By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO
History shows that progress is forged when people come together with purpose, confront hard realities, and commit to building something stronger than what came before.
In Philadelphia, 56 individuals signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, fully aware of the consequences of leadership. Just over a decade later, that same city became the setting where difficult debate and principled compromise produced the U.S. Constitution, as delegates met behind closed doors through a long summer to design an enduring framework.
Those moments were not easy, but they were defining.
Events That Move the Industry Forward
At AAHOA, our events are not dates on a calendar. They are catalysts.
When our members gather, education must translate into strategy and dialogue must lead to action. Hotel owners today are navigating rising costs, evolving brand expectations, workforce challenges, and regulatory complexity. Meeting those pressures requires clarity, discipline, and the right forum for meaningful engagement.
That is why AAHOACON remains the cornerstone of our work.
Where Direction Is Set
AAHOACON is where owner voices are elevated, leaders are elected, and direction is set. It is where AAHOA listens closely and ensures we remain responsive, relevant, and strong. This is not simply our largest gathering. It is where momentum is built for the year ahead.
That energy will be unmistakable at AAHOACON26, taking place April 8–10 in Philadelphia, as America marks its 250th anniversary. Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell, whose famous crack has come to symbolize resilience rather than weakness. The lesson endures. Progress is sustained not by perfection, but by perseverance.
Substance That Delivers Results
AAHOACON26 will offer stronger education, focused squarely on profitability, deeper engagement with decision-makers, and programming shaped directly by member insights. This is where issues are confronted directly, and solutions begin to take form.
What I Value Most Each Year
Each year, what I value most is not any single keynote or session, but the conversations I have with owners across brands, markets, and generations. Paired with the insight from our panelists, the energy of the Trade Show floor, and the excitement of the social events and entertainment, AAHOACON brings connection, learning, and momentum together like nowhere else.
Shaping the Future Together
History favors those willing to listen, adapt, and lead with clarity. We honor AAHOA’s legacy by refining how we convene, strengthening how we listen, and elevating how we lead.
The future of hospitality will not be shaped in isolation. It will be shaped together, and it begins in Philadelphia.
I look forward to seeing you at AAHOACON26.
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