Shining a Light on AAHOA’s Ambassadors By Olivia Story AAHOA Ambassadors are the vital thread between members and the association. They serve as the voice of hoteliers in their regions, supporting the goals of their Regional Directors while advocating, mentoring, and building stronger communities. In this spotlight, we hear directly from six Ambassadors about their … [Read more...] about The Fabric of Hospitality
Leadership
Guiding Light
Women Hoteliers Step Into Their Power at HerOwnership 2025 By Jodi Scott and Olivia Story At the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, women hoteliers and entrepreneurs from across the country came together for AAHOA’s 4th Annual HerOwnership Conference on September 11–12. The two-day event, which carried the theme Guiding Light: Leading with Strength, Shining with Purpose, … [Read more...] about Guiding Light
How to Listen Better
Four powerful tips to improve workplace communication By Jason Lauritsen Leadership isn’t just about speaking, it’s about listening. And not just hearing words, but truly understanding, engaging, and responding in a way that fosters trust and connection. In today’s workplaces, where distractions are everywhere and meaningful conversations can feel rare, the ability to … [Read more...] about How to Listen Better
Taking Her Ownership
In Family Businesses, the Next Generation of Women Hoteliers Is Ready to Lead By Cathleen Draper Dhruti Patel was born into the world of hospitality. She grew up in an independent property, one of several hotels her parents owned. Her family lived behind the hotel, and Dhruti and her brother frequently helped their mother, Tina Patel, turn over rooms, make beds, and … [Read more...] about Taking Her Ownership
Standing Out
How to Build a Personal Brand That Sets You Apart By A.D. Thompson “I think, as just personality, I am like Tomahawk,” said Yulia Houghtaling, in an accent best described as tellme-you’re-from-Russia-without-telling-me-you’re-from-Russia. Whether she was referencing the Indigenous axe, or the missile that references the Indigenous axe, either way, it … [Read more...] about Standing Out