Hotelier Weekly
October 26, 2023
Visual Matrix
AAHOA News
  
The second annual AAHOA HerOwnership Conference & Retreat is ONE WEEK AWAY!
 
This event isn't just your typical conference; it's an experience, a gathering of incredible women hoteliers, engaging discussions, and opportunities like no other. With anticipation building and preparations in full swing, Team AAHOA has a special treat for you. Watch the new promo video for the HerOwnership Conference & Retreat, and get a taste of the excitement that's about to unfold.
 
Space is limited, and this event will sell out. Secure your spot today!
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The North Pacific Charity Golf Tournament took place on Thursday, October 19, in Milpitas, CA. The event, hosted by North Pacific Regional Director Ankit Panchal, welcomed hoteliers from across the region. Against the backdrop of breathtaking Silicon Valley views, AAHOA Members enjoyed a day of friendly rounds of golf and raised nearly $60,000 for charity.
 
The proceeds from the event will go to the AAHOA Charitable Foundation and the Bharatiya Mandal Foundation.
 
The AAHOA Charitable Foundation, launched earlier this year, has set its sights on providing disaster relief, educational scholarships and grants, charitable initiatives for worthy causes, and humanitarian aid.
 
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Mandal Foundation, dedicated to preserving the rich Gujarati heritage, maintains its cultural legacy through an array of events while also extending its hand to support the San Francisco Bay Area. This mission holds a special significance for numerous AAHOA Members who share deep roots in the Gujarati heritage.
 
The event received support from various industry partners, with sponsors like Wyndham, the California Hotel & Lodging Association, and NewGen Advisory contributing significantly to the day's success. Their involvement underscored AAHOA’s commitment to making a difference in the community.
 
Finally, this charity golf tournament could not have occurred were it not for Regional Director Panchal and local Ambassadors who put in many hours of preparation. Their dedication made the event successful and impactful.
 
This event wraps up the 2023 AAHOA Charity Golf Tournament series. AAHOA can't wait to do it again next year.
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Jyoti Sarolia, the President & CEO of Ellis Hospitality Group and a Lifetime Member of AAHOA, has been recognized among the top women industry leaders in Hotel Management's 2023 Influential Women in Hospitality.
 
These leaders were chosen for their remarkable ability to wield creative influence and exhibit unwavering confidence, leaving a significant impact on the global hospitality market, which reached nearly $4.7 trillion in 2023.
 
Some might say Sarolia was always destined for the hospitality business, as she has been part of the industry since birth.
 
“We lived in our hotel from the time I was born to the age of 12. During that time, at the age of 9, I remember helping with answering the switchboard, being present in the lobby, and greeting guests as they arrived. When I was 12, I accompanied my mom on weekends and during the summer and assisted with the laundry and skillfully putting pillowcases on the pillows. As I got older and more responsible, I assisted with cleaning rooms and making beds. My claim to fame at age 17 was running night audits,” Sarolia shared in her feature for Hotel Management.
 
Join us in celebrating Sarolia's well-deserved recognition, and explore the inspiring stories of other remarkable women who have also earned their place on this prestigious list by reading the featured article here.
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Amerifab International, Inc.
Ajmera Law Group
AAHOA Advocacy in Action
  
The 2023 Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC) officially kicked off in the nation's capital on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. AAHOA Members and leaders from across the country are in D.C. to advocate on issues that matter most to America’s hotel owners.
 
The day's events began with an Ambassador Leadership Summit, which covered the pillars of leadership, the value of integrity and authenticity, and the importance of fostering strong communities.
 
In the afternoon, AAHOA Officers extended a warm welcome, setting the stage for the upcoming advocacy efforts during Capitol Hill meetings. U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne delivered the keynote address. As an industry advocate herself, Rep. Van Duyne expressed her dedication to supporting pro-growth and pro-business policies that empower small business owners and the hospitality industry.
 
AAHOA's Federal Affairs team provided valuable updates on the association's legislative priorities, highlighting the significant role played by the AAHOA PAC in supporting a diverse group of elected officials and policy initiatives. During the presentation, the team announced that AAHOA Members have collectively contributed $450,744 to the AAHOA PAC as of October 16, 2023. Florida Regional Director Chetan (Chris) Patel was recognized for raising the most PAC funds out of all AAHOA regions that afternoon.
 
Later in the day, attendees were treated to a captivating Fireside Chat on the America-India Relationship, featuring Ronak Desai, Of Counsel at Paul Hastings LLP, a recognized expert on Indian affairs. This conversation held particular significance for AAHOA Members, many of whom are actively working to strengthen ties between the U.S. and India, particularly in the context of the Gujarat textile industry.
 
AAHOA’s advocacy efforts not only benefit members and their hotels but have the potential to uplift the communities they live in and serve. FNAC provides AAHOA members with the opportunity to advocate for solutions that can alleviate long standing problems that have impacted hoteliers, who are mostly small business owners. 
 
Stay tuned for further news coverage regarding the events of the Fall National Advocacy Conference.
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HerOwnership
  
Are you an aspiring woman executive looking to take your personal brand to the next level? Look no further! Heather Carnes, the EVP of Communications and Chief Strategy Officer at AAHOA, will lead a personal branding masterclass from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, at the HerOwnership Conference & Retreat. The masterclass, titled "Building Your Brand, Defining Your Success, and Shaping Your Future," will help women hoteliers uncover strengths, conquer self-doubt, pinpoint their niche, and gain the skills to shape, promote, and evolve their brand.
 
In her current role at AAHOA, Carnes focuses on organizational strategy, marketing and communications, organizational culture and HR, education/program development, and strategic partnerships. Carnes has been a key member of the AAHOA team for four years and has dedicated nearly her entire career to the association space.
 
“In this interactive masterclass, we’ll roll up our sleeves, get vulnerable with ourselves (and each other), discover who we are and what we have to offer to the world, learn how to shamelessly and unapologetically promote ourselves and the value we offer, overcome the very real and valid fear of showing up and putting ourselves out there, embrace authenticity and confidence, develop our core thought leadership topics and content strategy, and get to work,” Carnes shared.
 
Don't miss the opportunity to take part in this Masterclass. Space is capped at 25 spots, so register to secure your spot today.
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Red Roof Inn
dormakaba USA Inc.
Member Testimonial
  
“It’s my sincere wish that each attendee experiences the power and support of the HerOwnership community. I hope everyone leaves with a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie."

-Nancy Patel, former North Georgia Regional Director (2007-2009) and AAHOA Lifetime Member, shared about the upcoming HerOwnership Conference & Retreat
DIRECTV Hospitality
Featured Club Blue Member
  
New Orleans-based Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling Law has had a leading role in litigation that has shaped the civil landscape in the U.S. for more than 50 years. Their attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in many areas, including business litigation, natural disaster litigation, class actions, insurance disputes, and more and have secured hundreds of billions of dollars (yes, with a "B") in verdicts and settlements for their clients. Check out their website to see how they can help with your legal needs.
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Hotel Equities
Featured Platinum/Silver Partner
  
PMC Commercial Trust offers conventional and SBA loan programs for the acquisition, refinancing, renovation and construction of businesses with commercial real estate throughout the country as principal lenders. PMC has been granted Preferred Lender (PLP) status from the SBA, which allows for a faster turn-around time at the SBA. Since the early 90’s, PMC’s focus has been on the hospitality industry, assisting start up individuals as well as multi property owners in obtaining the financing that best fits their needs. Visit the website, then contact Kristi Lewis-Hodge (loans@pmctrust.com) to get started.
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Red Lion Hotel Corp - Sonesta
Alliance Laundry Systems-UniMac
Featured Member Benefit
  
AAHOA is proud to collaborate with Kennesaw State University to establish the Michael Leven and Lee Dushoff AAHOA Scholarship for Compassionate Leadership. This annual scholarship will support students seeking an undergraduate degree in hospitality management. For more on the qualifications and how to apply, please call 470-578-2206. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the scholarship endowment, please click here.
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Industry News
With hospitality often slow to adopt new technology-based offerings, is the industry destined to be playing permanent catch-up while other industries are staying several steps ahead?
(Source: HospitalityNet)
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A scourge the world over, hoteliers are using cutting-edge technology to identify and eliminate bedbugs.
(Source: BBC)
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Due to rising interest rates, supply-chain inconsistencies, and other market forces, hoteliers face as many obstacles as ever, and staying informed on the challenges in the industry is key to continued success.
(Source: ConnectCRE)
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Intellihot
Today's Hotelier - In Case You Missed It

OCTOBER ISSUE

The October 2023 issue of Today's Hotelier magazine is out now! This month, we turn our focus to industry advocacy, including AAHOA’s current advocacy priorities, the collective power of advocacy, and much more.

Featured Content

Join thousands of AAHOA Members, brand CEOs, and industry professionals by subscribing to our magazine. Receive every digital issue of Today’s Hotelier as soon as it’s released to the public. Click here to subscribe.

   
In the Market
  
Truist Securities reports, “Overall U.S. RevPAR was +2.9% y/y for the week ending 10/21/2023, per STR, above the prior week's result of +0.8%, and above the trailing 10-week average of +2.1%. Versus 2019, RevPAR was +18.8%, above the prior week’s result of +13.5%, and above the trailing 10-week average of +15.1%. Last week was a clean comp. The relative outperformance of Group drove relative strength in the Upper Upscale and Upscale segments. Group RevPAR y/y was +5.5% vs. Transient +1.6%. Upscale RevPAR: +4.8% y/y and +12.5% vs. 2019; Upper Midscale RevPAR: +1.8% y/y and +18.7% vs. 2019.”
For more, read the full report here, and read the China/Europe report here.
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