AAHOACON25 Top Takeaways: Power, Purpose & Possibility in the Big Easy

This year, over 5,000 hospitality professionals and more than 500 vendors gathered in the heart of New Orleans for AAHOACON25—an event as energizing as the city’s jazz rhythms and as bold as its flavors. With over 85,000 square feet of vendor space and perfect weather for outdoor events, the conference was a celebration of industry innovation, leadership, and the future of hospitality.

Here are the top takeaways that made this year’s AAHOACON unforgettable:

1. Leadership from the Inside Out: Reflection, Vision & Collaboration

AAHOACon25 opened with a powerful reminder that great leadership begins within. Keynote speaker Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led attendees in a guided meditation, setting a tone of mindfulness and self-awareness.

“Hospitality starts with how we treat ourselves. When we are centered, we serve from a place of peace.” – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

That inner clarity set the stage for bold ideas and shared purpose. Branding visionary Rohan Oza inspired with lessons in storytelling and disruption, while a rare CEO Super Session brought together executives from Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham, Red Roof, Sonesta, and more. Their unified message emphasized the power of collaboration across brands and ownership groups.

Strategic partnerships—most notably with M3 and Blackstone—underscored this spirit of alignment, marking a new era of investment in AAHOA’s long-term mission and member success.

2.  Intentional Networking in an Unforgettable Setting

AAHOACon25 proved that when time is tight, connection gets sharper. The shorter, high-energy schedule pushed attendees to be more intentional, creating space for deep, high-impact networking—whether on the buzzing trade floor or during the jazz-filled Block Party.

And what better place than New Orleans to turn conversation into celebration? From the Riverwalk Welcome Reception to Fulton Street’s Block Party and the Mardi Gras-themed Gala, the city itself became part of the experience.

3. Future Talent Takes the Spotlight

The Collegiate Hotel Turnaround Championship returned for its second year, and the momentum is real. Featuring 14 student teams from 7 universities, the competition put 27 rising stars through real-world simulations powered by Russell Partnership Technology. These students tackled the same business challenges industry leaders face—making strategic decisions, defending them in boardroom pitches, and leading with confidence.

“These students aren’t just competing—they’re auditioning for the future of hospitality.” – Dr. Suzanne Bagnera

Congratulations to Virginia Tech for the Judges’ Award and Kennesaw State University for the People’s Choice win. 

The competing universities included:

• Virginia Tech

• Kennesaw State University

• Florida International University

• University of South Carolina

• Grand Valley State University

• University of Memphis

• Northwestern State University

  
  

And yes—recruiters were watching. With an expanded audience and buzz throughout the trade show floor, this championship is fast becoming a must-see moment at AAHOACon.

People’s Choice Winner, Ella at Kennesaw State University

FIU Teams: (L-R) – Leah Sylvester, Suzanne, Amy Leal, Yasmin Bryan, Adam Dwelley

Competition Day with all teams, faculty, and event co-hosts (Duane Zubar & Heidi Anaya)

4. Culture & Consistency: The New Workforce Standard

One of the most well-attended panels, “From Check-In to Stick: Building a Team that Stays,” tackled hospitality’s HR challenges head-on. Moderated by Dr. Suzanne Bagnera, the session featured insights from Tim Flohr, Dr. Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch, and Karen Dicke, and focused on creating strong cultures that foster retention.

“We can’t outsource culture. The employee experience is ours to build—and that begins with great leadership.” – Dr. Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch

Panelists: Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch, Tim Flohr, Karen Dicke, Suzanne Bagnera

AAHOACON25 was more than a conference—it was a movement. It reminded us that leadership can be bold and compassionate, that culture matters just as much as capital, and that the future of hospitality is bright. Let’s carry that energy forward until we meet again in Philadelphia.

Dr. Suzanne Bagnera is an Assistant Professor and Director of Executive Education at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. 

Dr. Miranda Kitterlin-Lynch is an Associate Professor and Coca-Cola Endowed Professor in the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.