- AAHOA hosted its third annual HYPE conference in Miami, Feb. 19–20.
- The conference builds knowledge and connections for growth.
- Raul Leal, Starwood Hotels’ CEO, delivered the keynote.
AAHOA HOSTED ITS third annual HYPE – Helping Young Professionals Evolve – conference in Miami on Feb. 19 to 20, giving young hospitality leaders two days of education, networking and professional development. Attendees explored leadership, operations and growth strategies while connecting with peers and industry experts.
HYPE is an annual initiative for leadership and professional growth for the next generation of hotel owners, operators and industry professionals, AAHOA said in a statement.
Keynote Raul Leal, Starwood Hotels CEO, said people define hospitality, noting the human element shapes the guest experience and drives every hotel.
The 2026 conference included panels on extended-stay performance and brand perspectives. Other topics include investment strategies, AAHOA Lending by Bridge, AI in hotel operations, franchise agreements and developing future leaders.
“HYPE continues to be an important platform for engaging and developing future leaders in our industry,” said Kamalesh “KP” Patel, AAHOA chairman. “I began my career in hospitality by helping my parents operate their properties and experiences like this conference provide young professionals with the knowledge, perspective and relationships critical early in their careers.”
Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO, said over one-quarter of young U.S. workers are in leisure and hospitality.
“HYPE reflects AAHOA’s commitment to supporting this workforce by providing education, industry insight and connections that help young professionals build long-term careers and prepare for leadership roles,” she said.
The program also included sponsored sessions such as Red Roof Rising: Fireside Chat: Relationships & Development and Hyatt Essentials Brand Development.
Dylan Patel, AAHOA young professional director, eastern division, said the conference gives young professionals access to education and engagement with industry leaders.
“It creates a space where emerging leaders can ask questions, exchange ideas and gain insights directly applicable to their careers and businesses,” Dylan said.
Paavan Patel, AAHOA young professional director, western division, said HYPE lets young professionals build relationships and understand challenges and opportunities in the hospitality industry.
“The conference helps participants develop the knowledge and connections needed to grow as owners, operators and leaders,” Paavan said.
AAHOA’s second HYPE conference was held in Mexico City on Feb. 6–7 in 2025, marking its first international event. Keynotes Ritesh Agarwal, G6 Hospitality chair and Rahul Patel, managing partner at Patel Gaines, PLLC, spoke to about 240 participants. G6 has since disengaged from AAHOA.
