AAHOACON25: A Milestone Event for Hospitality
THE 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show is over, but the partnerships announced during the show will go on. The theme of AAHOACON25 was "New Ideas, New Connections, New Orleans," and more than 5,000 registered attendees filled the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for the conference.
AAHOACON25 also had nearly 500 exhibitors occupying 85,000 square feet of exhibit space, according to AAHOA. The event featured around 20 education sessions, a do-it-yourself product demo experience known as The Garage on the Trade Show Floor, keynote speakers, and networking events, including the Block Party at Fulton Street.
"The enthusiasm and engagement at AAHOACON25 truly showcased the strength of our community," AAHOA Chairman and AAHOACON25 Convention Chairman Kamalesh ”KP” Patel said. "From the launch of new member benefits to invaluable networking and educational opportunities, this convention reinforced AAHOA's role as a leader in the hospitality industry. We also welcomed the return of major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, further underscoring the significance of AAHOACON as a premier event for the industry. It's an incredible way to begin my tenure as Chairman, and I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead."
Announcements at AAHOACON25 included:
- A partnership with Avendra International, known as AAHOA Marketplace, that gives AAHOA members access to more products and services at prices designed to improve their bottom line.
- Launch of AAHOALending.com, in partnership with Bridge, to provide members with more financing options.
- Introduction of the AAHOA Advocacy Council, a platform to ensure the voices and interests of AAHOA members are represented at every level of government.
- The launch of a new partnership with Kalibri Labs, providing members more insights for smarter decision-making and profitability.
- The launch of a student internship program that connects high school and college students with real-world experience in the hotel industry.
"AAHOACON25 was a resounding success, showcasing our commitment to innovation, advocacy, and community," AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake said. "With groundbreaking announcements, an expanded trade show, and invaluable networking opportunities, this year's event reinforced why AAHOACON is the must-attend gathering for hotel owners. The energy and engagement we saw in New Orleans will carry forward as we continue to champion the interests of our members and the industry at large."
