Source: Hotel Business
July 30, 2020
ATLANTA—AAHOA has released the list of speakers scheduled to address the association’s membership during the 2020 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, August 11-13.
AAHOA pivoted to a virtual platform for its convention from its planned event in Orlando after the Florida Department of Health urged public gatherings to be kept to fewer than fifty people because of the surge in COVID-19 infections in the state.
“As hoteliers adjust and adapt to the new realities posed by COVID-19, AAHOA is proud to bring our members some of the best minds in the industry to talk about the road to recovery,” said Cecil Staton, president/CEO, AAHOA. “I am looking forward to hearing from the insightful and accomplished leaders we’ve assembled for this year’s convention.”
This year’s featured speakers include two hospitality industry legends, Harris Rosen, Florida’s largest independent hotelier and president/CEO, Rosen Hotels and Resorts, and Horst Schulze, co-founder of Ritz-Carlton Hotel Corporation.
Travel industry CEOs Staton; Roger Dow, president/CEO, U.S. Travel Association; and Chip Rogers, president/CEO AHLA, will appear to discuss the industry’s response to COVID-19, advocacy efforts and the road ahead.
Christina Trauthwein, editor-in-chief, Hotel Business, will be moderating a session entitled “What the Data Says: Before, During, and After the Pandemic,” on August 12 at approximately 1:50 PM ET with a 30-minute running time. Cindy Estis Green, CEO/co-founder, Kalibri Labs; Amanda Hite, president, STR; and Jamie Lane, senior director, Econometric Advisors and CBRE Hotels Research, will present current trends and forecasts for the hotel industry, including data on key indicators to drive demand, revenue and operational efficiency.
Other speakers include Ritesh Agarwal, founder/CEO, OYO; Adam Sacks, president, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economic company; Mit Shah, founder/CEO, Noble Investment Group; Justin Knight, president/CEO, Apple Hospitality REIT; DJ Rama, president/CEO, Auro Hotels; Kenneth H. Fearn, founder/managing partner, Integrated Capital LLC; Sima Patel, CEO, Ridgemont Hospitality; Jennifer Miller, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP; JR Patel, president/COO, Helix Hospitality; Harshil Patel, VP, Champion Hotels; Raj Patel, chief development officer, Hawkeye Hotels; Jatin Desai, managing principal/CIO/CFO, Peachtree Hotel Group; and Teague Hunter, president/CEO, Hunter Hotel Advisors.
“The economic impact of this pandemic is greater than 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis combined,” said Biran Patel, chairman, AAHOA. “That is why we are bringing together some of our industry’s most seasoned hoteliers and luminaries in the field of economic research. I think the speakers at this year’s convention will offer valuable context and insight that may help ease some of the uncertainty that is plaguing our industry.
