AAHOACON23, the largest convention and trade show concluded with some historic decisions. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), held the event in Los Angeles from 11 to 14 April. On the opening day, the association announced the launch of the AAHOA Charitable Foundation. This nonprofit organization's mission is to serve humanity by offering humanitarian aid, educational grants and scholarships, charitable endeavours for deserving causes, and disaster relief. The convention broke all previous records for booth sales and was the largest in AAHOA history and Florida hotelier Bharat Patel, CHO, CHIA, was elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. To celebrate the launch of the new foundation, delegates pledged to donate to the foundation, with the goal of raising $50,000 in the first week during the trade show.
At the event, the ex-Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel said, “I can think of no better way to conclude my chairmanship of AAHOA than by launching the AAHOA Charitable Foundation. AAHOA members are hardworking, creative, and entrepreneurial. They are also generous and community-minded. The AAHOA Charitable Foundation gives all of our members a new outlet to continue supporting our communities.”
The new Chairman Bharat Patel said, “AAHOA is seeking contributions from members and no contribution too small. Through charitable golf tournaments, hurricane relief efforts and other charitable activities, AAHOA members believe in giving back to our local communities.”
President & CEO Laura Lee Blake said, “AAHOA members own hotels in thousands of communities in all 50 states, which provide safe and comfortable accommodations for 3.5 million guests each night, along with employing one million workers. Our members stand strong as pillars of their communities and care deeply about those who need help. They contribute in so many ways. Through the AAHOA Charitable Foundation, our members will have a new way to support charitable activities that will make a remarkable difference in each and every community across the country.”
Educational sessions and Entertainment
The main attractions of the AAHOACON23 were the informative sessions and the bustling trade displays. At the Los Angeles Coliseum, which is commemorating its 100th birthday, a welcome reception was held. At the AAHOA Block Party, skateboarders, a DJ, and food trucks paid homage to an urban LA street scene. Hasan Minhaj, an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host of Indian descent, delivered the keynote address on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Thursday night featured a Garba dance also. Mika Singh, Geeta Jhala & Raman Kapoor performed during the Gala reception on Friday night.
We ignore the present and don’t do things at the right time: Swami Brahmaviharidas
AAHOACON23 also invited top spiritual leaders. On Thursday, Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, BAPS Spiritual Leader, addressed the delegates. Swami Brahmaviharidas, the keynote speaker, was outstanding in his discussion of "something missing something fulfilling." He said, “AAHOA is more than the largest association on this planet. It's a symbol of growing together with unity. I want to emphasise the fact that the past is history and the future is a mystery. We often forget the present which is within our reach. We ignore the present and don’t do things at the right time. If you take care of today, tomorrow will take care of itself. We need leaders who are desireless, selfless and fearless.”
As a human being, you have the power to shape your circumstances: Sadhguru
Honourable Sadhguru, founder and head of ISHA Foundation, was a keynote speaker on Friday. He said, “If you do not have the awareness to know what you should choose, put your heart and soul into whatever is on hand right now. Simply throw yourself 100% into what you are doing right now without entanglement. As long as you think someone else is responsible for the way you are, you cannot become the way you want to be."
Sadhguru said, “Before you expect someone else to be the way you want them to be, you must become the way you want yourself to be. If you accept what is there right now, everything will become part of you. If you resist it, everything will be a problem.”
He added, "Only a Human is a Being, which means you have the capacity to be the way you want to Be. As a human being, you have the power to shape your circumstances. When you do it consciously, you can create the life you want. Raising consciousness is a powerful way to honour the past and create a bolder future.”
AAHOA Women’s Luncheon
The event included a Women’s Luncheons. On Wednesday session, “Landslide Victory (AAHOA Women’s Luncheon)” featured Denise Thomas, founder & Owner, The Effective Communication Coach; Lina Patel, AAHOA Women Hoteliers Director Eastern Division; and Tejal Patel, AAHOA Women’s Hoteliers Director Western Division.
Thursday’s session was entitled “Women Own The Room Presents: Setting The Foundation For Successful Hotel Ownership,” hosted by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The session featured Bella Silverberg, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Stacey Nadolny, SVP, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; and Helen Zaver, SVP, Colliers Hotels U.S.
During the event, Rahul Patel (CHO) was announced as the new AAHOA Secretary for 2023-24. Virdee won top prize in the AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition which was Co-Powered by HFTP.
