Indian American women hotel-owners hold successful two-day conference

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Women hoteliers from across the US converged at the 2024 HerOwnership Conference mid-September, hosted by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, AAHOA, in Redondo Beach, California.

The two-day event “crafted by women for women in the hospitality industry” centered around the empowering themes of executive presence, hotel ownership, and mental health and wellness, a September 17, press release from AAHOA said.

The conference was successful in terms of networking, taking leadership, and thriving in an industry where women’s voices were critical, the organization said.

Some 300 people attended the event, which marked the third annual HerOwnership Conference for AAHOA.

“The hospitality industry stands out because women comprise most of the workforce,” AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel is quoted saying in the press release. “They are not only the backbone of our families but also our industry and association.”

According to AAHOA, women make up about 40% of its membership today. And AAHOA owns more than 50 percent of the hospitality industry in the country.

“As we celebrate our 35th anniversary and reflect on the work and growth, we see how women members have played a crucial role in our association’s development and success,” Miraj Patel added.

Keynote speakers included Neeti Dewan, author, speaker, and CEO, who spoke on “Mindset Makeover: Personal and Business Growth Strategies of Top Women Hoteliers.”

Raji Brar, co-founder of The Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association and chief operating officer of Countryside, spoke on “Building Bridges: The Power of Women in Political Engagement.”

The event featured breakout sessions covering each of this year’s conference’s pillars. There were also two pre-conference masterclasses: one by Kalibri Labs on commercial strategy and the second by Gauthier, Murphy & Houghtaling on insurance-purchasing essentials.

“The energy and unity of women hoteliers from across the country was truly inspiring,” said Shetal Zina Patel, Women Hoteliers Director, Western Division. “HerOwnership is not just about breaking barriers, but about creating lasting change—ensuring that future generations of women in our industry are equipped to lead with confidence and vision.”

Networking breaks, ownership conversations, and panel discussions also took place along with the La Dolce Vita Festa Reception.

“The reception reminded attendees to embrace la dolce vita, or “the sweet life,” with the Redondo Beach sunset as the backdrop,” organizers said.

The Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina on-site team had carried out elaborate decor, service, and special touches.

“Being surrounded by remarkable women in hospitality, all eager to learn and support each other, is truly empowering,” said Purnima Patel, Women Hoteliers Director, Eastern Division, adding, “The HerOwnership Conference is not just an event but a movement. We are creating spaces for women to thrive, grow, and own their success in an industry where their leadership redefines the future.”

The date and location of the next HerOwnership Conference is yet to be decided. But AAHOA said it plans to hold regional events across the country.