By Bharat (Bruce) Patel, AAHOA Chairman (2016-2017); and Bhavesh Patel, AAHOA Vice Chairman (2016-2017)
Change is an inescapable reality of the industry we serve. It is what drives progress, creates leaders and compels us to constant self-reinvention. We may not always welcome the changes that come, but we embrace every opportunity to grow – as individuals, as business owners and as hoteliers.
Every year, at AAHOA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show, we see that change in action as one chairman welcomes the next. At the 2017 convention, AAHOA members will witness this leadership transfer for the 26th time – another opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to the year ahead; to celebrate what we’ve accomplished and strategize for the future.
And there is much to celebrate. AAHOA ends 2016 with broken records across the board, from membership numbers to PAC contributions to educational engagement. The past year was filled with major milestones and exciting initiatives including AAHOA’s new two-day educational workshops; the partnership with Hotel Management to launch the market-specific Hotel ROI conferences; unprecedented success in AAHOA’s legislative calls to action; and more than 150 AAHOA events around the country – just to name a few.
AAHOA has grown by leaps and bounds in the past year, and we couldn’t be prouder to share its many successes with you, our AAHOA members. We have made tremendous strides toward our mission to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits and community engagement. With every event you attend, webinar you watch and PAC dollar you contribute, AAHOA grows a little more, and is better able to serve owners in the hotel industry.
As 2017 kicks off, we invite you to take greater advantage of AAHOA’s opportunities for professional development and to get more involved in shaping our association’s evolution. This year, AAHOA’s focus will be on offering expanded educational resources at the macro level while continuing to provide a customized experience for hoteliers at every stage of their careers.
Change is inevitable, but with your continued engagement and support, AAHOA will go into 2017 equipped to meet and embrace that change head on. We hope you will join us as we launch another year dedicated to helping you make money, save money and protect your investment.
Thank you for being part of AAHOA.
