In Episode 5 of The Owner’s Lounge, Sandip takes us straight to Washington, D.C. for AAHOA’s annual Capitol Hill Advocacy Week. From meeting with lawmakers to interviewing fellow hoteliers, this episode captures the energy, urgency, and real-life impact of speaking up for the hospitality industry. If you’ve ever wondered why advocacy matters—or how one voice can ripple into billions of dollars in tax revenue—you’ll hear it loud and clear in this recap.

Through candid conversations with AAHOA leaders and members, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the big issues shaping hotel ownership right now: from increasing SBA loan limits to fighting costly visa fees, protecting against runaway minimum wage mandates, and making sure hotel owners—not just franchisors—get a fair shake. And yes, you’ll also hear the quote of the week that sums it up perfectly: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Whether you’ve been to D.C. before or this is your first taste of advocacy, this episode shows why it’s vital for every owner to get involved, contribute, and be part of the conversation.

In this episode you’ll hear about:
• Why raising SBA loan limits from $5M to $10M could transform hotel growth
• How proposed visa fees could backfire, costing billions in lost tourism revenue
• What happened when LA passed a $30 minimum wage—and how San Diego hoteliers fought back
• Why PAC contributions give hotel owners a real voice with legislators
• The bottom line: advocacy is proactive, not reactive—and it starts with you

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