Thanksgiving is around the corner, and while I’m thankful for many things AAHOA provides, I’m most thankful for the nearly 20,000 hotel owners who belong to this great organization.
When it comes to being an AAHOA Member, it’s easy to look up member benefits. Some pertain to advocacy, exclusive discounts, world-class education, and so on. While those things are necessary and appreciated, I believe what AAHOA offers is something that can’t be seen or, perhaps, even described.
It’s hard to explain the connection I feel, and many members feel, being a part of something bigger than ourselves. I love the relationships we build, meeting new people, and learning new things about our members. I love the feeling of community and knowing that we’re all in this together.
Anyone who has attended Regionals, Town Halls, charity golf tournaments, and AAHOACON knows that the sense of community is ineffable. AAHOA often gathers testimonials from members talking about what AAHOA means to them, and many people talk about the benefits that improve their bottom line or the connections, but the one piece of feedback that we consistently receive is that AAHOA isn’t just an association, it’s a way of life, a community, and a sense of belonging.
Across the United States, you’ll find AAHOA’s nearly 20,000 members walking around with AAHOA-branded T-shirts, pins, tumblers, backpacks, etc. This isn’t just because the gear is a nice perk; it’s because our membership genuinely wants to show support for the AAHOA brand. They wear their AAHOA gear with pride.
This organization has a huge influence on its members’ lives. Some people who weren’t the biggest raving fans of AAHOA initially are now some of our most ardent supporters.
We’re made up of generations of families, independent and brand-name hotels, women, young professionals, and an incredible network of Industry Partners who also see AAHOA as a family, just as hoteliers do.
It’s the members – and their incredible engagement and belief in our organization – who make AAHOA what it is. Without members, vendors, industry partners, and supporters from all walks of life, AAHOA wouldn’t exist. For more than three decades, this association has grown and evolved to ensure that our industry continues to thrive.
This Thanksgiving, when you’re surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, and you go around the table sharing what you are thankful for, I hope AAHOA makes that list. I know we’re thankful for all of you, the AAHOA Members.
Having the support system and safety net that is AAHOA is something none of us should ever take for granted.
