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AAHOA recently appointed Viral Patel, Central Midwest regional director, and Nilesh Patel, director at large Eastern Division, to its board of directors for 2024-2025 term. "We are thrilled to welcome Viral Patel and Nilesh Patel to the AAHOA board of directors," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA's chairman. "Their proven leadership and deep-rooted commitment to the hospitality industry make them invaluable additions. Undoubtedly, their expertise will greatly benefit AAHOA and the entire hospitality community as we, the board of directors, continue to advocate for our members as we build tomorrow today." AAHOA recently rebranded its Regional Conferences and Trade Shows as "Hotel Owners Conferences & Trade Shows". The event will focus on initiatives like HerOwnership and HYPE roundtables, fostering connections among industry leaders to promote positive change and empower women and the next generation of leaders.

LAURA LEE BLAKE, president and CEO of AAHOA, and Neal Patel of Patel Partners were among The Hill's Top Lobbyists of 2024 for their leadership in advocating for the hotel industry amid legislative and political challenges. The list recognizes individuals who have effectively advanced their industry's interests in a changing political landscape. Blake and Patel's inclusion comes as the hospitality sector faces ongoing legislative and regulatory challenges, AAHOA said in a statement. AAHOA Chairman Miraj Patel congratulated Blake and Neal Patel on the recognition. "Their dedication and efforts on behalf of our industry continue to make a meaningful impact," Patel said. "We are fortunate to have such strong advocates representing AAHOA and our industry."

AAHOA'S THIRD ANNUAL HerOwnership Conference will be held Sept. 12-13 in Redondo Beach, California, featuring speakers and sessions to help women succeed in hotel ownership. The event includes three breakout sessions focused on the conference's pillars: hotel ownership, mental health and wellness, and executive leadership. "As the son of a woman hotelier, I am well aware of the remarkable women who have shaped our industry and continue to drive it forward," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA's chairman. "Their dedication, innovation and leadership are vital to our success. We must continue supporting and empowering these women to lead and succeed. AAHOA does so through the HerOwnership initiative and conference, celebrating women's successes in our industry and providing tools to help them connect, learn, and expand their thinking." Keynote speakers include Neeti Dewan, author, speaker, and CEO, on "Mindset Makeover: Personal and Business Growth Strategies of Top Women Hoteliers," and Raji Brar, co-founder of the Bakersfield Sikh Women's Association and COO of Countryside, on "Building Bridges: The Power of Women in Political Engagement," AAHOA said.