April 02, 2025

Center Stage at AAHOACON25: Your All-Access Preview

As AAHOACON25 approaches, we’re thrilled to share what’s in store on the General Session main stage. This year’s lineup is packed with inspiring keynotes, game-changing announcements, and candid conversations with some of the biggest names in hospitality. Here's your day-by-day guide:

TUESDAY, April 15

3:30-5:30 p.m., Hall E, New Orleans Convention Center

Setting the Stage for AAHOACON25
We kick things off with inspiration, impact, and action. Don’t miss this powerful Opening General Session featuring:

• A keynote from Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

• The AAHOA Charitable Foundation

• Important updates from AAHOA Leadership

• A Member Open Forum, where your voice helps shape the future of AAHOA
   

WEDNESDAY, April 16

9-11 a.m., Hall E, New Orleans Convention Center

The Future Starts Here
Big announcements. Bold conversations. And your voice in the future of AAHOA.
Day 2 includes:

• The reveal of major new AAHOA initiatives to help members grow and thrive

• A can’t-miss panel, “Power Players: Insights from Hospitality’s Top Leaders,” moderated by Teague Hunter, President & CEO, Hunter Hotel Advisors. Panelists include Al Patel, President, Baywood Hotels; DJ Rama, CEO, Auro Hotels; Justin G. Knight, CEO & Director, Apple REIT; Mit Shah, CEO, Noble Investment Group; and Mitch Patel, Founder & CEO, Vision Hospitality Group. This group of powerhouse hoteliers will break down where the industry is headed and what it means for hotel owners in 2025 and beyond.

• Candidate speeches and the Secretary Debate for the 2025 AAHOA Elections

THURSDAY, April 17

9-11 a.m., Hall E, New Orleans Convention Center

Closing Out with Insight and Impact
Our final General Session celebrates excellence and looks ahead with thought leaders at the helm of global brands.

• Presentation of the 2024 AAHOA Awards

• A dynamic keynote from brand-building visionary Rohan Oza

• A powerhouse brand panel you won’t want to miss, "A View from the Top: Shaping the Future of Hospitality,”  moderated by Jagruti Panwala, AAHOA Past Chairwoman (2019-20), featuring Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotels; Greg Juceam, President & CEO, Extended Stay America; Ritesh Agarwal, Chairperson, G6 Hospitality; Danny Hughes, President, Americas, Hilton; Liam Brown, Group President, U.S. & Canada, Marriott International; Zack Gharib, President, Red Roof; Keith Pierce, EVP, Sonesta International Hotels; and Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

GALA SPOTLIGHT: AAHOACON’s Grand Finale!

Thursday, April 17, 6 p.m.–12 midnight, Hall E, New Orleans Convention Center
Gala and Entertainment Sponsored by: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

We’re closing out AAHOACON25 in unforgettable fashion with a night of music, culture, and celebration.

• Live Performance by Guru Randhawa: Global Punjabi pop star and YouTube sensation with hits like “Lahore” and “High Rated Gabru”

• The AAHOA Mardi Gras Parade: For the first time ever, experience a Mardi Gras celebration like no other—floats, music, beads, and unforgettable energy, all right inside the convention center. Thank you to our Float Sponsors: Acculock, Chase, DISH Business, G6 Hospitality, GMH, Hilton, M3, and National Tax Group.

Get ready for three days of powerful programming, unforgettable experiences, and meaningful connections. We can't wait to see you in New Orleans!