HB On The Scene: AAHOA Task: To Get More Members More Actively Involved

LONG BEACH, CA— Is the Asian American Hotel Owners Association doing a better job of “getting the word out” to outside political and business sources than it is to its own membership? That might well seem to be the case, given audience response to a series of questions posed by AAHOA Secretary Nash Patel opening this morning’s proceedings at the organization’s 2003 Annual Conference and Trade Show here. While this “open” session did much to reinforce AAHOA’s commitment to disclosure and transparency, it similarly pointed out the association has some work ahead of it in terms of spurring its membership to “buy into” the organization’s myriad educational, informational and networking offerings. For instance, audience response indicated more than half (52%) of the association’s members are still not using AAHOA.com to their full advantage. Additionally, while 31% indicated they are not involved in the Certified Hotel Owner program, but intend to pursue it, another 57% claimed they are not familiar with the program and have no intention of getting involved. Additionally, nearly half of those in attendance (49%) said they don’t attend AAHOA Town Hall meetings. Finally, more than one-fourth of those responding (29%) maintained they don’t read the organization’s own publication, AAHOA Lodging Business.—Michael Billig