The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) hosted its second annual Helping Young Professionals Evolve (HYPE) Conference on February 6 and 7 in Mexico City. This marked a significant milestone for the association as its first-ever international conference, bringing together aspiring hospitality leaders. Designed to provide inspiration and foster connections, the event featured engaging discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and expert insights from industry veterans. It further underscored AAHOA’s commitment to empowering young professionals and shaping the future of the hospitality sector.
“The energy at the second annual HYPE Conference was incredible. Bringing together over 200 young professionals in Mexico City to connect, learn, and grow is exactly what AAHOA is all about,” said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel, who holds the distinction of being the youngest chairman in AAHOA’s history. He emphasized the significance of investing in upcoming hoteliers, stating, “Investing in the next generation of hoteliers is not just important—it’s essential to the future of our industry.” Patel also expressed his gratitude to Dylan Patel, AAHOA Young Professional Director Eastern Division, and Tanmay Patel, AAHOA Young Professional Director Western Division, for their dedication in organizing the event.
Approximately 240 attendees took part in the conference, engaging in a series of panel discussions that covered key aspects of the hospitality business. These panels addressed crucial topics such as effective leadership strategies, navigating capital access, exploring opportunities in multifamily housing, the impact of emerging technologies on the industry, and strategies for independent properties to thrive in highly competitive markets.
The event featured two influential keynote speakers who provided valuable insights. Ritesh Agarwal, founder and Group CEO of OYO, shared his experiences in a talk titled “From Startup to Global Impact: A CEO’s Journey as a Young Professional.” He highlighted the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, saying, “When the world expects you to fail, you put in everything to be successful.” Another keynote speaker, Rahul B. Patel, a forward-thinking entrepreneur and managing partner at Patel Gaines, PLLC—one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms—urged attendees to take an active role in advocating for themselves. He delivered an inspiring message: “You have got to be your biggest advocate, so whatever you’re doing—you’ve got to tell people about it. You have got to go outside the box—you have got to be different.”
A major highlight of the conference was an announcement by AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake regarding the establishment of a new Tech Task Force. This initiative, spearheaded by young professionals, aims to identify and implement innovative technologies to advance the hospitality industry.
“HYPE is more than just a conference—it is a launchpad for young professionals to build their networks, gain critical industry insights, and take their careers to the next level,” said Blake. She emphasized the significance of the new initiative, stating, “With the launch of our new Tech Task Force, we are empowering the next generation to lead the way in shaping the future of hospitality through technology and innovation.”