AAHOA’s Member Benefits help hoteliers chart the course to long-term success
By Cathleen Draper
Hotel ownership has always demanded resilience, vision, and adaptability. Today’s operating environment only raises the stakes as rising costs, evolving guest expectations, uncertainty, and technological change leave owners navigating more with less.
In the modern hospitality landscape, AAHOA helps hoteliers find their way to profitability by turning collective strength into practical advantage. From advocacy and education to trusted partnerships and events, AAHOA’s benefits help members protect what they’ve built and position their businesses for long-term growth.
At the core of that value is access to knowledge, tools, and connections that would be difficult to replicate alone. The following roundup highlights how AAHOA’s programs, partnerships, and platforms work together to support smarter decision-making, stronger operations, and a more connected owner community – empowering members to chart their course to profitability.
Powerful Partnerships
Through AAHOA’s strategic partnership program, members receive access to trusted vendors: Industry Partners and Allied Members. The program prioritizes cost savings through discounts and exclusive rates, often thanks to AAHOA’s pooled purchasing power.
But it’s not about short-term savings. AAHOA’s Vendor Partners have members’ interests in mind – they provide resources and individualized support, helping hoteliers build long-term success.
Members can opt in to receive AAHOA’s Vendor Digest, which hits inboxes every week and features new deals and discounts from Industry Partners that are exclusive to AAHOA Members.
Members can also connect with AAHOA Vendor Partners at most of the association’s events, and they also have access to an online Vendor Directory where they can search for vendor partners by name, membership type, and product or service type.
Gather at Events
AAHOA hosts more than 100 events each year, from Town Halls to conferences. These events offer members a multitude of opportunities to advance industry priorities, network, meet vendors, and explore products, services, and solutions that help their businesses thrive.
On top of AAHOA’s own events, members receive discounts to other industry conferences, trade shows, and meetings. Signature AAHOA events include:
- AAHOA Convention & Trade Show: AAHOA’s annual, industry-leading event which offers three days of education, connection, and business opportunities.
- 20+ Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows: Region-specific gatherings featuring a General Session, networking opportunities, and access to leading suppliers.
- 40+ Town Halls: Local meetings where members meet Regional Directors, learn, pose questions, and discuss issues and concerns.
- HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Evolve) Conference: An annual conference designed to support young professional hoteliers on their entrepreneurial journey.
- HerOwnership Conference: HerOwnership opens doors for women in hospitality, providing networking and educational opportunities.
- Advocacy Conferences, Lobby Days, and Small Delegation Meetings: Dedicated opportunities for members to meet policymakers, advocate for the industry, and raise awareness of issues facing hoteliers on the local, state, and federal level.
- Charity Golf Tournaments: AAHOA Members and Vendor Partners come together to play golf and raise money for local charitable organizations.
- Franchise Relations: Brand Alliance Meetings inform members about the partnerships between brands and AAHOA, and Brand Development Days offer opportunities for members to connect with leaders and learn about franchising.
Advocacy on Your Behalf
AAHOA’s advocacy efforts support strong relationships with elected officials and advance legislation that directly impacts hoteliers – dedicated Lobby Days, Small Delegation Meetings, and Advocacy Conferences are just the start. The association boasts a dedicated policy agenda and actively advocates in the best interest of its members, delivering policy wins on the local, state, and federal level.
AAHOA’s legislative advocacy efforts are supported by the AAHOA PAC. All members are encouraged to join the AAHOA PAC and attend regional and Washington, D.C.-based events.
Members can opt to receive action alerts, which provide resources on how to contact representatives regarding impactful legislation. The In Your Corner Advocacy Brief highlights AAHOA’s advocacy efforts and legislative developments and wins for the industry.
On the grassroots level, Back of the House Tours connect legislators with AAHOA Members, who provide tours of their properties, highlighting industry priorities, the impact of specific policies, and issues hoteliers face every day.
Partner Powered Procurement
In partnership with Club Blue Industry Partner Avendra International, AAHOA launched the AAHOA Marketplace, a onestop destination for products and services. Through Marketplace, members gain access to more than 2,500 suppliers, competitive pricing, and 5 to 15 percent savings on purchases. Read more about AAHOA Marketplace here.
Financing Made Simple
Last year at AAHOACON25, the association unveiled AAHOA Lending, powered by Bridge, a Club Blue Industry Partner. AAHOA Lending connects hotel owners with a network of more than 150 lenders offering competitive rates and flexible financing. The platform helps hoteliers create their financing materials, and members can compare their options side by side.
Through AAHOA Lending, hotel developers and owners can connect with lenders who specialize in:
- Construction
- Acquisitions
- Renovations
Read more about AAHOA Lending here.
Learning Never Stops
AAHOA offers a variety of educational offerings that span from webinars and education sessions to certification programs. Members receive exclusive access to the Hotel Owners Academy™, a hub for education and professional growth.
- Virtual learning sessions provide education on revenue management, operations, leadership, and more – past webinars are archived and available on-demand for members.
- Programs include the AAHOA Profit Strategy Certification, powered by Kalibri, which helps hotel owners strengthen profitability.
- In-person education sessions at Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows and AAHOACON offer practical strategies for hoteliers to elevate their businesses.
Call Now
AAHOA is committed to providing member support and engagement, and the dedicated +1 (888) MY-AAHOA Member Call Center connects members directly to the resources, guidance, and solutions they need. Available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, the call center team can assist with franchise relations and franchising issues, legal questions, and membership questions and benefits.
By the Numbers
AAHOA’s Membership Benefits unlock:
- $6,000+ in potential annual savings thanks to exclusive vendor discounts
- 20,000+ members to share peer-to-peer knowledge with
- 6x operational performance boost with cutting-edge business solutions and tools
A Spotlight on AAHOA’s Newest Certification
The AAHOA Profit Strategy Certification, powered by Kalibri, enables owners and operators to focus on profitability, margin protection, and long-term asset value – beyond revenue metrics. Through the program, members will learn how to:
- Analyze performance through a profit-first lens
- Align sales, marketing, and revenue strategy around margins
- Use market and segment data to guide smarter decisions
- Apply real-world strategies through case studies and expert insights
Read more about the certification and why it matters here.
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