AAHOA’s Second-Annual HYPE Conference Empowers the Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders
By AAHOA Staff
On February 6 and 7, young professionals from across the hospitality industry flocked to Mexico City for AAHOA’s Helping Young Professionals Evolve (HYPE) Conference. The milestone event – AAHOA’s first international conference – was designed to both inspire and connect the next generation of hospitality leaders through educational discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and insights from industry experts.
“The energy at the second annual HYPE Conference was incredible,” said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel, who is the youngest chairman to serve on the board. “Bringing together over 200 young professionals in Mexico City to connect, learn, and grow is exactly what AAHOA is all about. Investing in the next generation of hoteliers is not just important – it’s essential to the future of our industry.”
Patel extended his gratitude to two of AAHOA’s Young Professional Directors for their efforts to make the HYPE Conference a success. “I want to thank Dylan Patel, AAHOA Young Professional Director Eastern Division, and Tanmay Patel, AAHOA Young Professional Director Western Division, for their work and dedication in planning this event,” Patel said.
AAHOA aims to empower young hospitality professionals and to equip them with the tools and support they need to make their mark; the HYPE Conference did just that. Some 240 attendees sought insights and advice from industry leaders. Panels, education sessions, and roundtables covered effective leadership, strategies for accessing capital, opportunities in multifamily housing, emerging technologies shaping the industry, and how independent properties can succeed in competitive markets.
The conference’s two keynote speakers, Ritesh Agarwal and Rahul B. Patel, shared their inspirational stories of finding – and navigating – success. Agarwal, founder and group CEO of OYO, emphasized perseverance in his keynote speech. “When the world expects you to fail, you put in everything to be successful,” Agarwal said. Rahul B. Patel, an entrepreneur and managing partner at Patel Gaines, PLLC, encouraged participants to boldly share their stories. “You have got to be your biggest advocate, so whatever you’re doing – you’ve got to tell people about it,” Patel said. “You have got to go outside the box. You have got to be different.”
AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake also announced the association’s newest initiative, a Tech Task Force. The unit, led by young professionals in the hospitality industry, will explore and advocate for cutting-edge innovations that, when implemented, will help hoteliers meet traveler expectations and industry demand.
“HYPE is more than just a conference – it is a launchpad for young professionals to build their networks, gain critical industry insights, and take their careers to the next level,” said Blake. “With the launch of our new Tech Task Force, we are empowering the next generation to lead the way in shaping the future of hospitality through technology and innovation.”
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