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Bold Leadership in Action
A conversation with AAHOA’s leadership ahead of AAHOACON26 By AAHOA Staff As AAHOACON26 approaches amid the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s theme – “Liberty, Leadership & Legacy” – carries added weight. It reflects AAHOA’s commitment to supporting the freedom members have earned, the leadership they bring, and the legacy they’re building. At a pivotal moment for the industry, those principles are being tested by rising costs, evolving brand demands, and an increasingly complex operating landscape. We sat down with Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel,…
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Liberty, Leadership, Legacy
A preview of what’s to come at AAHOACON26 By Cathleen Draper From April 8 to 10, hotel owners, future hospitality professionals, and industry leaders will convene in Philadelphia for the 2026 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show. AAHOACON26 coincides with the country’s semiquincentennial. In the city where our nation declared independence – and where the foundation of our…
A Historic City in a Historic Year
AAHOA Members reflect on the significance of AAHOACON26 By AAHOA Staff As hoteliers and industry leaders convene in Philadelphia – the city where our nation was born – for AAHOACON26, they do so at a landmark moment in American history. In 2026, the United States marks its 250th anniversary, a milestone that invites reflection on the role…
Where Deals Get Done
How to maximize every minute at the AAHOACON Trade Show By Cathleen Draper AAHOACON offers more than education sessions, networking, and opportunities to connect. The Trade Show is where strategy turns into action. With hundreds of hospitality vendors showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies, it’s a high-energy marketplace built for decision-making. For many owners and operators,…
Columns
When Every Dollar Counts
5 ways to maximize technology value in a soft market By Sunny Kurani For select-service hotel owners, 2025 was a reminder that when margins are thin, every decision must deliver a big impact. On the national scale, U.S. hotel occupancy has softened since 2024, with October 2025 recording the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year declines…
Humanizing Hospitality
Choosing a technology partner with heart yields happy returns By Scott Schaedle As the 2026 trade show season begins, hotel leaders are evaluating technology in an environment shaped by ongoing labor constraints, rising guest expectations, and an intensified focus on operational efficiency. While innovation continues to accelerate across the hospitality technology landscape, the most meaningful…
The American Dream Come True
AAHOA Lifetime Member Viral (Victor) Patel’s journey to the BWH Hotels Board Chair By Jodi Scott AAHOA Lifetime Member Viral (Victor) Patel began his hospitality journey at age 13, when he left India for the United States. After first arriving in New Mexico, he later moved to Pennsylvania to live with his sister’s family. Decades…