By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO When Abraham Lincoln delivered his first inaugural address in March of 1861, the United States stood at a crossroads so severe that many doubted the nation would survive it. He did not minimize what lay ahead. He did not pretend the road would be easy. But he called the American people forward with a conviction that the … [Read more...] about A Legacy to be Most Proud Of
Today's Hotelier President's Desk
A Legacy of Courage: The Evolution of the American Dream
By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO President Ronald Reagan once said, “America is too great for small dreams.” In the sweltering summer of 1776, a small group of revolutionaries gathered in Philadelphia and declared something the world had never truly seen before: That ordinary people were not subjects of power – they were the source of it. They … [Read more...] about A Legacy of Courage: The Evolution of the American Dream
Innovating with Intention
Hospitality at the Crossroads of Technology and Tradition By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO Innovation has always defined the hospitality industry. From the first roadside inns that served weary travelers to today’s digitally connected hotels, our business has continually evolved to meet the needs of the moment. Much like the Industrial Revolution … [Read more...] about Innovating with Intention
Momentum and Mission: Leadership for the Year Ahead
By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO Lessons from Philadelphia Hosting AAHOACON26 in Philadelphia carried special meaning. As the nation approaches its semiquincentennial, gathering in the birthplace of American democracy offered a fitting backdrop for conversations about leadership, service, and legacy. Throughout history, moments of transition have … [Read more...] about Momentum and Mission: Leadership for the Year Ahead
In the City Where America Began, We Look Forward
By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO There is something extraordinary about gathering in Philadelphia this April. It is a city that represents beginnings – the very place where a nation’s future was debated, shaped, and set into motion. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it feels especially meaningful for AAHOA to come together in the cradle of … [Read more...] about In the City Where America Began, We Look Forward