ATLANTA, GA: Close to 3,500 attendees descended on San Antonio, Texas, for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Annual Convention, which was held March 26-29. In addition, almost 450 vendors participated in the much anticipated Trade Show, which is also part of the event. Guest presenters from the political arena included U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger.

"AAHOA’s success depends on an informed and engaged membership," said Chairman Ashwin "Ash" Patel. "Speakers like U.S. Secretary of Labor Chao and Senator Hutchison help us to acquire the knowledge and skills to become politically involved so that we can take an active role in the democratic process.

We greatly appreciate their time and the effort it took them to be here." On March 27, AAHOA featured representatives from Afterburner, a group of male and female Fighter Pilots who train business leaders to use Flawless Execution tools and techniques. On March 28, the featured speaker was retired NFL coach Jimmy Johnson. Johnson was the first coach in football history to secure both a Super Bowl title and a national collegiate championship, and he is one of only four coaches to win back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

On Saturday, March 29, popular USA Today columnists Bob Beckel and Cal Thomas took the stage. Beckel, a liberal Democratic strategist, and Thomas, a political conservative, write a column called "Common Ground," in which they present both sides of contentious issues in order to find shared beliefs about which both liberals and conservatives can agree. During AAHOA’s elections, which take place every year at their convention, Hemant D. Patel was voted in as new Treasurer of the association. In addition, a new Board of Directors was elected, with four incumbents winning re-election and seven new Regional Directors joining the board.

AAHOA offers superior educational opportunities to its members. During this year’s convention, 15 professional development sessions were available to attendees, including a compelling main stage Industry Issues Panel moderated by Robert Zarco, with Zarco, Einhorn & Salkowski P.A. Other popular panels focused on Fair Franchising, Women and Leadership, and environmentally friendly products and services for the lodging industry. Each year, AAHOA books some of the most famous Bollywood entertainers for its conventions.

This year’s performers included Sunidhi Chauhan, the Sabri Brothers, and Sanjeevani, Babla Mehta, Vandna Vajpai, and Vipin Sachdeva in Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya - "A Salute to the Legend."