The election took place during AAHOA�s annual convention which was held January 5 through 7, 2000 in Las Vegas. Patel�s term lasts until the group�s next convention, scheduled for Atlantic City in March, 2001.

During his inaugural speech in Las Vegas, Patel outlined the four areas he will focus on during his chairmanship: (1) making agreements between franchisees and franchisors more equitable, (2) raising AAHOA�s visibility on legislative issues in Washington, D.C., (3) encouraging hoteliers to more effectively use the latest computer technology, and (4) reorganizing AAHOA to better serve its members and the traveling public.

�My career in hospitality began in 1989 in the Pacific Northwest and I very much value my many professional as well as personal friendships in the industry which have enabled me to be active in various civic and trade groups,� said Patel, who served as president of the Oregon Lodging Association (OLA) from 1997 to 1999, and
has also been active in the AH&MA.

�Having the opportunity to serve as chairman of one of the world�s most respected and most influential hospitality associations is a huge honor, but it is an even greater responsibility�to our members, to our industry, and to consumers,� added Patel. �I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity.�

Based in Atlanta, AAHOA conducts a wide range of professional education, advocacy, and assistance programs. Its members own more than 18,000 hotels, primarily in the economy lodging market, which together have more than a million rooms and employ about one million people. 

Buggsi Hospitality Group is based in the Portland suburb of Lake Oswego. It owns and operates independent hotels as well as franchised hotels under the Best Western, Super 8, and Microtel brands.