AAHOA Launches Game-Changing Initiatives at AAHOACON25
By AAHOA Staff
At AAHOACON25, AAHOA leaders took the main stage not just to speak, but to deliver. Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel and Vice Chairman Rahul Patel revealed a slate of new, high-impact initiatives designed to solve real pain points for hotel owners and elevate what it means to be an AAHOA Member.
The message was clear: These aren’t just announcements. They are part of KP’s strategic vision of “Profitability First” – an unwavering commitment to ensuring every AAHOA initiative delivers a measurable return on investment for its members.
“Our job, our responsibility, our mission is to help you run smarter, spend less, and maximize profitability in every part of your business,” KP said. Here’s a closer look at the powerful new initiatives unveiled under this guiding principle.
AAHOA Marketplace: Your Business, Your Buying Power
Designed with hotel owners in mind, AAHOA Marketplace – launched in partnership with Avendra International – is your new one-stop destination for trusted products and services tailored to our industry.
This exclusive, members-only purchasing platform leverages the collective buying power of AAHOA’s vast membership to drive down the cost of everyday hotel supplies and services.
“We’re not just saving you money,” Rahul Patel said. “We’re hedging against rising inflation, protecting your margins, and putting more money where it belongs – back in your pocket.”
Even more exciting, AAHOA will soon launch its own private-label line of products, bringing even greater discounts to members. The Marketplace is designed to deliver not only convenience, but true strategic value.
Learn how you can start saving.
AAHOA Lending: A New Era of Financing for Hotel Owners
Financing remains one of the biggest hurdles for hotel development and expansion. Enter AAHOA Lending, Powered by Bridge.
This new platform connects hotel owners with a network of more than 150 lenders, offering competitive rates and a streamlined, transparent way to compare financing options side by side.
“Let’s face it,” said KP. “Getting a bank loan these days feels like applying to Harvard. AAHOA Lending is here to change that.” It’s about simplifying the process, increasing access to capital, and helping members invest with confidence.
Get matched with lenders today.
Insurance Initiative: Protecting What You’ve Built
Insurance is one of the most universally frustrating expenses in hospitality. With premiums rising and coverage shrinking, AAHOA is stepping up.
While no solution is being announced just yet, AAHOA has launched a nationwide research effort to gather member data, understand cost drivers, and begin shaping potential long-term strategies. “This isn’t one-size-fits-all,” KP emphasized. “We’re doing the work – listening first and building from there.”
Members are encouraged to participate in the research effort to help create a stronger collective position for future negotiation and advocacy.
Complete the Insurance Research Authorization Form and help us collect the data that drives real change.
Kalibri Partnership: Data That Drives Decisions
Profitability doesn’t come from guesswork. That’s why AAHOA is partnering with Kalibri Labs to give hotel owners access to real-time, actionable data. This includes:
- The AAHOA Certified Hotel Profit Strategist Certification
- Discounted access to Kalibri’s Profitability Platform
- Early access to Kalibri’s next-gen real estate investment data
With these tools, AAHOA Members can track performance, benchmark markets, and make better-informed financial decisions. It’s like GPS for your business – minus the detours.
Learn more about Kalibri’s Profitabiltiy Platform.
Advocacy Council: Elevating AAHOA’s Voice
AAHOA isn’t just responding to policy changes – it’s shaping them.
The new AAHOA Advocacy Council brings together hoteliers, policy experts, and industry leaders to proactively address the legislative and regulatory issues that impact hotel owners most. From short-term rental regulations to labor laws and tax policies, the council is designed to:
- Mobilize AAHOA Members;
- Monitor policy changes early;
- Strengthen relationships with key decision-makers; and
- Launch rapid-response strategies when urgent issues arise.
“If we’re not at the table, we’re probably on the menu,” Rahul said.
Want to join the Advocacy Council or be an AAHOA Grassroots Advocate? Learn more here.
Student Internship Program: Building the Pipeline
To ensure long-term success, AAHOA is investing in the next generation of hospitality leaders through its new Student Internship Program.
In collaboration with vendor partners, this initiative will provide students with hands-on experience in technology, operations, and guest services.
“This is how we turn jobs into careers – and build the future of our industry from the ground up,” said KP.
Interested in hosting a student intern? Get started here.
AAHOA Is Moving Forward
Each of these initiatives supports one core goal: Maximizing member profitability. And that’s not just a strategic pillar – it’s a promise.
“This is what it looks like to lead with our members in mind,” KP said. “Every dollar saved, every new resource, every policy we push – it’s all rooted in making your business stronger.”
AAHOA is moving forward. And it’s doing so with its members – and their bottom lines – leading the way.
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