February 5, 2026

 

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AAHOA NEWS

AAHOACON Registration Special for All Members

 

For one month only, AAHOACON registration is just $199! This exclusive rate is available only to AAHOA Members. Not a member yet? Join AAHOA today to unlock this special pricing and secure your spot.


This year, we’re putting profitability first – because growing revenue is good, but building long-term value is better. At AAHOACON26, you can expect:

  • Game-changing education
  • Independent Hoteliers Summit
  • Bustling Trade Show floor
  • Powerful networking + unforgettable events


Prices go up soon — $199 registration ends February 28!

 
 

Credentialing is Open for the 2026 AAHOA Elections

 

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.

 
 

Get Ready for Confetti

 

James Ferguson, author of The Confetti Culture Playbook, is coming to AAHOACON26 in Philadelphia as a keynote education speaker on April 9 and 10. Ferguson encourages leaders to rethink culture not as a perk, but as a strategic advantage that strengthens connection, boosts morale, and improves performance.



At AAHOACON26, Ferguson will explore:

  • Ways to build a more engaged and motivated workplace
  • How connection and purpose drive team momentum
  • Practical takeaways leaders can adapt within their own organizations
 
 

Data-Driven Insights for Hotel Owners in 2026

 

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.

 

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Save Time, Money, and Hassle with Walmart Business

Managing a hotel or hospitality business requires 24/7 care, especially during peak seasons. So, when your schedule is jam-packed with bookings and you need to restock fast, choose Walmart Business. We've got an ever-expanding assortment of hospitality must-haves, from towels and toilet paper to bedding and sheets, plus so much more. Whether you run a short-term rental or a chain of hotels, we'll help you save time, money, and hassle. That way, you can focus on what really matters – making your guests feel at home away from home.

 

Deadline on Saturday: 2026 AAHOA Award Nominations

 

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.


Apply by Saturday, February 7.

 

Deadline on Sunday: Serve on AAHOA's Board of Directors

 

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 Sunday, February 8.

 

The HYPE Agenda is Officially Live

 

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.

 

Serve as a 2026-2027 Committee Member

 

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.

 

AAHOA Applauds U.S.-India Trade Breakthrough

 

This week, President Donald Trump and Prime Minister reached a new U.S.-India trade agreement that lowers tariffs and strengthens economic cooperation between the world's two largest democracies. The agreement marks a major step forward in bilateral trade relations.

 

MEMBER BENEFITS

 

Work with AAHOA Vendor Partners

When you do business with AAHOA Vendor Partners, you're supporting the companies that support you. Explore exclusive savings and industry-leading products designed to help AAHOA Members succeed.

 


Maximize Your Member

Benefits

AAHOA's Membership Benefits Brochure is your quick guide to all the exclusive perks and programs available to all hotelier members. From advocacy to savings and networking opportunities, this brochure highlights how AAHOA supports hotel owners at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

 

IN THE MARKET

U.S. RevPAR -4.0% y/y last week; Winter Storm Fern hurt weekday travel.

As Truist Securities wrote, "Overall, U.S. RevPAR was -4.0% y/y for the week ending 1/31/2026, per STR/CoStar, below the prior week's result of -1.8% y/y and below the 10-week average of -0.9% y/y. Last week's results were negatively impacted by Winter Storm Fern, particularly challenging for Monday through Wednesday. Upscale and Upper Upscale chain scales were the worst performers last week, at -6.0% y/y and -5.8% y/y respectively, likely a function of reduced business travel in light of the storm. Economy performance, while still negative y/y, was materially 'less bad' than prior weeks and months (-2.2% y/y vs. -6.7% y/y 10-week average) and was not the worst performing chain scale last week. Upscale RevPAR: -6.0% y/y; Upper Midscale RevPAR: -4.9% y/y."


For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Northwest Town Hall

Clackamas, OR

February 6, 2026

Central Midwest Town Hall

Tulsa, OK

February 9, 2026

Central Midwest Town Hall

Maryland Heights, MO

February 10, 2026

Arkansas Town Hall

Little Rock, AR

February 11, 2026

Southwest Town Hall

Albuquerque, NM

February 16, 2026

North Texas Town Hall

Amarillo, TX

February 16, 2026

Mid Atlantic Town Hall

Edison, NJ

February 16, 2026

North Texas Town Hall

Midland, TX

February 17, 2026

2026 AAHOA HYPE Conference

Miami, FL

February 19-20, 2026

Southwest Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show

Salt Lake City, UT

March 10, 2026

Hunter Conference

Atlanta, GA

March 16-18, 2026

AAHOACON26

Philadelphia, PA

April 8–10, 2026