NEW YORK, N.Y. – I’ve been to many trade shows over the years, but HX: The Hotel Experience Powered by AAHOA stood out with its sheer optimism and confidence. It was my first time at HX and I spoke with attendees and exhibitors who truly believed in what they were doing. Rather than be threatened by online private accommodations, hoteliers trust that guests will continue to see the inherent value of hotels.
In other industries, it can be a stretch to find products and services truly worthy of awards, but not at the Javits Center in New York. The people, products, and ideas were impressive. During the educational sessions powered by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), attendees found practical advice and plenty of inspiration.
Educational sessions are always tricky. Some are too basic, while others may be too complex. You can’t please everyone, but my conversations with attendees indicate that AAHOA did an excellent job in catering to a group with varied levels of experience.
For example, you would be hard pressed to find a more inspiring conversation than the one presented on stage between Geoffrey A. Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Jagruti Panwala, chairwoman of AAHOA. Ballotti and Panwala are both extremely accomplished within the industry, but they managed to bring a relatable message to a packed house.
For my own part, I was surprised to hear Mr. Ballotti mention an anecdote involving his own experiences volunteering in the therapeutic riding world. Therapeutic riding involves people with varying disabilities who find rehabilitation (mental and physical) in the act of learning to ride a horse. My wife is a therapeutic riding instructor, and Mr. Ballotti also has a relative who is an instructor.
His experiences at the therapeutic riding center have helped to shape his perspectives, and I briefly mentioned my own similar experiences when I ambushed him after the show. I suppose the moral of the story is that you never know what commonalities may be found unless you listen.
Ultimately, the face-to-face show is the best place to make this happen. If you want to get in on the inspiration, there will be another chance to come to fabulous New York City when the next show convenes Nov. 8-9, 2020, at the Javits Center. I hope to see you there.
Greg Thompson is editor of HX: The News, and can be reached via e-mail: [email protected].