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

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.

If profitability is top of mind, AAHOACON26 is where the conversation continues. With registration open, this year's focus on Liberty, Leadership & Legacy is shaping an experience owners won't want to miss.

Why Attend?

• Actionable sessions on revenue growth, cost control, and operational efficiency
• A massive trade show packed with money-saving solutions
• Direct access to brand leaders and key decision-makers
• Networking with thousands of owners, partners, and lenders

This is where ideas turn into ROI, supporting the freedom you’ve earned, the leadership you bring, and the legacy you’re building.

AAHOA welcomes the one-year delay of scheduled tariff increases on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities, originally set for January 1. The existing 25 percent tariff will remain in place while trade negotiations continue.

Furniture, cabinetry, and related fixtures are significant investments for hotels, particularly for small business owners undertaking renovations, brand-mandated updates, or new development. This pause gives owners time to plan, invest, and continue property improvements without sudden cost increases.

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.

AAHOA is alerting members to a joint announcement from the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Labor (DOL) indicating their intent to release 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas for fiscal year 2026, covering employers with H-2B start dates between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.

What this means for members:

• Additional H-2B visas are expected to help address ongoing labor shortages, but key details are not yet finalized, including application timing, eligibility, and visa allocation.

• A formal rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register in the coming weeks, and all details remain subject to change.

• The 35,000 supplemental visas announced are significantly fewer than in recent years, when approximately 66,000 visas were made available. If demand exceeds supply, DHS may impose additional eligibility requirements or use a lottery process.

AAHOA has officially launched the brand-new AAHOA App, designed to keep members informed, connected, and empowered. Your AAHOA experience is now faster, easier, and right at your fingertips – available now on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Key features include:

• Interactive events calendar (browse, register, and get reminders)
• Vendor partners directory with member benefits
• Hotel Owners Academy and resources hub
• Elections and governance info
• Videos, training, and educational content
• Real-time news and updates
• Clean, simple, member-focused – built for hotel owners

Get ready for the HYPE! Join us February 19-20 at the Sonesta Miami Airport for the 2026 AAHOA HYPE Conference – bringing together the energy, ambition, and innovation of young hospitality professionals from across the country. Designed to elevate, educate, and empower, HYPE is where the next generation of leaders comes to sharpen their skills, build meaningful relationships, and accelerate their journey in the industry.

Why You Need to Be There:

• Inspiring speakers and high-impact sessions
• Real-world strategies you can apply immediately
• A powerful network of peers and industry champions
• The electric energy of Miami as your conference backdrop

And the best part? Annual and Lifetime Members register FREE – just log in and secure your spot! The cost for non-members is only $199!