Hotel Information

The AIHA Housing block has now closed. 

To change or cancel an existing reservation, contact the hotel directly. Each property's contact information is included in your registration confirmation. Additionally, please review your confirmation for the hotel's cancellation policy. 

If you still require hotel reservations, the registration system now links to ARES Travel, an online booking tool that reflects hotel availability in Columbus over the dates of the conference. Rooms may be available in an AIHA contracted property at available rates. The ARES housing system is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. Questions on hotel policies states or payments made on the ARES website should be directed to the ARES Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.  

Why stay in the bloc​​k?

You help us meet our financial commitments to the hotels. In order to secure a large block of quality hotel rooms at competitive prices in convenient locations, AIHA is legally bound to fill the rooms we contract. By booking in the block, you help us meet our financial obligations, ultimately keeping your registration rates reasonable. AIHA is not alone in this challenge; many associations holding major meetings face this challenge when attendees book outside the block using various Internet services for hotel guest room bookings. While such services might be useful for an individual, the group as a whole – and therefore, AIHA members – suffer.

How does booking out​side the block affect an individual AIHA Connect attendee?

If AIHA is unable to achieve its room block commitments because attendees make reservations at other hotels or cancel/shorten their length of stay at the contracted hotels, the hotels will charge AIHA attrition fees to make up for the lost sleeping room revenue. Depending on how small or large the gap is between the room commitment and the actual room pickup, such penalties range from $20,000 to more than $200,000. Should this happen, AIHA could be forced to increase registration fees to cover these expenses and cut back on services provided at AIHA Connect, such as various receptions and networking events, free provision of extensive AV equipment (i.e., LCD projectors and presentation computers available in all session rooms), complimentary wireless internet (WiFi) access in meeting rooms, and free meeting space for evening activities.

Why don’t you book fewer rooms so ​there isn’t attrition?

Reducing room block commitments in future contracts would be accompanied by a reduction in the meeting space made available to AIHA Connect, which translates to fewer rooms for education sessions and activities and no room for sister associations/exhibitors/committee or volunteer groups meetings or sessions. This would significantly change the opportunities for professional presentations and networking at the national level.

Besides, it’s better for you in the block.

AIHA staff have worked with the hotels to develop individual incentives to make our hotels financially attractive, as well as professionally beneficial. You get the lowest rates published in the city over the dates of the conference, and staying “within the block” is convenient and helps you stay connected with the informal activities and networking opportunities that occur at the hotels during the meeting. Staying within the block has the following benefits for meeting attendees:

• Deep discounts on room rates and special amenities are available (such as guest room internet and health club access)
  
• Reduce travel time and costs by being close to all activities day and night
  
• Easily network with friends, colleagues, and exhibitors
  
• Guaranteed reservations within the block are protected from hotel relocation
  
• Experient Housing representatives are available on-site for assistance with the contracted hotels
  
• Friendly booking terms: no change fees; no prepayment
  
• It’s better for your AIHA Connect experience, and it helps AIHA keep future meeting costs as low as possible
• Official hotels are AIHA-endorsed and inspected,​ so you won't have to worry about quality, cleanliness, or upkeep.