Last week, hospitality leaders united with Georgia lawmakers around a clear message: Human trafficking has no place in Georgia. At a press conference hosted by the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA joined Attorney General Chris Carr, Senator Shawn Still, AAHOA Georgia Regional Director Vik Zaver, and GHLA President & CEO and AAHOA Ambassador Chris Hardman, in support of legislation mandating human trafficking awareness and prevention training for hotels and short-term rentals statewide.

The HYPE Conference 2026 agenda is here, and Miami is calling. Join us February 19-20 for two unforgettable days of learning, leadership, and networking designed for the hotel industry’s next generation. From dynamic sessions to brand insights to our signature welcome events, this year's lineup is packed with opportunities to grow and get inspired.

Calling all founders, disruptors, and problem-solvers! This year, the Tech Pitch Competition brings a major upgrade: Finalists will pitch live on the AAHOACON Trade Show floor, giving your company high-impact visibility right where the industry's biggest conversations are happening.

To qualify, applicants must reserve their AAHOACON26 booth by the application deadline. All eligible participants will compete for a chance to win a free booth for AAHOACON27 and gain standout exposure in front of hotel owners and industry leaders. Ready to take the stage? The deadline to apply is February 1.

AAHOA Member and University of Houston Doctoral Candidate Sumit Dalwadi – who was featured in the November issue of Today's Hotelier – is conducting a dissertation study on how hotel franchising structures impact franchisee profitability. AAHOA Members are invited to participate in the study, which has been reviewed and approved by the University of Houston Institutional Review Board (IRB).

The survey takes approximately 20-25 minutes to complete and is entirely anonymous. Members can also volunteer for an optional 75-90 minute interview. Participation is voluntary; you may skip any question or withdraw at any time. Review the consent form here.

Questions? Contact Sumit Dalwadi at sjdalwadi@uh.edu.

AAHOACON26 takes over Philadelphia in just 68 days, and this year's Convention and Trade Show will bring the energy with standout entertainment and a keynote speaker that will remind us why connection and belonging matter in our industry.

This year's entertainment celebrates culture and creativity. Desi Junction DJs, Penn Masala – the world's first South Asian a cappella group – and award-winning composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will take the stage at the signature gatherings.

Plus, comedian Rajiv Satyal will deliver a keynote address at Friday's General Session. From performing on all seven continents to opening for legends like Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld, Rajiv brings humor that resonates. Don't miss out – register for AAHOACON today!

AAHOA and Kalibri are hosting two virtual sessions with Jennifer Hill, SVP of Commercial Strategy at Kalibri, exploring hotel performance trends and market data.

Profit First in 2026: What the Data Shows & What Owners Can Do Next

Tuesday, February 10, 2 p.m. EST | Register here.

Make Smarter Hotel Investment Decisions, Powered by Data

Tuesday, March 3, 2 p.m. EST | Register here.

Both sessions focus on market and performance trends relevant to hotel owners in 2026.

Every hotelier has a story worth celebrating – the mentor, the advocate, the community builder, the one who never gives up. Who comes to mind when you think of true hospitality leadership? Nominate them for a 2026 AAHOA Award and help us shine a spotlight on their story. Winners will be announced at AAHOACON26 in Philadelphia.

Deadline: February 7

Passionate about hospitality? Ready to lead? AAHOA is now accepting nominations for the 2026–2027 Board of Directors!

If you're an energetic, motivated member who wants to help shape the future of America’s hotel owners, this is your moment. We’re looking for leaders who can connect, inspire, and champion the industry. Nominations are open through February 8.

If you want to make a difference for AAHOA Members and the hospitality community, we encourage you to apply to serve on an AAHOA committee. Eligible applicants are AAHOA Members in good standing. Ensure your membership is up to date by joining or renewing today at MyAAHOA.com. The deadline to apply is April 10 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Applicants are encouraged to review each committee's job description and applicant prerequisites in AAHOA's Governance Policy, pages 14-24, to ensure you meet all prerequisites.

The Los Angeles City Administrative Officer is proposing a variety of tax hikes to buffer the city's budget. But businesses and city council members are pushing back – and voters likely will, too. One of the proposed ballot measures is a 4 percent increase in the transient occupancy tax, which the hotel and short-term rental industry oppose. "This proposal creates a cost spiral. As fees stack up, Los Angeles risks becoming the most expensive option in a competitive market,” AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake wrote in a letter to the council.