Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

AAHOACON25 set for April 15-17 in New Orleans

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will keynote the conference’s general sessions

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar speaks at AAHOACON25 trade show in New Orleans

The 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show is set for April 15-17 in New Orleans under the theme "New Ideas, New Opportunities, New Orleans." Keynote speakers include, from left, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, stand-up comedian and author Zarna Garg and "Hollywood's Brandfather" Rohan Oza.

AAHOA 2025: Innovate and Connect in New Orleans

AAHOA IS GEARING up for the 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show, set for April 15 to 17 in New Orleans. The event, themed "New Ideas, New Opportunities, New Orleans," features three days of education, networking and a trade show.

Spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will be a keynote speaker at AAHOACON25’s general sessions, AAHOA said in a statement.


"AAHOACON25 is more than just a conference—it's where the industry comes together to spark fresh ideas, find new opportunities, and strengthen partnerships," said Miraj Patel, AAHOA chairman. "This year, set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, we're bringing together the best minds in hospitality to explore what's next for our industry. I encourage every hotel owner, industry partner and aspiring leader to join us for a transformative experience."

Key highlights

AAHOACON25 will feature a lineup of speakers. Shankar and Rohan Oza, "Hollywood's Brandfather," will headline the general sessions, AAHOA said. Stand-up comedian and author Zarna Garg will speak at the HerOwnership Luncheon & Session. Attendees will also have the chance to connect with 6,000 industry leaders, peers and vendors while exploring the trends, products and services at the trade show, which will feature more than 500 vendors.

Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO, called AAHOACON25 a must-attend event for hospitality professionals.

"With premier networking, educational sessions, and a packed trade show, attendees will walk away with actionable insights and connections that drive success," she said. "I invite everyone committed to the future of our industry to join us in New Orleans for an unforgettable conference."

Education remains a focus, with experts covering hotel insurance, financing, sustainability and AI, AAHOA said. Sessions include a profit strategy masterclass, the Independent Hoteliers Conference & Reception on April 15, and the HYPE Fireside Chat on hospitality leadership. Attendees can also catch the Tech Pitch Competition and The Garage on the trade show floor. Based on feedback, this year's event is condensed into three days, with the trade show set for Wednesday and Thursday.

Beyond business, AAHOACON25 offers multiple networking and social events. The Fulton Street block party will span seven venues with entertainment and networking opportunities, while the Welcome Reception at Spanish Plaza will provide a scenic kickoff along the Mississippi River. The event will close with a Mardi Gras-inspired Gala featuring a float parade on the final night.

"AAHOACON25 is a unique opportunity for hotel owners and industry leaders to connect, learn, and explore new business opportunities," said Kamalesh “KP” Patel, AAHOA vice chairman and convention chairman. "With a strong lineup of speakers, educational sessions, and an expansive trade show, attendees will gain valuable insights and resources to help them succeed. I look forward to welcoming everyone to New Orleans for a productive and memorable event."

AAHOACON24, the association’s 35th national conference held in April 2024, drew more than 7,000 attendees and 524 exhibitors to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The event featured more than 44 education sessions, doubled its sponsors to 26, and saw a 6 percent revenue increase from 2023, 31 percent higher than in 2022. The trade show covered more than 84,500 square feet.

More for you

Global Hotel Rates to Stay Stable in 2026

Report: Global hotel rates steady despite uncertainty

Summary:

  • Global hotel rates are expected to remain stable through 2026, according to AMEX GBT.
  • New York is a key business travel and meetings destination.
  • India is likely to be a focus for travel programs during 2026 negotiations.

GLOBAL HOTEL RATES are expected to remain stable through 2026, as geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. tariffs limit demand and constrain price increases, according to American Express Global Business Travel. New York remains a popular destination for business travel and meetings.

AMEX GBT’s Hotel Monitor 2026, an annual forecast of global hotel rates in business travel destinations, identified India as a key market, with hotel rates and occupancy set to rise.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Funds Rio Las Vegas Renovations | $176M CPACE Loan
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Peachtree originates retroactive CPACE loan for Rio Vegas

Summary:

  • Peachtree Group originated a $176.5 million retroactive CPACE loan for a Las Vegas property.
  • The deal closed in under 60 days and ranks among the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.
  • The company promotes retroactive CPACE funding for commercial real estate development.

PEACHTREE GROUP ORIGINATED a $176.5 million retroactive Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy loan for Dreamscape Cos.’s Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The deal, completed in under 60 days, is its largest credit transaction and one of the largest CPACE financings in the U.S.

Keep ReadingShow less
Global hotel construction pipeline reaches record 15,871 projects in Q2 2025, with U.S. and Dallas leading growth
Photo Credit: iStock

Report: Global pipeline hits 15,871 projects

Summary:

  • Global pipeline hit a record 15,871 projects with 2.4 million rooms in Q2.
  • The U.S. leads with 6,280 projects; Dallas tops cities with 199.
  • Nearly 2,900 hotels are expected to open worldwide by the end of 2025.

THE GLOBAL HOTEL pipeline reached 15,871 projects, up 3 percent year-over-year, and 2,436,225 rooms, up 2 percent, according to Lodging Econometrics. Most were upper midscale and upscale, LE reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
HAMA Launches 20th Student Case Competition in USA
Photo Credit: iStock

HAMA launches 20th student case competition

Summary:

  • HAMA is accepting submissions for its 20th annual student case competition.
  • The cases reflect a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.
  • Teams must submit a financial analysis, solution and executive summary.

THE HOSPITALITY ASSET Managers Association is accepting submissions for the 20th Annual HAMA Student Case Competition, in which more than 60 students analyze a management company change scenario and provide recommendations. HAMA, HotStats and Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting are providing the case, based on a scenario HAMA members faced as owner representatives.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stonebridge hotel management expansion
Photo credit: Stonebridge Cos.

Stonebridge adds Statler Dallas to managed portfolio

Summary:

  • Stonebridge Cos. added the Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, to its managed portfolio.
  • The hotel, opened in 1956 and relaunched in 2017, is owned by Centurion American Development Group.
  • The property is near Main Street Garden Park, the Arts District and the Dallas World Aquarium.

STONEBRIDGE COS. HAS contracted to manage the Statler Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton in Dallas to its managed portfolio. The hotel, opened in 1956 and relaunched in 2017, is owned by Centurion American Development Group, led by Mehrdad Moayedi.

Keep ReadingShow less