AAHOACON26
Check out a few fun highlights and familiar faces from this year’s AAHOA Convention in Philadelphia.
At the opening reception of AAHOACON 2026, attendees geared up for several days of connection, collaboration, and conversation.
(L to R) Paul Vakharia, Franchise Development Director; Chris Guimbellot, President and CEO; Tejal Patel, Advisory Council member and owner of Scottish Inns & Suites in Hitchcock, Texas; Gary Gobin, Director of Operations; and Pat Cheedie, Franchise Development Director, came together to make AAHOACON26 a fun, productive, and memorable event.
Pat Cheedie (left) and Chris Guimbellot (right) were all smiles as they connected with hotel owners and industry partners from around the country.
Jaimesh Patel (left), Advisory Council member and owner of the Red Carpet Inn in Gibbstown, N.J., and Gary Gobin (right) commemorated Jaimesh’s Legacy Circle recognition, a designation honoring franchisees who have exhibited long-term loyalty and commitment to hihotels.
Chris Guimbellot proudly presents the Legacy Circle certificate to Praful Bhakta, owner of the Passport Inn in Methuen, Massachusetts, honoring his steadfast dedication and lasting impact within the brand.
Glenn Haussman, Host of No Vacancy, official podcast of AAHOACON26, interviewed hihotels’ own Chris Guimbellot, about the inspiration behind hihotels Legacy Circle recognition, what differentiates hihotels from other brands, and more.
Pat Cheedie stood ready to warmly greet hotel owners, industry partners, and prospective franchisees to the vibrant hihotels booth amid the buzz of the tradeshow floor.
Paul Vakharia (right) has a knack for making friends and building new relationships across the tradeshow floor.
The fun extended well beyond the tradeshow at AAHOA’s Stars, Stripes, and Liberty Nights celebration.