On Tuesday, October 17, Mid Atlantic Regional Director Mahendra (MZ) Patel, alongside his team of Ambassadors, hosted the Mid Atlantic Regional Conference & Trade Show in Cherry Hill, NJ. The event brought together more than 250 hoteliers and 50+ vendors, who presented the latest industry products and services during the trade show. 

In addition to the vibrant trade show, attendees participated in an informative education session and experienced networking opportunities. 

The event also featured esteemed elected officials and industry leaders as guest speakers:

• Theresa Hilton, Deputy Director at the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Division of Criminal Justice, is pivotal in overseeing sexual and domestic violence prevention policy and criminal enforcement efforts. AAHOA, representing 20,000 hotel owners, is at the forefront of the industry's fight against human trafficking. Hilton's insights on combatting human trafficking in New Jersey were invaluable to the hoteliers in the room. 

• Zak Pyzik, Public Affairs Senior Director of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA). He provided insights into the association's work in promoting, protecting, and educating Pennsylvania's hospitality and tourism industries. AAHOA Members contribute significantly to Pennsylvania's economy, generating $2.3 billion in annual hotel sales and $8.4 billion to the state's GDP. Pyzik's presence underscored AAHOA’s collaborative approach with influential state associations to help hoteliers succeed. 

• New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblyman William Spearman, and Congressman Andy Kim all recognized the significance of the industry in the region. In New Jersey, AAHOA Members generate 72,196 jobs and $4.3 billion in annual wages, salaries, and other compensation. The participation of these elected officials in the regional event showed their understanding of the importance of hotel businesses to the communities they represent. 

Additionally, attendees heard directly from AAHOA leadership, including Chairman Bharat Patel and President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. They delivered updates on the association's advocacy work with the New Jersey Assembly Bill 1958 and the 12 Points Educational Webinar Series. New Jersey has been at the forefront of fair franchising legislation, and AAHOA continues to support members who operate under the franchising model. By the end of the event, attendees had contributed $16,462 to the AAHOA PAC.

“The enthusiastic participation of hoteliers, industry partners, and local leaders underscored the significance of regional events to the industry,” Mid Atlantic Regional Director Mahendra (MZ) Patel said. “These events pave the way for a brighter future," 

Enjoy photo highlights from the event: