WITH DISNEYWORLD AND Universal Studios as a backdrop, the AAHOA Convention & Trade Show 2024 got under way in Orlando, Florida, Tuesday. The show had just begun but attendees were already feeling excited about the week.
“I think that is great, the venue is great, and the turnout,” said Raj Patel, CEO of Apsilon Hotels in Atlanta. “This is going to be an excellent show. Looking forward to it.”
More than 6,000 people registered to attend the trade show with more than 1,000 booths and 520 exhibitors. Keynote speakers included:
- Kevin O’Leary, businessman, SPAC investor, director of Stream Global Services, chairman of O’Shares ETF Investments and Beanstox.
- Rashmi Airan, professional speaker and coach, speaking at the HerOwnership Women Hoteliers Luncheon and Session.
- Rahul Kapoor, mindset coach, motivational speaker and author.
“It's going to be a fantastic show. It's going to be some great conversations, good educational seminars too,” said Raj Trivedi, former La Quinta Hotels head and now managing principal at TST Capital in Dallas. “Most importantly, it’s a lot of fun. I think people are going to have a great time.”
Attendees Tuesday filled the Grand Ballroom at the Rosen Centre Hotel for the AAHOACON24
“Miami Vice” themed welcoming reception. Former AAHOA Chairman Neal Patel was in that crowd.
“It's amazing. Just look around the energy on here. It's unparalleled to anything else. I'm so excited to be here,” Neal said. “I'm looking forward to connecting with our membership and our friends. And, we're looking forward to make our industry even stronger.”
The tradeshow floor, with more than 1,000 booths and 520 exhibitors, was still under construction.
Neal had no problem with the fact that incoming AAHOA Chairman Miraj Patel would take his record as the youngest person to serve in the position.
“Well, it's amazing, because I feel that you're paving a path to the younger generation and we need a great balance between the older experienced leaders and younger people coming into the association,” he said. “I feel that he will do an amazing job leading our association and continue to building on what our predecessors have done.”
The following days of AAHOACON24 would see the annual AAHOA Block Party, held this year at Icon Park. On Friday the conference will wrap with Gala Night featuring Bollywood style entertainment by Abhijeet Sawant, winner of the first season of Indian Idol, and Abhinanda Sarkaar, a performer at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Elections for new officers also will be held.
Rep. Aaron Bean delivers keynote addressPhoto credit: AAHOA