NATIONAL HARBOR, MD—The 2018 Asian American Hotel Owners Association’s (AAHOA) three-day convention and trade show offered attendees the opportunity to network, see the latest products and trends, and learn about leadership from some of the industry’s best.
“This year’s event surpassed our highest expectations,” said AAHOA President and CEO Chip Rogers, adding that the organization “continues to grow tremendously as an association, both in membership and in our advocacy efforts. Our focus on industry leadership, education, advocacy and professional development continues to drive our record membership growth and influence. AAHOA is the voice of America’s hotel owners.”
Besides its record membership, the association also celebrated its lead advocacy role in helping to pass the recent tax bill, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
The presidents and CEOs of 15 major hotel companies shared their personal stories of achieving excellence and success in life and in business, and shared the leadership styles that influenced them. Companies represented include Best Western Hotels & Resorts, the Carver Companies, Choice Hotels International, G6 Hospitality, Hilton, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), La Quinta Inns & Suites, Magnuson Worldwide, Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group, RLH Corporation, Red Roof, Trump Hotels and Wyndham Hotel Group.
Hitesh Patel, president of Capital City Hospitality Group, took the reins as chairman, while Jagruti Panwala, a second-generation hotelier, became the association’s first-ever female vice chair, and Biran Patel, a hotel owner and partner in BHP Investment Company, became treasurer. Vinay Patel, president of Fairbrook Hotels, was elected to the officer position of secretary by the AAHOA membership.
The 2019 convention will be held April 24-27 at the San Diego Convention Center in California. HB