By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO Long before the United States became a nation, Americans were already arguing about a fundamental question: What happens when the people affected by government decisions have no meaningful voice in them? The answer helped shape the American Revolution. Among the principles that emerged from that struggle was the … [Read more...] about The Work of Being Heard
Today's Hotelier President's Desk
Order in the Lobby
By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO The Curious, Quirky, and Occasionally Hilarious World of Hotel Law An ancient Roman legal principle states that “ignorance of the law excuses no one.” Which is unfortunate, because some of the laws and legal traditions surrounding hotels are so unusual that even lawyers have to smile. If you have ever wondered why … [Read more...] about Order in the Lobby
A Legacy to be Most Proud Of
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
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