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U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE Vivek Ramaswamy and AAHOA chairman Bharat Patel have delved into hospitality industry issues at the inaugural AAHOA 2024 Presidential Candidate Forum. The virtual forum allowed AAHOA members and viewers to hear directly from Ramaswamy about his policy priorities, his vision for the future of America and the role of Asian Americans in the hospitality industry, AAHOA said in a statement. "Ramaswamy's choice to directly engage with AAHOA Members highlights our industry's vital contribution to the nation's economy," said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman. "It was an honor to meet with him on behalf of AAHOA members. It's promising to witness a presidential candidate acknowledging the substantial influence that AAHOA members exert both as everyday citizens and as dynamic entrepreneurs and small business proprietors driving the hospitality industry of this great nation.'"

A TOTAL OF 8,000 attendees gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2023 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show saw more than 20 education sessions, 500 exhibiting companies, keynote speakers and four networking events, including the Welcome Reception at the world-famous LA Coliseum. The conference broke various records from AAHOA's 34-year history, AAHOA said in a statement. AAHOACON23 culminated in a gala event in the form of AAHOA Awards, celebrating excellence in the field of hospitality. However, several large hotel companies boycotted AAHOACON23 over AAHOA's support for franchising reform. "With a record level of booth sales for the trade show, it was the largest trade show in AAHOA's 34-year history, and a 22 percent increase over 2022," AAHOA said. "There were nearly 520 total exhibiting companies, the second largest exhibitor total in AAHOACON history," it said. Now past AAHOA Chairman Neal Patel officially turned over the reins to his successor, Florida hotelier Bharat Patel. According to AAHOA, the AAHOACON23 Trade Show was sold out, and a wait list was created - the first time ever in AAHOA history. The event also generated a very strong number of first-time exhibitors, 167, which is the second-largest number of first-time exhibitors in AAHOA history, AAHOA said. "The exhibit sales team achieved a new record in exhibit booth sales for AAHOACON24. A total of 170 exhibitors have rebooked and will return for AAHOACON24 in Orlando next year. This number represents more than 40 percent of the show floor space and 100 percent of all exhibiting hotel brands rebooked for AAHOACON24," the statement added. "The adjectives and praise to describe AAHOACON23 and our remarkable AAHOA Team keep pouring in," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "I could not be prouder of how AAHOACON23 turned out, and we are so thankful for all the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees who helped make this convention and trad

AAHOA MEMBERS IN the U.S. will now have access to more workforce training opportunities and products from India under the new "Made in India" agreement made with that country. The agreement came about as a result of meetings between a delegation of AAHOA board members and Indian officials. Bharat Patel AAHOA chairman, Treasurer Kamalesh "KP" Patel and others met with the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel to discuss the partnership, AAHOA said in a statement. It includes: Partnering with India-based educational institutions to implement training programs and skill-development initiatives that will equip young individuals to pursue successful and global careers in hospitality. Actively promoting, prioritizing and providing support for the sourcing of "Made in India" products, including textiles, furniture, and plumbing fixtures, for U.S.-based hospitality businesses. "With strong family ties and a significant footprint in the United States encompassing more than 36,000 properties, the AAHOA community is uniquely positioned to showcase the best of India to the world," said Bharat, who mentioned the program in June when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the U.S. "Our new initiatives aim to not only fuel economic and workforce development and progress, but to create a stronger platform for the exchange of ideas and innovation between the world's leading democracies."

"BE ONE BODY" and roar like a pride of lions, Pujya Brahmviraharidas Swami, one of India's leading saints, told attendees of the 2023 AAHOA Conference and Trade Show in Los Angeles last week in his keynote speech. However, his call for unity came at a time when several large hotel companies boycotted AAHOACON23 over AAHOA's support for franchising reform. The association's new chairman, Bharat Patel, will have to lead the effort to follow Pujya Brahmviraharidas Swami's guidance and unite the membership in light of the split with Marriott Hotels International, Choice Hotels International and others. The leadership required will take courage, said Pujya Brahmviraharidas Swami, who spearheads the global outreach of BAPS in the U.S. to spread harmony and collaboration and who the Indian government and heads of state have called upon for guidance. "This is not just a story of celebrating the past or creating the future, but also of recalibrating the present. This is not a story of a motel and a mouse," Brahmaviharidas said. "This is a story of an empire of hospitality and a pride of lions. Roar in the right direction, in the right way, and the world will listen." Also during AAHOACON23, which set a record level of booth sales for the trade show, members elected new board members. The association also announced a new charity organization dedicated to helping victims of natural disasters, and software company Virdee took the top prize in the inaugural AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition. Change of command New Chairman Bharat Patel officially moved into the top spot on the board on the last day of the conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He replaced Nishant "Neal" Patel and will be followed next year by Miraj Patel, who is now vice chairman. "Like the theme from AAHOACON23, I look forward to honoring the past and creating a bolder future by working with AAHOA's nearly 20,000 members to ensure we reestablish strong partnerships with our state associations

JUST OVER ONE year ago, Marriott International severed its support for AAHOA over the association's 12 Points of Fair Franchising and support for franchise reform legislation in New Jersey. At AAHOA's 35th Annual Convention & Trade Show this year in Orlando, Marriott came back, albeit with its status remaining unclear. Also, AAHOA made alterations to the 12 Points aimed at providing more protection for members in the event of the franchiser's acquisition by another company. Also at AAHOACON24, Miraj Patel became the youngest chairman in the history of the association, Pinal Patel became its new secretary and immediate Past Chairman Bharat Patel and AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake spoke on how the history of the association led to its success.

A NEW JERSEY bill that will reform the franchise business model in that state took another step forward today, moving from the Assembly to the Senate, and supporters, including AAHOA, expect it to become law this year. However, the American Hotel & Lodging Association has come out in opposition to the law, saying it would "undermine the foundation of hotel franchising." New Jersey Assembly Bill A1958 would make changes to the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act. AAHOA has been supporting the bill, saying it mirrors several concerns included in its 12 Points of Fair Franchising. Specifically, it would reform rules for mandated vendors, rebates, loyalty programs and new fees, AAHOA said in a statement. "New Jersey has long been a state with a strong entrepreneurial culture that has been welcoming to immigrants, including many AAHOA members," said AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel. "The state Assembly recognized that and took a step toward making New Jersey a better place for small businesses with today's vote to advance fair franchising principles. New Jersey can be an example to the nation for supporting franchising practices that allow hotel owners to achieve the American dream." AAHOA supports the preference of certified women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses to serve as the mandated and preferred vendors for the franchise business model.

AAHOA LEADERS AND members met with the nation's leaders in Washington, D.C., for the association's 2023 Fall National Advocacy Conference on Oct. 24 to 25. Topics covered included Small Business Administration loan limits, the Credit Card Competition Act and the labor shortage. The AAHOA contingent met with more than 200 offices and 70 members of Congress as part of the conference. Keynote speakers for the event were Reps. Beth Van Duyne, Republican from Texas; Rich McCormick, Republican from Georgia; and Shri Thanedar, Democrat from Michigan. "Advocacy at the state, local, and federal level is a pillar upon which AAHOA stands," said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman. "Representing such a large portion of the hotel industry, it is through our voice that we strive to shape and fortify policies that help pave the way to our industry's success."

AT THE 2024 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show held last week in Orlando, Florida, history was being made at the same time it was being recalled. Miraj Patel assumed his role as the youngest chairman the association has had, while his predecessor Bharat Patel and AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake spoke on the legacy that led to the association's current success. AAHOACON24, the 35th national conference for the association, saw more than 7,000 registered attendees and 524 exhibitors at the Orange County Convention Center, blocks away from Disneyworld and Universal Studios. It included more than 44 education sessions and had two times the number of sponsors than in 2023 with 26. Event revenue was 6 percent higher than 2023 and 31 percent higher than in 2022. The tradeshow sprawled over more than 84,500 square feet of exhibit space. In a speech during the first general session, Bharat presented his theory on what led to AAHOA's current status: compound success.

AAHOA's "HYPE OWNERSHIP-Helping Young Professionals Evolve" conference held recently in New Orleans attracted around 200 members. The event focused on fostering the growth of new hospitality industry professionals, offering educational opportunities like panel discussions, roundtables and keynotes to equip emerging hotel owners with the tools for success, AAHOA said in a statement. "The HYPE Conference allowed us to hear first-hand from our young members about their ideas and concerns regarding the future of our industry," said Tanmay Patel, young professional director for AAHOA's Western Division. "It was enlightening to hear from so many young people about their hopes and dreams for taking the work started by their parents, in many cases, and how they hope to better position the industry for future success." "The feedback we received from attendees and the interaction we saw illustrates there is a great need for our industry to nurture our connection to future leaders," said Dylan Patel, Young Professional Director Eastern Division. "Their commitment to elevate the industry to new heights is evident."