refreshments.
Hotels are the perfect place for EV chargers, and AAHOACON attendees could view offers from several suppliers, including JUS Charging Systems, Stay-N-Charge and Universal EV Chargers.
RCA Commercial Electronics‘ Jim Krawczyk had several beautiful televisions on display. Expect to see more innovations from them.
Sara Hospitality is a supplier of custom design and complete furniture, fixtures, and equipment packages for the hospitality industry in the USA. Sara and Sam Agarwal explained how, with their more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, they have perfected the process from designing, brand approval, and manufacturing to delivery.
Terrence Gilligan and the team from HD Supply provided several solutions to help hotel staff work smarter, not harder. You can count on them to quickly deliver your branded textiles, amenities, MRO and janitorial supplies, and hospitality supplies. Attendees also learned about the HD Supply Accelerate portal, offering video-on-demand, training and certification opportunities.
Kurt Raedle demoed Watco Manufacturing solutions to prevent common problems like clogged drains. These unique, innovative, and easy-to-install products are available through HD Supply.
The Safety Net Access team was on hand to educate hoteliers on their Guest Wi-Fi Network and Telecom Solutions. The company’s “integrity first” philosophy has led to its growth, serving over 5,000 properties and growing.
Ashley Adams and the team from Budderfly explained how hotels can receive high-efficiency equipment upgrades for lighting, refrigeration, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning at no upfront cost. As your Energy-as-a-Service partners, Budderfly can help lower energy usage and boost sustainability.
Hotel & Resort Key Cards offers RFID key cards, wristbands, and key fobs. Founded by seasoned professionals from the Hospitality Industry, Supply Chain, and RFID Technology, they have a passion for delivering secure, cutting-edge solutions.
Alerteer provides advanced smoke and CO detection technology. Its smart sensors send hotel staff real-time alert notifications to help address smoke issues.
Groove Technology Solutions offers property technology solutions so that hotel guests can enjoy their stay more. From DIRECTV, Internet, and Wi-Fi to video surveillance, phone systems, energy management, and other in-room technologies, Groove serves a wide range of industries.
Robien Christie introduced attendees to Walmart Business, which offers flexible subscriptions, free delivery, cash-back rewards, and spend analytics.
Bill Wang and the team from Amergy Solar showcased their innovative solutions, which include providing top-notch solar panels, EV charging stations, carports, and solar farms.
AI was on display with solutions from Canary Technologies (AI Guest Messaging), VSR Cloud Communications (AI Voice Assistant) and Docyt (AI-based accounting solutions).
Many of the leading hotel brands also exhibited on the Trade Show floor, including Sonesta, one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in the U.S. Chris Trick, SVP and CMO, spoke about Sonesta’s support of AAHOA and its Members, emphasizing that the conversations held and relationships made during AAHOACON continue after the conference ends. This is another reminder of the theme for AAHOACON24: that what you do today is also “For Tomorrow.”
Initiatives for Women and Young Professionals
AAHOA has launched two initiatives to support women and young professionals in the hospitality industry. HerOwnership, launched in 2022, offers networking and educational opportunities for women hoteliers, while HYPE Ownership, launched in December 2023, is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of emerging hoteliers within AAHOA and the broader industry.
Collegiate Hotel Turnaround Competition
One of the highlights of AAHOACON24 was the inaugural Hotel Turnaround Collegiate Championship, which challenged university students to make operational and investment decisions to improve the performance of a simulated hotel. Grand Valley State University won the People’s Choice Award, while Oklahoma State University received the Judges Championship Trophy. This competition aimed to support the next generation of hospitality leaders, reflecting AAHOA’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation.
The participating schools were:
- FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Miami, FL
- Grand Valley State University, Allendale Charter Township, MI
- Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Natchitoches, LA
- Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
- Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
New Leadership at AAHOA
During the convention, Miraj S. Patel, a second-generation hotelier from Texas who grew up in his family’s first 30-room independent property, was appointed as the new Chairman of AAHOA’s Board of Directors. Patel has been involved with AAHOA for several years, serving on committees and joining the Board of Directors in 2019.
“It is an honor to serve America’s hotel owners as the newest AAHOA Chairman,” Miraj S. Patel said. “I am committed to helping solve some of the industry’s toughest challenges with simple and straightforward solutions and to putting our members at the center of every decision we make.”
Not only is Miraj the newest AAHOA Chairman but he is also the youngest in the 35-year history of the organization.
Pinal Patel from Tennessee was also named the new AAHOA Secretary. Pinal Patel was born in Bardoli, India, and moved to the United States at the age of two. His family emigrated from India to Nashville, TN, in 1984. Patel says his parents did not speak any English when they brought him and his 1-year-old brother to America. Patel’s parents bought their first independent hotel in 1991, and he is a second-generation hotelier.
AAHOA’s Impact on the Hospitality Industry
AAHOA represents nearly 20,000 hoteliers nationwide, who own more than 36,000 properties – 60% of hotels in the United States – and employ over 1.1 million workers. The association has played a crucial role in combating discrimination faced by Indian-American hoteliers in the past and continues to advocate for their interests.
AAHOA members contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, spending more than $51 billion annually with suppliers and contributing 1.4% to the nation’s GDP. Additionally, 82% of AAHOA members own branded properties across all brands, flags, and market segments, while 32% own independent properties.
Rising insurance premiums, financing, and labor challenges are some of the industry’s immediate challenges. Speaking with AAHOA Officers, including Chairman Miraj S. Patel, Immediate Past Chairman Bharat Patel, Immediate Past Treasurer and Incoming Vice Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel, Immediate Past Secretary and Incoming Treasurer Rahul Patel, and President & CEO Laura Lee Blake, you quickly understand why the organization thrives.
Many have come from humble beginnings, like many of the Members they represent, and they have a Members-first philosophy. It is evident that AAHOA’s focus on supporting its members is unwavering.
The American Dream
Reflecting on AAHOA’s journey, from its inception in 1989 to becoming a powerhouse representing over 20,000 hoteliers, the association plays a vital role in the hospitality industry, supporting hotel owners and professionals.
AAHOA members own over 60 per cent of hotels in the U.S. and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. Their impact reverberates across sectors, supporting millions of jobs and driving economic growth.
As AAHOA looks ahead, its mission remains steadfast: to advance and protect the interests of hotel owners, champion innovation, and cultivate a vibrant, inclusive hospitality landscape for generations to come. AAHOACON24 serves as a testament to this enduring legacy, uniting industry stakeholders in a shared vision for a dynamic and resilient future.
Speaking with many of the attendees and the AAHOA officers, one hears many stories of the American dream come true. AAHOA Members proudly mention their rise from humble beginnings to successful contributors to business, family and community. They are willing to build on their success by helping the next generation succeed and making hotel ownership a viable option for those pursuing the American dream. Their focus is not just doing what needs to be done today but also making an investment “For Tomorrow”.
AAHOACON25
Experience the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show for yourself next year when AAHOACON25 takes place in New Orleans, LA, on April 15 – 18, 2025.
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