A Preview of AAHOACON25
By AAHOA Staff
From April 15 to 17, thousands of people will convene in New Orleans for AAHOA’s signature annual event – the 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show.
New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for this year’s gathering. The dynamic and vibrant city reflects AAHOA’s equally dynamic and vibrant members. And AAHOACON25 promises to be a dynamic event. Between a robust agenda featuring workshops, receptions, celebrations, and a massive trade show with more than 500 exhibitors, those attending can expect to expand their knowledge, forge life-changing connections, and uncover new business opportunities that drive success.
Over the course of three days, AAHOACON25 attendees will participate in engaging discussions; network with industry leaders, vendors, and each other; and celebrate the success of AAHOA and its members. Here’s a preview of what to expect.
Class Is in Session
AAHOACON25’s more than 35 hours of education sessions feature hospitality leaders and industry experts who will share their advice and insights. Sessions cover everything hotel owners need to know to build thriving businesses – from sales to staffing, financing to sustainability, technology to insurance.
Some of this year’s sessions include:
- The Future of Hospitality: Dazzling Tech, AI Magic, and Hacker-Proof Security – Wednesday, April 16, 1:30–2:15 p.m.
- Responsible Franchising: The Must Know Strategies for Profits, Partnerships, and Peace of Mind – Wednesday, April 16, 2:30–3:15 p.m.
- Key Money Unlocked: A Saucy Look at the Sweet and Sour of Financing, Branding, and New Builds – Thursday, April 17, 1:30–2:15 p.m.
- From Check-In to Stick: Building a Team that Stays – Thursday, April 17, 1:30–2:15 p.m.
Independent hoteliers and hotel owners aspiring to go solo can explore what it takes to be their own brand and responsible for all facets of a business at the Independent Hoteliers Workshop & Reception. The event on Tuesday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature sessions on emerging technology, financing, and strategies for entrepreneurial success, followed by a networking reception.
Women hoteliers and young professionals will find community at sessions geared toward their interests, aspirations, and needs. The HerOwnership Women’s Luncheon & Session, featuring comedian Zarna Garg, will create a space for women hoteliers to come together on Wednesday, April 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. At “HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Evolve) Fireside Chat: Navigating the Future of Hospitality – Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Impact,” young professionals can learn how they’ll shape the future of hospitality and make a lasting impact on their communities. The hour-long conversation starts at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16.
Learning Doesn’t Stop
There’s more to learn outside the metaphorical AAHOACON classroom. AAHOA will offer two certification opportunities at the convention this year, including a brand-new industry certification, “Profit Strategy: AAHOA’s Newest Certification Training Powered by Kalibri Labs.” It’s the first training in a planned series that will cover how hotel owners can achieve the most profitable mix of revenue sources. The session on Tuesday, April 15, will delve into sales, revenue management, digital, and operations techniques.
And on both Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17, attendees can earn a certificate through BEST’s Inhospitable to Human Trafficking Training, Sponsored by AAHOA. This training improves hotel safety by teaching hotel owners how to identify instances of human trafficking and proactively prevent them from occurring.
For those seeking an immersive, hands-on learning experience, they need to look no further than the AAHOA Garage on the trade show floor from 1:30 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday. At the Garage, industry partners will teach hotel owners what to do – and how to do it right – when it comes to everyday projects at the top of their to-do lists.
Inspiration Is Around the Corner
AAHOACON25 will feature two keynote speakers at each of its General Sessions on Tuesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 17. On Tuesday, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian, will address attendees. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has impacted millions of people across 180 countries, and he’s transformed lives through his breathwork techniques, humanitarian efforts, and teachings on mindfulness, peace, and leadership.
On Thursday, Rohan Oza, an entrepreneur and star of Shark Tank, will take the stage during the General Session. A branding and marketing powerhouse, Oza is behind some of the world’s most successful businesses. He brings a fresh perspective on innovation, customer engagement, and growth strategies, and his expertise will provide hoteliers with actionable insights to elevate their businesses, enhance guest experiences, and drive profitability.
Don’t Forget to Celebrate
After attendees have learned, networked, and cultivated new business opportunities, they’ll spend their evenings celebrating AAHOA and each other. The celebrations kick off Tuesday night with the Welcome Reception at the iconic Spanish Plaza and continue Wednesday evening at the Block Party at Fulton Street.
Though it’s hard to see AAHOACON come to an end, Thursday night’s Gala dinner and entertainment will ensure the convention goes out in style. Guru Randhawa, known for chart-topping hits like “Lahore,” “Isha Tere,” and “High Rated Gabru,” will headline the Gala. And it wouldn’t be a week in New Orleans without a Mardi Gras-style parade. At the AAHOACON25 Parade, festive floats put together by convention sponsors will sail through the hall, bringing bands, beads, and high-energy fun to AAHOACON’s final event.
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