"The AAHOA journey has never just been about business – it's about dreams, families, and the future we build together."

That's the mindset Rahul Kapoor will bring to the opening General Session at AAHOACON26 on April 8, where he'll present Legacy in Action: The Unstoppable Mindset. As industries shift and challenges grow, Rahul's message is clear: building a lasting legacy requires purpose, unity, and the courage to turn obstacles into opportunities. Check out a special message from Kapoor here! If his message resonates, now is the time to be in the room – register for AAHOACON today.

Take advantage of programming tailored specifically for independent hoteliers at AAHOACON26! Packed with insights, strategies, and networking opportunities, the Independent Hoteliers Summit, brought to you by Mews, is designed to elevate your business. The agenda is officially live – at this year's sessions, you can expect to learn how AI is redefining pricing and demand, as well as how to leverage technology to deliver results. Plus, the "Experience Beyond the Room" interactive session will deliver insights into the strategies and journeys that shaped a generation of AAHOA entrepreneurs.

The Certified Hotel Profit Strategist (CHPS) program, powered by AAHOA and Kalibri, has already helped hotel owners maximize profitability. AAHOA Charter Member Ramesh Gokal is among the first to complete the program. "We've always focused on occupancy and RevPAR, but CHPS taught me to look at the profitability of each revenue source," Gokal said.

At AAHOACON26, hotel owners like Gokal can take the next step with the inaugural Certified Hotel Profit Analyst (CHPA) program. Participants who attend the full, half-day session will receive a certificate of completion and can later take the online CHPA exam for an additional fee. RSVP for the session here.

On Saturday, April 4, the Tenderloin Museum in San Francisco, with support from AAHOA, will host The Indian American Dream, a gala benefiting the upcoming Indo-American Hotelier History Exhibition. The evening will honor the pioneering journey of Indo-American hoteliers, showcase the landmark exhibition, and offer a silent auction to support the museum's mission.

This year's Hunter Hotel Investment Conference brought the industry together for meaningful conversations and insights. On Day 1, AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel and Vice Chairman Rahul Patel took the stage to share perspectives on the realities shaping hotel ownership today. Meanwhile, AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake led a candid and thoughtful discussion at the Table Talks event.

In Oregon, the Portland City Councilor is proposing changes to the city's chronic nuisance property ordinance, broadening the number of nuisance activities and the timeframe for accumulating violations from three in 30 days to two in 90 days.

AAHOA Northwest Regional Director Taran Patel testified on behalf of area business owners. Though supportive of the idea, Patel expressed concerns that if a hotel reports an activity on property, it would be held against the hotel. Thanks to Patel's testimony, the council added an amendment to the law, ensuring that if a property owner self-reports an activity and cooperates with law enforcement, the report will not go on their record as one of two strikes to invoking the nuisance law.

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 Friday, April 17, 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 participation and talent of our dynamic membership are vital to AAHOA's success. If you want to make a difference for AAHOA Members, consider serving as an AAHOA Ambassador. This key role is vital to helping AAHOA be the foremost resource and advocate for America's hotel owners. Eligible applicants are members in good standing. The deadline is quickly approaching – apply by Friday, April 10!

Your voice shapes the future of our industry. The 2026 AAHOA Elections will be conducted entirely online via your smartphone. To ensure you can cast your vote, please take two minutes today to complete these three essential steps:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Log in to MyAAHOA.com to verify your status.
2. Update Your Info: Ensure you have a valid, unique email address and mobile number on file.
3. Get the App: Download the Voatz app (available on the App Store or Google Play) so you are ready for the credentialing process.

Important Reminders

Spousal Voting: For a spouse to be eligible to vote, their full name must appear on the membership application.

Need Help? Visit the Elections Resource Center or contact info@aahoa.com.