A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on the morning of January 1, killing the driver and injuring seven others, authorities have said.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a report of an explosion and a fire at 8:40 a.m. local time at the hotel, said Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in a January 1
press conference.
“We were told that a 2024 Cybertruck pulled up to the front of the hotel—and, in fact, I can tell you it pulled right up to the glass entrance doors of the hotel,” McMahill said.
When the truck arrived at the hotel entrance, it was emitting smoke, which was followed by a large explosion, he said. When the flames were extinguished, authorities found gasoline canisters, camp fuel cans and fireworks in the bed of the truck.
Mandarin Oriental Miami to Close in May
By Jordan Bradley
The Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a signature luxury hotel in Florida’s Miami-Dade County, will close its doors on May 31 after 25 years to make way for a new development, the property announced in late December.
When the property reopens in 2030, it will be known as “an entirely new” Mandarin Oriental, Miami and will introduce The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, according to the hotel.
The forthcoming development will consist of two towers: the South Tower, which will feature 228 residences, and the North Tower comprised of 121 guest rooms and 34 luxury suites, a signature spa, and multiple fine-dining and al fresco restaurants.
Currently, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami—owned by Swire Properties—consists of 295 guest rooms and 31 suites. The property will be demolished to make way for the two new towers.
“For 25 years, Mandarin Oriental, Miami has been a
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A guest staying at the hotel from Barcelona, Spain, Oscar Terol, told the Las Vegas Review Journal that he witnessed the explosion through the lobby windows and that the force was strong enough to knock him down.
The driver is believed to be Matthew Livelsberger, a highly decorated active-duty U.S. Army Green Beret, due to a military ID, passport and credit cards found in the vehicle, according to reports.
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Federal Court Rules Against Corporate Transparency Act
By Todd McElwee
A flurry of courtroom activity closed out 2024 for the parties involved in a lawsuit concerning the Treasury Department’s Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
A December 26 ruling in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reinstated a nationwide injunction, blocking the Treasury Department’s Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements. Three days earlier, a different panel of the Fifth Circuit granted a stay of the district court’s preliminary injunction pending the outcome of Treasury’s ongoing appeal of the district court’s order.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which was part of the lawsuit against the Treasury, applauded the December 26 decision.
“The court’s reinstatement of the nationwide injunction is a welcome sigh of relief for small businesses,” said Rob Smith, Sr. Attorney at NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center. “Since
New Orleans & Company Issues Statement
Charles “Bud” Darr to Lead Cruise Lines International Association
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San Francisco Hotel Strikes Conclude
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U.S. Travel Association Celebrates 2024 Achievements
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Canada’s Prince Edward Island DMO Rebrands to Meet PEI
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Michael Gehrisch, Former Association Executive, Dies
Addressing Deadly Attack
By Jonathan Trager
One day after the New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans that killed at least 14 people and injured dozens more, Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company, issued the following statement: “New Orleans & Company sends its deepest condolences to the loved ones and victims of the terrorist attack in our city
in the early morning of New Year’s Day. It is heartbreaking to learn the names, see the photos and hear the stories of the victims. Let us be clear: Millions of visitors are drawn to New Orleans—and hundreds of thousands of us chose to live and work here—because of our welcoming people and our beautiful culture. New Orleans is uniquely Built to Host major events, meetings, and conventions, because of
In Times Square, 3,000 pounds of confetti was released at midnight to celebrate the arrival of 2025. Photo by City of New York
Charles “Bud” Darr to Lead Cruise Lines International Association
By Todd McElwee
Charles “Bud” Darr will take the helm of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as President & CEO effective February 3. He succeeds Kelly Craighead, who previously announced plans to leave the organization at year’s end.
“I am thrilled to be returning to CLIA, and I am grateful for the confidence that the Global Executive Committee and CLIA-member lines have placed in me,” Darr said. “With the dynamic changes and opportunities ahead, this industry is poised to set new pathways and raise the bar for innovation and sustainability. I am eager to harness our collective expertise to propel us toward an even brighter future. Together, we will navi-
CTA
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being told [on December 23] that they must urgently submit their BOI reports, our nation’s small businesses have experienced enormous chaos and confusion. Thankfully, the court’s latest decision recognizes that the CTA and BOI reporting requirements pose serious constitutional questions. It also provides Main Streets across the country with a reprieve from this harmful mandate while our lawsuit proceeds.”
Enacted by Congress on January 1, 2021, the CTA included significant reforms to anti-money laundering laws
By Jordan Bradley
Workers at Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt hotels in San Francisco have ratified new contracts—ending a 93-day strike of approximately 2,500 workers—in a final December 24 vote.
The Hilton contract, which covers about 900 workers at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square hotel and Hilton’s Parc 55 hotel, was the last hold out for negotiations in the city following Labor Day strikes. The agreement follows Hyatt and Marriott workers, who ratified contracts on December 21 and 19, respectively.
Contracts for the workers have a four-year term and include preservation of workers’ union health insurance plans “which provides quality affordable health care for workers and their families,” the union said; an immediate $3 an hour wage increase and additional raises
gate the global complexities and reach significant milestones.”
Darr comes back to CLIA having previously held the post of senior vice president of technical and regulatory affairs from 2010–2017. He most recently worked for MSC Group, where he was executive vice president, maritime policy and government affairs for more than seven years. Darr has also held positions within the U.S. Coast Guard and has served in the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine.
“Bud’s proven leadership and dedication to advancing the cruise industry’s policies and environmental leadership practices make him the ideal candidate to lead us into a new era of growth and innovation,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman of the Board, CLIA. “His extensive background and under-
and is intended to help prevent and combat money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and tax fraud, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said.
Small businesses need to file beneficial ownership information reports with the Department of the Treasury by January 1. Failure to submit by the deadline puts small business owners at risk of criminal penalties, imprisonment, and fines up to $10,000. The Chamber developed a CTA toolkit and provided updated information on the matter.
The National Small Business Association also opposes the CTA and has undertaken legal action against the measure.
standing of the maritime industry will be invaluable assets to CLIA as we set even higher benchmarks for success, and I look forward to working with him to drive our collective mission.”
Darr has been involved with the International Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO, UK Chamber of Shipping, Liberian Shipowners Council, SEA-LNG, World Shipping Council, IMO World Maritime University, Seamen’s Church Institute and others. He obtained his formal undergraduate education at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. During his service with the Coast Guard, he studied law at the George Washington University Law School.
NOLA
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our world class venues, culture and walkability.
“Our preparation for upcoming events, and our community’s spirit and resilience, will not be deterred by this horrific act.
“New Orleans shines brightly and is a unique light in the minds and imaginations of those around the country and the world. That light will not be dimmed by a single evil act.
“We thank the New Orleans Police Department and all the regional, state, and federal law enforcement officials for their response and service. We particularly wish a speedy recovery to the two members of [the] New Orleans Police Department who were injured as they bravely responded and saved
San Francisco Hotel Strikes Conclude
through the term of the contract; increased pensions; and “new protections against understaffing and workload increases.”
“San Francisco hotel workers are unbreakable,” said Lizzy Tapia, President of the Unite Here Local 2 union representing the workers. “Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott workers refused to give up their health care or go backwards—and we proved on the picket line that we’re not afraid of a tough fight.”
bers back to work and continuing to provide our guests with our signature hospitality.”
Prior to the Hilton contract agreements, approximately 600 Hyatt workers at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, the Hotel Kabuki, and the Hyatt Regency San Francisco at Embarcadero voted unanimously to ratify a new contract with the hotel brand on December 21.
“Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott workers refused to give up their health care or go backwards— and we proved on the picket line that we’re not afraid of a tough fight.”
“We believe this agreement is beneficial to both our team members and our hotels,” Paul Ades, Sr. Vice President at Hilton, told the Associated Press in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming our team mem-
countless lives.
“We thank the thousands of our customers, colleagues, partners, and friends who have reached out from all over the world to express condolences and love for New Orleans. Your words have comforted and inspired us in an emotional time. Thank you for affirming your affection and commitment to our great City. As you look forward to being with us again, please know, we look forward to welcoming you with open arms.”
Early on January 1, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, drove a rented Ford pickup truck into a crowd of revelers in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Jabbar, an Army veteran living in Texas who had expressed terrorist sympathies, was subsequently killed in a shootout with police.
About 1,500 hotel workers at the San Francisco Marriott Union Square, the Palace Hotel on New Montgomery Street, the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, and the Westin St. Francis hotels approved a new contract on December 19.
Rolling strikes at the San Francisco hotels began on Labor Day, with sus-
tained strike action beginning on September 22.
“Three months on the picket line have proven hotel workers’ determination to protect their health care, provide for their families, and help this city recover,” Tapia said at the time.
Though the ratification of the contract with Hilton “settles the last of the city’s 2024 hotel strikes,” the union said it is still cautioning that “more strikes are possible in 2025” as contract negotiations begin at other full-service hotels throughout the city.
“As contract talks begin with the city’s other full-service hotels in the new year, they should know that this is the new standard they must accept for their employees,” Tapia said.
Unite Here Local 2 represents about 15,000 hotel, airport, and food service workers in San Francisco and San Mateo counties.
Charles “Bud” Darr
Photo by CLIA/Instagra
HOTS Pygmy Runoff… The Metro Richmond Zoo in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking the public’s help with naming its newborn pygmy hippo, UPI reports. The female pygmy hippo was born on December 9 to parents Iris and Corwin. Voting for the name was too close to call by New Year’s Eve, prompting the zoo to hold a runoff vote between the final two names: Poppy, “a flower like her mom’s name,” the zoo said, or Hammie Mae, “a sweet and southern tie to Virginia ham.” Originally, voting was between four names: Poppy, Juniper, Hammie Mae and Omi. The baby and mother were allowed time away from the public to bond, but made their
USAE
Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller
Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com
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HOTS HOTS
debut on December 31. The zoo will announce the pygmy hippo’s official name sometime on January 6. To see the results, visit facebook.com/ metrorichmondzoo. HOTS is casting its vote for Poppy.
HOTS Long Lost Legos… In February 1997, an ocean wave about 20 miles off the coast of Land’s End, England, swept 62 containers off of
a cargo ship called Tokio Express. One of the containers held 4,756,940 Lego pieces, many of which have become rarities. In response, an organization called Lego Lost at Sea Project has been dedicated to finding as many of the lost Lego pieces as possible since 1997. Throughout 2024, hundreds of lost pieces were found, according to Tracey Williams, the group’s founder. “The aim of the Lego Lost at Sea Project is primarily to raise awareness of the plastic in
the ocean—how it gets there, what sinks, what floats, how long it lasts, how far it drifts—both on the surface of the ocean and along the seabed— and what happens to it over time as it breaks apart,” Williams said. Most recently, a Plymouth fisherman, Richard West, found a rare Lego shark off the coast of Penzance. The shark is one of 51,800 lost in the shipment and is the first known to be found. HOTS congratulates West on his fin-tastic find!
PCMA Offering Convening Leaders Digital Experience
By Todd McElwee
Those who cannot be in Houston for PCMA’s Convening Leaders do not have to miss out on the action.
The CL25 Digital Experience is designed to keep those offsite in the loop with live streaming, backstage access and more. Convening Leaders will take place from January 12–15 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
“The CL25 Digital Experience will connect you with the in-person audi-
ence and industry experts as we livestream strategies and best practices to impact your next event,” PCMA said.
Main Stage keynotes from Amal Clooney, international law and human rights lawyer and advocate; Brené Brown, a University of Houston research professor and bestselling author; and Scott Galloway, NYU professor, author, Liz Cheney, former United States Congresswoman; and Kishore Mahbubani, past president of the United Nations Security Council, will be broadcast.
The digital conference will also include sessions led by Michael Dominguez, FASAE, President & CEO, ALHI and others.
Digital registration is free for PCMA members. Non-members pay $199 with post-show on-demand access running $99.
To register, one must create an account with RainFocus, PCMA’s new event registration platform.
Find more information at conveningleaders.org.
U.S. Travel Association Celebrates 2024 Achievements
By Todd McElwee
On the verge of the new year, U.S. Travel Association took a moment to reflect on a series of “wins” from 2024.
“U.S. Travel achieved considerable progress against our 2024 strategic priorities: Establishing travel as essential, improving the travel experience from point A to point B, delivering greater value to our members and building a bestin-class trade association,” the organization said.
“The
70 countries, including significant growth in Asian markets.
progress we’ve made is a testament to the
commitment, support and engagement of our members. Together, we have laid the groundwork for an even more successful 2025.”
“The progress we’ve made is a testament to the commitment, support and engagement of our members. Together, we have laid the groundwork for an even more successful 2025.”
Successes were noted in two categories: Enhancing Member Value and Making Headway on Travel’s Top Priorities. Victories noted under the former include the following:
• Driving $5.7 billion in travel to the United States at IPW by bringing together more than 2,000 international media and buyers from nearly
• Convening two dozen corporate CEOs for roundtable discussions in the fall and spring, featuring conversations with leaders such as President George W. Bush, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, TSA Administrator David Pekoske, U.S. Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and others. Conversations centered on geopolitical issues, strengthening the industry’s standing and improving the travel experience.
• Investing in 20 new staff members to grow travel to and within the United States, including new segment leads for Group Travel and International Inbound.
• Restructuring membership to build an organization that tackles game-changing issues and provides members with value, resources and services—while continuing to serve as travel’s best advocate.
Select accomplishments featured in sector priorities were:
Launching the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel to build a vision for an improved air travel experience and greater U.S. competitiveness. The commission, comprised of former government officials and private sector experts, was launched in response to a study that revealed the United States was lagging behind global competitors in the race to modernize travel.
Elevating travel’s significance through political engagement and strategic support for industry champions—driving more than $500,000 in contributions to the TravelPAC.
Tackling travel headaches headon through critical wins in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024—fortifying the air traffic control workforce and investing in essential upgrades to strengthen our nation’s airports and air travel system.
Successfully protected the industry from an effort to block TSA’s use of biometric screening technology—a critical tool for enhancing security and efficiency. Followed up with commissioned research that made it clear: Travelers overwhelmingly back biometrics for the speed and safety it brings to their journey.
The complete list of “wins” is available at ustravel.org.
NEWS NEWS
Canada’s Prince Edward Island DMO Rebrands to Meet PEI
By Jonathan Trager
Meetings & Conventions PEI, the destination organization for Canadian province Prince Edward Island, has unveiled its new identity as Meet PEI.
This new name “signals a transformative step forward for the organization dedicated to showcasing Prince Edward Island as a premier destination
for business events,” according to the organization.
The new brand was revealed at the organization’s 2024 Annual General Meeting at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward.
“Our new identity embodies the spirit of Prince Edward Island and our renowned hospitality, while positioning us as a leader in the business events in-
— OBITUARY —
Michael Gehrisch, Former Association Executive, Dies
By Jonathan Trager
Former association executive Michael Gehrisch died on December 17 of cardiac arrest. He was 65.
Gehrisch had served as Chairman of Gehrisch Insurance & Financial Services since 2017, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was living in The Villages, Florida, at the time of his death.
Gehrisch’s sister, Jodi Miller, a realtor at Keller Williams Lakeside, posted on December 18 on Facebook that Gehrisch “enjoyed life and never met a stranger.”
“He will be so very missed by his family and friends,” Milller wrote.
After holding management positions with Marriott and Hilton hotels, Gehrisch served as executive vice president of the American Hotel & Lodging Association from 1988–1997. He then served as Vice President of Hotel Sales for World Rez from 1997–1999.
Gehrisch became President & CEO of what was then called the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (later Destination Marketing Association
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beloved part of this vibrant city. We are deeply grateful to our guests, colleagues, and the Miami community for their loyalty and support,” said Flavia Daudan-Caponi, General Manager of the luxury hotel, and Area Vice President of Operations.
In order to celebrate its legacy, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is hosting a slew of events throughout the next five months, including a celebration of Chinese New Year in January as a “tribute to the hotel’s Asian heritage” complete with cultural performances and themed culinary experiences.
In February, the hotel will host “indulgent” couple’s spa dates and champagne dinners for Valentine’s
International and now Destinations International) in 2000 before being let go in 2015. He subsequently filed a lawsuit in 2016 against the association over a severance payment dispute. The two parties settled the matter in 2017.
An avid golfer, Gehrisch graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s in business administration and from the Notre Dame College of Organizational Management.
Day, with March events honoring Women’s History Month.
April will feature chef-hosted tasting menus highlighting “25 years of iconic dishes and rare wine pairings.”
To cap off the calendar of events, the Mandarin will host a grand closing gala in May featuring live performances and a retrospective exhibit.
“As we close this chapter, we look forward to celebrating our legacy and welcoming everyone to experience a haven of craftsmanship and culture for one last time,” Daudan-Caponi said.
The luxury hotel first opened in 2000. During its time, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami hosted celebrities such as Will Smith and Chrissy Teigen and earned a Michelin key during the French hotel guide’s inaugural year in 2024, according to the Miami Herald
dustry,” said Siobhan White, Marketing & Communications Manager at Meet PEI. “We’re so excited to showcase to meeting planners how PEI can host memorable business events in a destination that will resonate deeply with their attendees.”
The new brand line, “Business events that make waves,” encapsulates Meet PEI’s vision of delivering memorable and impactful experiences for meeting planners and delegates, the organization stated. The rebrand also includes a new logo designed by Trampoline Branding, a Halifax-based marketing agency.
This rebranding began with an orga-
Cybertruck
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However, at press deadline, McMahill said that the condition of the body prevented definitive identification. Authorities are waiting for DNA test results and dental records.
“Further complicating this identification of this individual, we also discovered through the coroner’s office that the individual had sustained a gunshot wound to the head prior to the detonation of the vehicle,” McMahill said, noting that one of the handguns found within the vehicle was discovered at the driver’s feet.
nizational strategic review completed in April 2024. The following research and discovery process included surveys with meeting planners, stakeholder interviews, and a competitive analysis of several other destinations from across Canada and across the world.
Meet PEI reported 126 business events hosted during the fiscal year of 2023–2024, bringing over 20,000 delegates to PEI.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible act of terrorism, McMahill said.
“It’s a Tesla truck, and we know that Elon Musk is working with President-elect (Donald) Trump and it’s the Trump tower, so there’s obviously things to be concerned about there, and it’s something we continue to look at,” said McMahill in a news conference addressing the incident.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations said the organization is investigating possible connections to the January 1 attack in New Orleans but no connection had yet been found.
Hyatt, Playa Hotels in Exclusive Talks about Possible Acquisition
By Jordan Bradley
Hyatt Hotels Corp. and all-inclusive resort owner and operator, Playa Hotels and Resorts, have entered into exclusive discussions that could lead to Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa, the pair announced on December 23.
Playa owns or manages a portfolio of 24 resorts under the Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hilton All-Inclusive, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Wyndham Alltra, Seadust, Kimpton, Jewel Resorts and the Luxury Collection brands throughout Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
The strategic discussions between the two could result in Hyatt’s acquisition of the Playa by Hyatt portfolio of properties.
Hyatt and Playa first entered into a strategic partnership in 2013 to create two all-inclusive brands: Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva. Hyatt currently owns 9.99% of Playa’s outstanding shares.
“Playa has been a valuable partner for many years, is one of the world’s
strongest operators of all-inclusive resorts, and owns a premier portfolio of high-quality, high-end all-inclusive resorts in iconic locations and key markets across the Caribbean and Mexico,” said Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt.
Hoplamazian added that “strategic alternatives under consideration could have compelling strategic merit to add new incremental durable fee streams for Hyatt.”
Playa Chairman and CEO Bruce Wardinski noted that “Hyatt’s interest in our company is a testament to the strength of our business and the dedication of our incredible Playa team.”
“Our Board and management team regularly review our structure, strategy and opportunities to enhance shareholder value, and we are pleased to enter into exclusive discussions with Hyatt regarding potential strategic options,” said Wardinski.
Hyatt and Playa stressed that the discussions did not guarantee an outcome and the exclusivity agreement will remain in place until February 3.
