The Industry Gathered in the Big Easy to Connect, Collaborate, and Celebrate AAHOA
By AAHOA Staff
The 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show delivered on its theme of “New Ideas, New Connections, New Orleans,” as attendees gathered in NOLA to explore fresh perspectives, build meaningful industry relationships, and engage with cutting-edge solutions for hotel owners.
“The enthusiasm and engagement at AAHOACON25 truly showcased the strength of our community,” said AAHOACON25 Convention Chairman and AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel. “From the launch of new member benefits to invaluable networking and educational opportunities, this convention reinforced AAHOA’s role as a leader in the hospitality industry.”
This year, AAHOA welcomed the return of major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, underscoring the significance of AAHOACON as a premier event for the industry. And although AAHOACON25 spanned just three days, it featured an expanded lineup of education sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities meant to help attendees take their businesses to new heights.
And from immersive, do-it-yourself product demos at The Garage on the Trade Show Floor to top-level keynote speakers, AAHOACON25 held something for each of the more than 5,000 attendees who brought their vibrant energy to the equally vibrant city of New Orleans.
“AAHOACON25 was a resounding success, showcasing our commitment to innovation, advocacy, and community,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “This year’s event reinforced why AAHOACON is the must-attend gathering for hotel owners. The energy and engagement we saw in New Orleans will carry forward as we continue to champion the interests of our members and the industry at large.”
AAHOACON25 Day 1: Setting the Stage
AAHOACON25 officially commenced Tuesday, April 15, with a brand-new profit strategy certification powered by Kalibri Labs and a special event for independent hoteliers.
The certification session was the first in a planned series focused on methods hotel owners can use to improve their profits. The session delved into the sales, revenue management, digital, and operations techniques necessary to achieve the most profitable mix of revenue sources possible.
During the exclusive Independent Hoteliers Workshop & Reception, those building, buying, or transitioning to their own brands attended networking receptions and education sessions on financing, entrepreneurship, and alternative hospitality and technology.
AAHOACON25 truly kicked off at the Opening General Session, where AAHOA leadership opened the convention with inspiration, impact, and action. Renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also took the stage to impart wisdom on building strength and resilience through meditation.
Hospitality, he said, is a thread that connects people and brings them comfort. But to provide the best hospitality as hoteliers, Gurudev encouraged attendees to focus on their employees’ wellness – cultivating happiness and a sense of belonging through wellness programs and dedicated time for meditation.
And on the first night of AAHOACON25, attendees filled the Spanish Plaza to welcome the week’s festivities. Framed by the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline, they reconnected with old friends and forged new relationships at the Welcome Reception.
AAHOACON25 Day 2: The Future Starts Here
At the start of Wednesday’s General Session, AAHOA offered a glimpse of where the association is headed – toward a stronger, smarter, and more profitable future for hotel owners. AAHOA Officers took the stage to announce a slate of initiatives dedicated to helping members work smarter, spend less, and maximize profitability.
Immediately following the General Session, the Trade Show Floor officially opened. Spanning 85,000 square feet of exhibit space, this year’s show offered much more than opportunities for members to network and close deals. The AAHOA Garage provided an immersive education experience on the floor – knowledgeable and resourceful Industry Partners taught audiences how to address dozens of everyday projects that fill a hotel’s maintenance or operations to-do lists. No Vacancy Live! also broadcasted live from the Trade Show Floor. Glenn Haussmann, the hospitality industry’s leading voice and host of the number-one rated show, brought his passion, insights, and influential energy to the heart of AAHOACON, interviewing industry leaders, offering expert analysis, and covering the ins and outs of the hotel business from the convention.
Beyond the always-noteworthy General Session and Trade Show Floor, AAHOACON25 offered HerOwnership-driven workshops and learning sessions dedicated to women hoteliers, including a luncheon and learning session with comedian and speaker Zarna Garg. Garg lit up the room with her signature humor, authenticity, and powerhouse presence, leaving the audience inspired, energized, and laughing out loud.
AAHOA’s HYPE initiative delivered a session tailored to hospitality’s young professionals – the event featured speakers who discussed the intersection of hospitality, advocacy, and leadership. And for the first time, AAHOA presented its HYPE 35 Under 35 Awards, highlighting emerging leaders and innovators under the age of 35.
At the end of an inspiring and educational day, AAHOACON25 attendees gathered for the Block Party at Fulton Street for an evening of networking and celebration. They donned beads, made the rounds between seven different venues, and connected with peers and industry leaders, all while Desi Junction DJs provided a high-energy performance.
Power Players: Insights from Hospitality’s Top Leaders
During Wednesday’s General Session, a panel of hoteliers who have built some of the most successful hospitality enterprises explored the evolving landscape of ownership. They candidly addressed the challenges, opportunities, and decisions facing AAHOA’s hoteliers in 2025 and beyond. Moderated by Teague Hunter, president and CEO of Hunter Hotel Advisors, panelists discussed what it means to be part of – and successfully run – a multi-generational business. They touched on the value of hard work, the foundation of success provided by the first generation of Asian American hoteliers, and how to engage the next generation in the future of hospitality.
Panelists: Al Patel, President, Baywood Hotels; DJ Rama, CEO, Auro Hotels; Subhash (Sam) Patel, CEO, Natson Hotel Group; Mit Shah, CEO, Noble Investment Group; Mitch Patel, Founder and CEO, Vision Hospitality Group
The Next Generation of Hoteliers
The hospitality industry is in great hands. On the second day of AAHOACON, 14 elite teams of university-level hospitality students faced off in a hotel ownership simulation challenge.
The teams, each comprised of two students and representing a total of seven universities from around the country, made the same decisions all hotel owners must make to turn business around when performance is lagging.
Armed with their wits and fueled by ambition, the student contenders navigated HOTELsim, a simulation program powered by Russell Partnership Technology. Each decision the students made, from capital investments and service offerings to operational efficiencies, marketing strategies, and staffing, led to invaluable lessons and, for two teams, the People’s Choice Award and the Judges Championship Trophy.
The participating schools were:
- Grand Valley State University
- Virginia Tech
- Florida International University
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Kennesaw State University
- University of South Carolina
- University of Memphis
Four teams advanced to the competition finals, presenting their simulated hotels as investment or purchase opportunities to a Shark Tank-style panel of judges, including industry brokerage, acquisition, and investment leaders.
While Virginia Tech received the Judges Championship Trophy, attendees voted to award Kennesaw State University the People’s Choice Award.
“The future of our industry depends on the next generation of hoteliers, and the AAHOA Collegiate Championship: Hotel Turnaround Competition is an incredible way to showcase their talent and creativity,” KP said.
AAHOACON Day 3: Closing Out With Insight and Impact
The final day of AAHOACON25 opened with an inspiring General Session, where Blake delivered AAHOA’s State of the Union address. In her speech, she highlighted the unity of the association, outlined her vision for 2025 – and beyond – and noted that AAHOA is entering a new era of opportunity. “This is our moment. This is our time to embrace the American Dream,” Blake said. “The state of AAHOA is stronger than ever.”
The General Session’s keynote speaker, marketing visionary and Shark Tank star Rohan Oza, delivered a similar message to an eager crowd. The branding powerhouse behind some of the world’s most viral marketing campaigns and successful businesses – including Poppi, the prebiotic soda – shared his journey to success, including his failures. But, he said, it was those failures that brought him to where he is today.
“I’m living the American Dream, as are many of you,” Oza said.
Oza encouraged attendees to find strength in community, build relationships, and believe in their own potential. He also shared his mantras for success:
- Charge your own path.
- Defy the experts.
- Follow your passion.
- Be boldly unconventional.
- Live the brand.
- Leverage your loyalists.
Following the final General Session, attendees once again took to the Trade Show Floor, celebrated the launch of the AAHOA Charitable Foundation at an inaugural luncheon, and sat in on education sessions led by panelists of hospitality leaders and industry experts. The day closed with the Gala, where Punjabi pop sensation Guru Randhawa brought attendees to their feet, and a one-of-a-kind float parade captured the spirit of New Orleans.
A View from the Top: Shaping the Future of Hospitality
During the final General Session of AAHOACON25, top executives from leading hotel brands took center stage to share insights on profitability, brand-owner relationships, regulatory and economic shifts, and doing business in today’s ever-changing environment. Moderated by AAHOA Past Chairwoman (2019-2020) Jagruti Panwala, the panel covered development challenges, uncertainty surrounding tariffs, and their advice for young professionals. They also addressed the value of AAHOA Members’ advocacy efforts. “Your voice matters more than any of ours up here on stage,” Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, told the crowd.
Panelists: Larry Cuculic, President and CEO, BWH Group; Greg Juceam, President and CEO, Extended Stay America; Ritesh Agarwal, Chairperson, G6 Hospitality; Danny Hughes, President, Americas, Hilton; Dan Hansen, Head of Americas Development and Global Head of Hyatt Studios; Liam Brown, Group President, U.S. and Canada, Marriott International; Zach Gharib, President, Red Roof; Keith Pierce, EVP, President of Franchise and Development, Sonesta International Hotels Corporation; Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
The Future of Hospitality is Here
In a fast-changing industry, companies must be proactive and forward-thinking to stay ahead – and on the final day of AAHOACON25, attendees got a firsthand look at the future of hospitality at the 2025 Tech Pitch Competition, Co-Powered by Hospitality Financial and Technology (HFTP).
More than 24 nominees submitted cutting-edge ideas for the competition, but only six were selected to showcase their solutions to a panel of esteemed judges. Only one was crowned AAHOACON25 Tech Pitch Winner.
This year’s competing companies included Cloudbeds, Digit7, Kitchenless, M3, MEWS, and Ocra.
Kitchenless took home the top prize after pitching its food platform, which uses proprietary steam technology to cook ready-to-serve, chef-curated Kitchenless dishes. The system operates through QR code intelligence, offering an efficient way to access meals without traditional kitchen infrastructure and its equipment.
“Kitchenless is redefining hotel food service,” Mike Özkan, founder and CEO of Kitchenless, said. “At the press of a button, hotels can unlock new revenue streams, increase profitability, and elevate the guest experience – all while simplifying back-of-the-house operations. It’s not just a tech upgrade – it’s a new business model for food service.”
By clinching first place, Kitchenless earned a complimentary booth at AAHOACON26.
If you believe in your solution and its impact, AAHOA’s Tech Pitch is the perfect platform,” Özkan said. “It’s more than a competition – it’s a chance to connect with an amazing community and move the industry forward, together as a team.”
New Leaders Take the Helm
As AAHOACON25 came to an end, KP embarked on a new beginning as AAHOA’s 35th Chairman.
“On behalf of AAHOA, we congratulate KP on his new role as Chairman,” Blake said. “He brings a deep commitment to our mission and a clear vision for the future. We are excited to work together to advance AAHOA’s advocacy, expand our impact, and continue building an association that reflects the strength and spirit of America’s hotel owners.”
As KP steps into the role of Chairman, a new Officer joins the AAHOA Board of Directors. AAHOA Members made their voices heard in the 2025 AAHOA Elections and elected Vimal (Ricky) Patel as the association’s newest Secretary.
Since immigrating to the U.S. at age 21, Patel has owned both branded and independent hotels. He has served in a variety of AAHOA leadership positions, notably as Ambassador, as Gulf Regional Director, and on multiple committees including Government Affairs, Strategic Planning, Education & Professional Development, and Bylaws & Governance.
Beyond his service in AAHOA, Patel has scored significant achievements on behalf of hotel owners in volunteer executive roles as a board member of the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation and as board chairman for Layette Travel.
“I want hotel owners to win the economic future, so we must be prepared not only for the change we know is coming but also for the change we don’t see coming,” Patel said. “My style as an Officer will be to work energetically on today’s issues while at the same time proactively anticipating tomorrow’s problems.”
Patel isn’t the only newly elected member of AAHOA’s Board of Directors – 10 other members were elected:
- Neil Patel, Alabama Regional Director
- Viral Patel, Central Midwest Regional Director
- Preyas Patel, Northeast Regional Director
- Taran Patel, Northwest Regional Director
- Pinkesh Patel, North Carolina Regional Director
- Kalpesh Joshi, Upper Midwest Regional Director
- Priyank Patel, Washington DC Area Regional Director
- Bhavin Patel, Director at Large, Eastern Division
- Arti Patel, Women Hoteliers Director, Western Division
- Paavan Patel, Young Professional Director, Western Division
Three Industry Partner members also join the 2025-2026 board:
- Nil Kumar, President and Chief Product Officer, Anand Systems, Inc.
- Kevin Sloan, Managing Partner, Gauthier Murphy & Houghtaling, LLC
- Abraham Tieh, Director of National Commercial Property Tax, O’Connor & Associates
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