AAHOA North Texas Conference Puts Focus on Costs, Advocacy

Federal advocacy, rising costs and North Texas market data topped the Oct. 29 program in Irving.

By Nathan Snyder, Editor · November 3, 2026

Hotel owners, elected officials and hospitality leaders gathered in Irving on Oct. 29 for AAHOA’s 2026 North Texas Hotel Owners Conference & Trade Show, a program that, according to AAHOA, centered on federal advocacy priorities, rising business costs and association resources available to members.

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), who represents Texas’ 24th Congressional District, was among the featured speakers, AAHOA said. Van Duyne has connected with AAHOA members on several occasions, including a prior Back of the House Tour in North Texas and the keynote at AAHOA’s 2023 Fall National Advocacy Conference, where she discussed issues affecting hoteliers and small-business owners.

Scott Joslove, president and CEO of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, also spoke during the program. AAHOA Ambassador Darshna Patel encouraged members to take part in AAHOA’s national advocacy conferences, while AAHOA Ambassador and Paris, Texas, Mayor Mihir Pankaj spoke about the importance of engaging with local elected officials.

Visit Dallas leaders Michael Rudowski, vice president of research and insights, and Brad Kent, senior vice president and chief sales officer, led an afternoon education session sharing market data and insights on the North Texas hospitality industry, according to AAHOA.

AAHOA Chairman Rahul Patel provided an update on the association’s direction, including its updated mission and vision, core values and upcoming strategic plan. He also reviewed member benefits and business solutions that can help hotel owners reduce expenses, access capital and improve operations.

Federal advocacy was a major topic throughout the conference. AAHOA outlined priorities that include access to capital, labor issues, joint-employer clarity, credit card swipe fees, tort reform, tourism promotion and efforts to combat human trafficking. Members also heard about ways to get involved, including hosting hotel tours for elected officials and participating in other advocacy efforts.

The program included an update on the AAHOA Political Action Committee, with discussion of regional fundraising and support for elected officials who address issues affecting hotel owners and small businesses. AAHOA said members were also encouraged to participate in the Nov. 3 general election — the same day this story publishes.

Attendees had time to connect with industry partners, learn about available resources and continue conversations during a reception and dinner after the program. More on AAHOA’s hotel owners conferences and trade shows is at aahoa.com/hotel-owners-conferences-trade-shows.