The Masterful Planning and Innovation That Make Hospitality’s Premier Event Sing
By Christine Preusler
Thousands of hoteliers gather annually at AAHOACON, where ideas flow, partnerships form, and the atmosphere buzzes with opportunity. The 2025 convention in New Orleans promises to strike the right chord once again, blending high-impact networking, rich educational sessions, and immersive exhibits with the city’s signature warmth.
Of course, AAHOACON doesn’t happen by chance; it results from meticulous planning, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. At the heart of this effort is the AAHOACON Convention Committee, a group of dedicated professionals and volunteers who shape every event detail, from recommending keynote speakers to crafting unique networking experiences.
Rahul Patel, AAHOA Treasurer and a member of the 2025 Convention Committee, oversees the budget and ensures every investment – whether in dining, entertainment, or logistics – delivers maximum value for attendees.
Patel, based in Bradenton, FL, emphasized the importance of such strategic financial planning. “We’ve put a process in place to ensure that every AAHOA Treasurer is part of the Convention Committee,” Patel said. “This way, financial decisions align with the association’s long-term goals, and the event remains both impactful and financially sustainable.”
Alyson Corey, vice president of conventions at AAHOA and staff liaison for the 2025 Convention Committee, has played a key role in AAHOACON’s success for years and is eager to bring the 2025 event to life.
“The city of New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras – it’s the ultimate celebration, full of vibrancy, excitement, and extravagance,” she said.
AAHOACON Meets New Orleans
One of the standout features of AAHOACON 2025 is the integration of New Orleans’s legendary hospitality into the convention’s programming. The committee has worked to reflect the city’s spirit meaningfully, from entertainment and dining to unique cultural experiences.
The biggest highlight: A Mardi Gras-inspired parade. Vendors sponsoring floats will feature their unique branding, with attendees experiencing a one-of-a-kind “moving expo” in addition to the standard trade show floor with more than 500 exhibitors.
“For the first time ever, we’re incorporating live floats into the Gala, creating a true New Orleans-style parade,” Patel said. “Each float will represent a vendor, featuring branding, giveaways, and even members who use their services. It will be an immersive, high-energy experience unlike anything we’ve done before.”
The taste of New Orleans will be woven into every aspect of the event. Attendees can expect regional cuisine with a twist, including an Indian-Creole fusion dish offered by a local restaurant known for blending Indian flavors with New Orleans classics.
Another exciting addition is a Block Party at Fulton Street – previously the city’s historical French Market – where attendees can enjoy Creole food and live performances from local jazz bands while immersing themselves in the lively ambiance of New Orleans.
According to Corey, members can also look forward to building relationships and making deals with exhibitors on the trade show floor, networking with peers at evening events, gleaning insights via carefully curated educational sessions, and – most importantly – fostering both old and new connections. “AAHOA’s Members, being first, second, and third generation, run deep, and AAHOACON is where we bring them all together,” she said.
Fresh Opportunities for Attendees
Beyond the electric energy of New Orleans, AAHOACON remains a powerhouse for networking, education, and industry advancement. This year’s event introduces several new or recently enhanced initiatives designed to provide direct benefits to AAHOA Members, including:
The AAHOA Marketplace: A brand-new platform connecting hoteliers with vendors to streamline purchasing and secure exclusive discounts. “The marketplace is a game-changer for our members,” Patel said. “It centralizes purchasing power, allowing hoteliers to get the best deals from trusted vendors while simplifying the procurement process.”
The AAHOA Lending Program: A solution to help members access capital, partnering with 150 banks to expand financing options. “This program is a lifeline for those looking to grow their portfolios or refinance properties,” Patel said. “With the current lending environment, this initiative ensures our members have the best financial tools at their disposal.”
The AAHOA Internship Program: A career-building initiative designed to connect students with hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. “This is an exciting step forward,” Patel said. “Giving students firsthand experience in hospitality operations not only helps them develop their careers but also strengthens our industry for the future.”
The AAHOA Charitable Foundation: This foundation will play a pivotal role in community support and philanthropic efforts. “AAHOA Members have always had a strong tradition of giving back,” Patel said. “Through the Charitable Foundation, we’re creating a formal structure to support causes that matter to our members and communities nationwide.”
The Rhythm of Success
While AAHOACON is a highlight of the year for attendees, the work leading up to it is a massive undertaking. Planning for the convention begins more than a year in advance, with committee members analyzing past events, identifying areas for improvement, and brainstorming fresh concepts.
Patel said financial oversight has become a key focus. “I came in as secretary of AAHOA after the Los Angeles convention and worked with the team to evaluate spending and streamline processes,” he said. “We kept a close eye on banquet orders, vendor contracts, and overall expenses, ensuring that every investment contributed to a stronger experience for attendees.”
These improvements have led to more efficient budgeting and reinvestment in the convention itself. “By refining our approach, we’ve been able to enhance the overall experience – whether that’s through smarter budgeting, more engaging programming, or incorporating unique elements that make AAHOACON truly special,” Patel said.
Corey said convention planning is challenging and exciting – and that’s why she loves her job. “No two events are ever the same,” she said. “Each city brings its own vibe, influencing the event’s theme and feel while presenting its own challenges.”
Fortunately, she has an exceptional network of AAHOA Staff, committee members, and Industry Partners to help bring each year’s vision to life. That vision is no small feat, given AAHOA’s impact on the hospitality industry.
“AAHOA is a powerful organization whose members take great pride in owning 60 percent of the nation’s hotels. Supporting them and this convention is truly a unique opportunity in my career,” Corey said.
From overseeing logistics to managing budgets and crafting an unforgettable attendee experience, Corey embraces the challenge – though she admits there’s one extra tool in her event-planning arsenal.
“Tylenol,” she said. “It also takes Tylenol.”
Maximizing the AAHOACON Experience
With so much happening, first-time attendees and veterans alike will want to plan ahead to maximize their experience. Patel offered seasoned advice: “Come with a strategy,” he said. “Know which sessions you want to attend, who you want to meet, and what deals you’re looking to make. This is more than an event – it’s a business opportunity.”
Corey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preparation. “It’s best to plan a bit to ensure you hit all the sessions that benefit you, reach out to exhibitors in advance to set meetings, and know how your time will be spent,” she said.
As AAHOACON25 approaches, excitement continues to build. “It’s the small things that I favor most,” Corey said when asked to describe her favorite memories from AAHOACON events. “Laughs had with team members on-site, seeing a drone show come to life, watching an election winner be thrown into the air to celebrate the win.”
As for this year’s event, Corey looks forward to seeing everything come together – and watching the attendees enjoy it all. “Then, of course, a long nap once I get back home,” she said.
Image: PureSolution/stock.adobe.com
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