Today's Hotelier President's Desk

By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO As we begin a new year, I am reminded that progress happens when leaders seize opportunities to make things better. Innovation has always shaped America’s story, and it remains central to our industry today. For hoteliers, innovation is tangible. It is in drywall, room layouts, and lighting choices that a guest’s … [Read more...] about Building the Future, One Choice at a Time

By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO Defining the Moment As we close the chapter on 2025, it is clear that this year has been one of remarkable progress and transformation for the hospitality industry. Through economic uncertainty and operational challenges, hoteliers once again showed resilience, innovation, and unity. President Franklin D. … [Read more...] about A More Perfect Union: Reflecting on Progress, Anticipating Promise

By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO A Revolutionary Heritage When our nation declared independence in 1776, it established a principle that still resonates in hospitality today: The right to shape your destiny. AAHOA Members – whether running independent properties or brand-affiliated hotels – embody this spirit, charting their own course while … [Read more...] about Hospitality by the People, for the People

By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO Building a Legacy of Leadership In mid-September, hundreds of AAHOA Members traveled to Washington, D.C., for our Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC). Together, we met with policymakers, shared our stories, and advocated for the best interests of America’s hotel owners. The presence of Small Business … [Read more...] about The Power of Advocacy:  Shaping the Future Together

By Laura Lee Blake, ESQ., AAHOA President & CEO At AAHOA, we are not content simply celebrating the “firsts.” We are committed to shaping a future where women’s leadership in hospitality is no longer the exception, but the expectation. For too long, women in our industry have had to break barriers just to enter the room. But what happens after you get there? What … [Read more...] about From Firsts to Forevers: Cementing Women’s Place at the Table