How AAHOA advocacy is shaping the future of hospitality
By Jodi Scott
This month, hundreds of AAHOA Members took their seat at the table in Washington, D.C., for the Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC). For two days, America’s hotel owners met with lawmakers, sharing their real-world experiences and driving home the importance of policies supporting small businesses, local economies, and the hospitality industry.
What began nearly thirty years ago as a modest effort to build relationships with lawmakers has become one of the lodging sector’s most influential advocacy operations. Today, AAHOA’s voice is heard not just on Capitol Hill but in statehouses and city halls across the country.
A Growing Force in Hospitality Advocacy
AAHOA’s investment in government affairs began in earnest in 2007 with the creation of its Government Affairs Committee and a political action group. These steps laid the groundwork for a robust Advocacy Center, which now gives members the tools to track legislation, connect with elected officials, and share their stories directly with policymakers. Before that, AAHOA’s advocacy work began in the late 1990s and early 2000s with a statement of organization for its political action committee (PAC) and its f irst contributions to candidates.
“Our ability to affect change stems from the relationships we’ve built over time,” said AAHOA’s Washington, D.C.-based lobbyist Neal Patel. “We are no longer just introducing lawmakers to our members – we’re a trusted resource when they need to understand how legislation impacts small business owners in hospitality.”
Over the years, AAHOA has expanded its advocacy reach through coalition building, partnering with other hospitality associations, brands, and franchise and small-business groups to amplify shared priorities. From addressing labor shortages and workforce development to supporting greater access to capital and fighting against burdensome regulations, AAHOA has positioned itself as a go-to voice for the concerns of hotel owners nationwide.
Advocacy in Action: The National Conferences
The hallmark of AAHOA’s advocacy work is its twice-yearly advocacy conferences – FNAC in the fall and SNAC in the spring.
At FNAC 2025, nearly 200 AAHOA Members met with more than 200 elected officials, highlighting the industry’s challenges and opportunities. The conversations centered on increasing access to capital through Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, boosting international tourism by repealing the Visa Integrity Fee, and restoring Brand USA funding.
“Our members are small business owners and job creators in every congressional district,” said Daniel New, AAHOA Senior Director of Government Affairs. “When they share their stories – how a change in regulation affects their ability to hire, invest, or renovate – a lawmaker listens. That personal connection is what makes AAHOA’s advocacy so effective.”
Patel reflected on the growth of AAHOA’s influence: “Only a few short years ago, our advocacy meetings were happening in a bar. Now, we’re sitting down with members of Congress like Sen. Ted Cruz and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. That transformation shows just how far our voice has come – and how seriously lawmakers take the concerns of America’s hotel owners.”
The results speak for themselves. In recent years, AAHOA advocacy has helped move President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill funding, secured congressional support for raising SBA 7(a) and 504 loan limits, and influenced local ordinances to favor fairer treatment for hoteliers.
Building Influence Beyond D.C.
AAHOA’s advocacy extends far beyond the Beltway. The association’s leaders and staff frequently travel to state capitols and municipalities when members face pressing local issues, from unfair inspection practices to short-term rental regulations. With 80-100 Town Halls annually, AAHOA provides its members with the information and the training to become effective advocates in their backyards.
This local engagement is backed by the strength of AAHOA PAC, which now ranks among the top five lodging industry PACs for fundraising. With a strategic approach to political giving, AAHOA ensures that hotel owners’ voices remain influential in the rooms where policy is made.
The Road Ahead
As the hospitality industry navigates challenges ranging from economic uncertainty to evolving guest expectations, AAHOA’s advocacy will only grow in importance. The association’s unified, informed, and persistent voice – powered by the lived experiences of thousands of members – remains one of its most valuable assets.
“Advocacy is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing commitment,” Patel added. “It’s about making sure decision-makers understand the stakes for our members, their employees, and their communities.”
New agreed: “Every meeting, every call, every Town Hall builds momentum. And that momentum translates into real results for our members.”
AAHOA’s advocacy journey shows what can happen when small business owners unite around common goals and speak with one voice. It reminds us that the future of hospitality isn’t just shaped in guest rooms and boardrooms. It’s shaped in the halls of government, one conversation at a time.
AAHOA Advocacy: A Timeline of Growth
1998 – First Steps
- Submitted a Statement of Organization to the Federal Election Committee, creating AAHOA PAC.
2004 – Supporting our Supporters
- Contributed for the first time to two candidates: $4,000 to then-Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-LA) and $1,000 to Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV).
2007 – Laying the Groundwork
- Creation of AAHOA’s Government Affairs Committee.
2008–2010 – Early Engagement
- First organized advocacy trips to Washington, D.C.
- Initial PAC contributions begin building relationships on Capitol Hill.
2011 – PAC Fund Growth Strategy
- Board adopts a strategy to grow PAC contributions in all 20 regions.
2013–2016 – Expanding the Reach
- Launch of the Advocacy Center to track legislation and connect members with lawmakers.
2017–2020 – A Stronger National Voice
- More frequent “D.C. Delegations” for small groups of AAHOA leaders.
- Coalition-building with other industry groups gains momentum.
2021–2024 – Influence in Action
- Advocacy priorities include access to capital, SBA loan limit increases, labor shortages, and fair regulations.
2025 – A Powerhouse in Hospitality Advocacy
- Breaks $1 million in PAC donations for the first time.
- Hundreds of AAHOA Members attend the Spring and Fall National Advocacy Conferences.
- Advocacy is recognized as one of AAHOA’s most impactful member benefits.
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