AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association), the largest hotel owners association in the world, held its Spring National Advocacy Conference (SNAC) in Washington, D.C., bringing together hotel owners from across the country to engage directly with lawmakers. As part of AAHOA’s year-round advocacy efforts, these national advocacy conferences take place twice a year—each spring and fall—to ensure that the voices of America’s hotel owners remain a priority in federal policymaking.

With a new administration in office, this year’s conference allowed AAHOA Members to focus on several critical issues, including efforts to increase SBA loan limits through the Loans in Our Neighborhoods Act (LIONS Act), support favorable tax reforms, push for the Credit Card Competition Act to protect small businesses, and address the ongoing labor shortage that continues to impact the industry.

“AAHOA Members are not just business owners—they are job creators, community leaders, and the backbone of the hospitality industry,” AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel said. “At SNAC, we ensured that lawmakers heard directly from those on the front lines about the challenges and opportunities in our industry. From expanding access to capital to tackling the labor shortage, these issues are critical to the long-term success of our industry, and we will continue pushing for solutions that help our members thrive.”

Day 1 – Advocacy Education, Keynote Speaker, Congressional Reception

This year’s event featured keynote speaker Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL), who addressed challenges facing small business owners, particularly the need for higher SBA loan limits.

“There is currently a cap of $5 million,” Bean noted. “Does that even get you a hotel anymore? It does not. We need to increase that limit so you can actually finance your projects.”

Bean also reflected on an AAHOA Back of the House Tour he joined in Florida, emphasizing its value in educating lawmakers.

“Business owners from all over shared their challenges,” he said. “I encourage you to invite your state representatives—you know hospitality better than anyone. You’re flexing your muscle here and at home, and that’s how you tell your story. If you don’t make noise, we won’t know the full impact.”

AAHOA Members also heard from Hailey Borden, Special Assistant to the President and Director of Business Outreach at the White House, who discussed efforts to support businesses through deregulation, tax reform, and other policies.

“You were a key component in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which helped you invest in your hotels and employees,” Borden said. “We want to do that again—on a larger scale.”

The evening concluded with a Congressional Reception, where AAHOA Members engaged in discussions with lawmakers, including Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL), Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and other members of Congress.

Day 2 – Advocacy in Action

On the second day, AAHOA Members participated in hundreds of in-person meetings with members of Congress and their staff, ensuring that the hospitality industry’s priorities were front and center. These discussions focused on advocating for solutions that will drive industry stability, promote competition, and support small business owners.

Key Legislative Priorities:

• Expanding access to capital by supporting HR 1893 & S.901 Loans In Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act, which seeks to increase the maximum loan amount for Small Business Administration 7(a) and 504 loans from $5 million to $10 million. The bipartisan bill was introduced last week by Reps. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) and Mark Alford (R-MO), and on the Senate side by Sen. Thomas Tillis (R-NC).
• Introducing more competition in credit card processing via the Credit Card Competition Act aims to introduce more competition in credit card processing, potentially saving businesses billions annually by reducing transaction fees.
• Supporting tax reforms by providing targeted tax relief and extending critical provisions that support economic growth.
• Addressing the ongoing labor shortage through the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (EWEA), a bipartisan bill that provides a new H-2C nonimmigrant classification for individuals coming to the United States.

Other key initiatives included supporting the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, which aims to provide clarity and fairness in pricing structures for hoteliers and guests, and fighting human trafficking in the hospitality industry.

“When AAHOA Members engage, policymakers listen,” AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake said. “This conference was about more than just discussions—it was about action. The hundreds of meetings we had with lawmakers reinforce our commitment to ensuring the needs of hotel owners are prioritized. With a new administration in place, now is the time to shape policies that strengthen small businesses, support economic growth, and ensure the future success of the hospitality industry.”

About AAHOA

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $51.3 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.