- Philadelphia will host AAHOACON26 from April 8 to 10.
- Keynotes by Paul Brown of Inspire Brands, motivational coach Rahul Kapoor.
- The program offers actionable insights for hotel owners and operators.
PHILADELPHIA IS SET to host the 2026 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show from April 8 to 10. More than 6,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors are expected to gather for three days of networking, learning and deal-making.
Paul Brown, CEO of Inspire Brands, and motivational coach Rahul Kapoor will headline the mainstage keynotes, according to the AAHOA website. Comedian Rajiv Satyal will engage attendees with entertainment and insights throughout the convention. The event will focus on helping hotel owners increase revenue, reduce costs and improve long-term performance, the association said.
"In Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, AAHOACON26 is where liberty, leadership and legacy come alive," said Kamalesh “KP” Patel, AAHOA chairman. "This event honors the hotel owners who built our industry while equipping the next generation to lead. From the Trade Show to educational sessions, the Collegiate Championship and networking opportunities, attendees will gain insights and connections for the future."
Program highlights
The program schedule delivers actionable insights for hotel owners and operators. Educational sessions cover profitability, leadership and operations, while specialized programs include the Independent Hoteliers Summit, Helping Young Professionals Evolve or HYPE and the HerOwnership Luncheon & Session for professional growth.
The Collegiate Championship, sponsored by Russell Technology Partnerships, brings student teams from top universities to compete in real-world strategy and operations challenges. The convention also introduces the inaugural Certified Hotel Profit Analyst program and interactive sessions led by hospitality experts, combining learning, networking and hands-on demonstrations.
AAHOACON26 features a trade show with more than 500 exhibitors, offering solutions across hotel operations, technology, marketing and guest experience. Vice Chairman Rahul Patel will assume the AAHOA chairmanship during the event, with elections held for new officers.
Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO, said the convention provides practical tools for owners.
"This year's sessions will deliver tools hotel owners can use immediately to strengthen margins and performance," she said. "Attendees will also experience the Independent Hoteliers Summit, HYPE programming and the HerOwnership Luncheon."
Nighttime entertainment includes the Welcome Reception with DJD on April 8, Stars, Stripes & Liberty Nights on April 9 and the Gala Celebration featuring Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy on April 10.
Sponsors and industry partners
Inspire Brands is a Club Blue Partner, the highest level of AAHOA’s Industry Partner Program. Inspire owns more than 33,000 restaurants worldwide, including Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's and Sonic Drive-In and will be represented by CEO Paul Brown at the convention.
“We are excited to have Inspire join AAHOA's Club Blue Industry Partner program,” said Kamalesh Patel. “Their dedication to guest experience and service aligns with our members' goals. We look forward to introducing the partnership at AAHOACON, where Inspire Co-Founder and CEO Paul Brown will serve as a keynote speaker.”
Brown said AAHOA is an influential voice in the hospitality industry.
“Inspire's interest in strengthening the connection between the hospitality and restaurant industries will benefit the industry,” said Laura Lee Blake. “We are confident the partnership will add value to our association and members.”
Other industry partners and sponsors will provide attendees opportunities to explore innovations in hotel operations, technology, marketing and guest experience, the association said.
Bridging the past, present and future
AAHOACON26 promises to bridge the past, present, and future of hospitality, equipping attendees with the tools, knowledge, and connections to navigate an evolving industry landscape.
"As convention chairman, I'm excited to help create an event that combines education, networking and entertainment," said Rahul Patel. "AAHOACON26 gives hotel owners the insights and connections they need to succeed while honoring the legacy of our community."
In December, AAHOA opened registration for the convention, scheduled for April 8 to 10 in Philadelphia.
