Asian American Hotel Owners Association hosts event to help next-gen hoteliers

February 11, 2024

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Scenes from the HYPE conference in early February 2024, organized by AAHOA to help the next generation of hoteliers. PHOTO: AAHOA

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association, AAHOA, whose members are overwhelming of Indian origin, held its inaugural Helping Young Professionals Evolve, HYPE Ownership Conference last week ending Feb. 9, 2024, in New Orleans. Nearly 200 members gathered to launch the new initiative, a press release from AAHOA said.

Organizers called it a one-of-a-kind event that marked the inception of a platform dedicated to empowering and nurturing the next generation of young professionals in the hospitality industry. The event included educational offerings – panels, round-tables, keynotes, and discussions, and extensive networking opportunities.

“The HYPE Conference allowed us to hear firsthand from our young members about their ideas and concerns regarding the future of our industry,” Tanmay Patel, Young Professional Director Western Division, is quoted saying in the press release. “It was enlightening to hear from so many young people about their hopes and dreams for taking the work started by their parents, in many cases, and how they hope to better position the industry for future success.”

“The feedback we received from attendees and the interaction we saw illustrates there is a great need for our industry to nurture our connection to future leaders,” said Dylan Patel, Young Professional Director Eastern Division. “Their commitment to elevate the industry to new heights is evident.”

The Keynote Speaker Michael Hyatt, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and executive chairman of DataStealth, spoke about the evolution of technology, and how it has affected our way of life in the workforce by making us more efficient. He discussed how leaders of tomorrow in any industry should embrace the changes, and explore how they can utilize the evolution of technology in their industry.

“AAHOA is thrilled to bring to the industry a game-changing initiative that will truly support and evolve the future of hospitality,” said AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel. “Our intent was to create a platform to give a stronger voice to young professionals, who play a crucial role in shaping and driving innovation within the hospitality industry. This week showed us that our future is in good hands with the next generation of hoteliers!”