This month, nearly 250 AAHOA Members will journey to Washington, DC, for our annual Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC), a cornerstone event in our advocacy efforts. This pilgrimage to the nation’s capital is not just a tradition but a powerful demonstration of the unity and determination within our community to influence public policy and champion the interests of hotel owners across the United States.
A UNITED VOICE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL
As we commemorate our 35th anniversary, it is essential to recognize the milestones in our advocacy work. AAHOA has always placed significant importance on engaging with lawmakers in our nation’s capital. We initiated our first Legislative Action Summit in D.C. in 2000 and our first Legislative Day, including a reception for members of Congress, in 2006. These events paved the way for what we now know as FNAC and the Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC), demonstrating the collective impact of our advocacy work. The presence of AAHOA Members in Washington, DC, sends a powerful message: Hotel owners are engaged, informed, and ready to advocate for their interests. Your contributions and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the future of our industry, and we must continue to play an active role in the political process.
EMPOWERING OUR MEMBERS
These events are vital for AAHOA, the industry, and our members. By inviting our members to Washington, AAHOA gains influence and recognition as the industry’s authentic voice. Without our members sharing their stories, the voices, concerns, and needs of the country’s hotel owners would go unheard and unaddressed.
One example of our members being heard is the proposed Loans in Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act (bit.ly/3W8Kowm), designed to amend the Small Business Act (SBA) by increasing the maximum loan amount for section 7(a) loans from $5M to $10M. Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13) introduced the bill because of AAHOA’s advocacy efforts. Meeting face-to-face with lawmakers is the bridge that connects passion to policy.
THE IMPACT OF SHOWING UP
As the voice of more than 60% of all U.S. hotel owners, our AAHOA Members must work with lawmakers to implement changes that will lift the industry. As AAHOA Members speak about the pressing issues, they build personal connections with the top lawmakers in this country. These relationships are not just about one-time meetings but about fostering ongoing dialogues that can influence policy decisions throughout the year. This is where your influence and power lie. The long-term impact will be immense and allow AAHOA to serve the industry for many future generations.
