NEW CHAIRMAN TURNS A PAGE IN AAHOA’S HISTORY

MIRAJ PATEL OFFICIALLY became AAHOA’s chairman as the association’s 35th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Orlando ended on Friday. At 26, he is the
youngest person to take on the leadership role.

However, Patel also is a second-generation hotelier who began his career in hospitality at a young age, growing up in his family’s first 30-room independent
property. He served as an AAHOA committee member for several years and joined the AAHOA board of directors in 2019 after being elected as young professional
director Western Division.

“Serving as the youngest chair in the association’s history further demonstrates AAHOA’s commitment to fostering the growth and success of the next generation,”
Miraj said. “I’m always encouraging young professionals not to let age determine success. Many times, people may say you’re too young, but that is absolutely not
true. There are so many folks who are young but still do whatever it takes to find success. If you never try, you’ll never know what you’re capable of achieving.”