The 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show delivered on its theme of "New Ideas, New Connections, New Orleans," as attendees gathered in the Crescent City to explore fresh perspectives, build meaningful industry relationships, and engage with cutting-edge solutions for hotel owners. This year's event included the launch of new initiatives to benefit AAHOA Members and the hotel industry, welcomed the return of major hotel brands, and featured an expanded lineup of educational sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

"The enthusiasm and engagement at AAHOACON25 truly showcased the strength of our community," AAHOA Chairman and AAHOACON25 Convention Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel said. "From the launch of new member benefits to invaluable networking and educational opportunities, this convention reinforced AAHOA's role as a leader in the hospitality industry. We also welcomed the return of major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, further underscoring the significance of AAHOACON as a premier event for the industry. It's an incredible way to begin my tenure as Chairman, and I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead."

Major announcements at the 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show included:

·     A partnership with Avendra International, known as AAHOA Marketplace, gives AAHOA Members access to an expanded range of industry-leading products and services at better prices designed to improve their bottom line.
·     Launch of AAHOALending.com, in partnership with Bridge, to provide members with faster, more flexible financing options.
·     Introduction of the AAHOA Advocacy Council—a platform to ensure the voices and interests of AAHOA Members are represented at every level of government.
·     Launch of a new partnership with Kalibri Labs, enabling members to leverage cutting-edge insights for smarter decision-making and profitability.
·     To empower the next generation of hospitality leaders, launch of a Student Internship Program that connects high school and college students with real-world experience in the hotel industry.

At the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, AAHOACON25 had more than 5,000 registered attendees, nearly 500 exhibitors, and 85,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The event featured some 20 education sessions, an immersive do-it-yourself product demo experience known as The Garage on the Trade Show Floor, top-level keynote speakers, and networking events, including the Block Party at Fulton Street.

"AAHOACON25 was a resounding success, showcasing our commitment to innovation, advocacy, and community," AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake said. "With groundbreaking announcements, an expanded trade show, and invaluable networking opportunities, this year's event reinforced why AAHOACON is the must-attend gathering for hotel owners. The energy and engagement we saw in New Orleans will carry forward as we continue to champion the interests of our members and the industry at large."

This year's General Session keynote speakers included:

·     Rohan Oza, former Chief Marketing Officer at Coca-Cola, is a branding expert known for transforming products like Vitamin Water and Smartwater into household names.
·     Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian, has inspired millions worldwide with his mindfulness, peace, and leadership teachings.

The General Sessions also featured two panels with participants sharing insights into the future of the hospitality industry. They were:

·     "Power Players: Insights from Hospitality's Top Leaders," moderated by Teague Hunter, President & CEO, Hunter Hotel Advisors. Panelists include Al Patel, President, Baywood Hotels; DJ Rama, CEO, Auro Hotels; Subhash "Sam" Patel, CEO, Natson Hotel Group; Mit Shah, CEO, Noble Investment Group; and Mitch Patel, Founder & CEO, Vision Hospitality Group.
·     "A View from the Top: Shaping the Future of Hospitality," moderated by Jagruti Panwala, AAHOA Past Chairwoman (2019-20), featuring Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotels; Greg Juceam, President & CEO, Extended Stay America; Ritesh Agarwal, Chairperson, G6 Hospitality; Danny Hughes, President, Americas, Hilton; Dan Hansen, Head of Americas Development and Global Head of Hyatt Studios; Liam Brown, Group President, U.S. & Canada, Marriott International; Zack Gharib, President, Red Roof; Keith Pierce, EVP, Sonesta International Hotels; and Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

AAHOACON25 also offered HerOwnership-driven workshops and learning sessions created just for women hoteliers, including a luncheon and learning session featuring comedian and speaker Zarna Garg. In addition, AAHOA's HYPE Initiative (Helping Young Professionals Evolve) featured a Young Professionals Session featuring speakers focused on the intersection of hospitality, government advocacy, and leadership, as well as presentation of the Hype 35 Under 35 Awards, highlighting emerging leaders and innovators under the age of 35. The event featured an Independent Hoteliers Workshop that included sessions on alternative hospitality and technology, financing options, and strategies for entrepreneurs, along with exhibits from 16 sponsors.

California hotelier Kamalesh (KP) Patel became the new Chairman of AAHOA's Board of Directors, and Vimal (Ricky) Patel became the new AAHOA Secretary.

AAHOA Members also elected 10 new members to the Board of Directors, recognized the achievement and excellence of the 2025 AAHOA Award recipients, and hosted its Hotel Turnaround Collegiate Championship, where Kennesaw State University took home The People's Choice Award and Virginia Tech received the Judges Championship Trophy. Additionally, AAHOA hosted its 2025 Tech Pitch Competition, co-powered by HFTP. The winning company was Kitchenless.