U.S. Travel Leading Effort to Restore Brand USA Funding
By Todd McElwee
Brand USA is championing the United States across the globe. U.S. Travel Association is championing Brand USA on Capitol Hill.
Fallout from the reduction of federal matching funds from $100 million to $20 million in July continues at Brand USA, with the nation’s DMO laying off 12 last month as well as turning off streaming service GoUSA TV, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports. The channel’s YouTube link is no longer active.
Hoping to reverse course, U.S. Travel told USAE it is leading the charge in making Brand USA’s budget whole. WSJ said lobbyists are pushing a stand-alone bill restoring funding, though prospects are unclear.
“We are spearheading the initiative to introduce a stand-alone bill that restores funding for Brand USA,” U.S. Travel told USAE
U.S. Travel did not provide specifics on a timetable or if there are specific legislators they’re working with.
As Brand USA’s staunchest advocate since its 2010 launch, U.S. Travel
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Delta Air Lines and the Atlanta Hawks tipped off the NBA season by celebrating their renewed partnership with a lineup of fan experiences. To commemorate Delta’s Centennial year, Hawks Principal Owner Tony Ressler (left) and Hawks President of Business Enterprise and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Saltzman (second from right) were joined by Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins in gifting Delta CEO Ed Bastian with a customized jersey at the State Farm Arena.
ASAE Launches Campaign to Bolster Confidence in Associations
By Todd McElwee
A new nationwide initiative designed to emphasize the vital role of associations was announced by ASAE on October 23.
The Trust Associations campaign’s goal is showcasing the sector’s significance in industries, communities, and the economy, and to equip association professionals with clear, shareable messages in building public and policymaker trust.
“The Trust Associations campaign underscores what
we know to be true: that associations are an essential and trusted force in our society,” said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE. “At a time when trust in institutions is eroding, it’s more important than ever to remind policymakers and the public that associations unite people around shared purpose, elevate professional standards, and strengthen our democracy. This campaign is about reaffirming that trust— and amplifying the positive impact our com-
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PCMA and German Convention Bureau Partner on AI-Driven Destination Intelligence
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Hotels Huge “Economic Engine” for Denver, AHLA Report Finds
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New Architectural Designs Unveiled for Raleigh Convention Center
Hoteliers Urge Congress to End Shutdown as Industry Loses $650M
By Jordan Bradley
A collection of 33 American hotel associations wrote an open letter to the United States Congress and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson urging them to end the ongoing government shutdown.
According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), one of the groups that signed the October 22 letter, the shutdown has cost hoteliers a whopping $650 million in business in the first three weeks.
“The government shutdown is having a devastating impact on the hotel, travel, and hospitality sectors,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA.
Along with the AHLA, the Latino Hotel Association (LHA), the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers (NABHOOD), and 29 state and city lodging associations wrote to Johnson expressing the urgency of
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Association Forum Announces 2025
Forty Under 40 Class
By Todd McElwee
Highlighting emerging leaders and current accomplishment, Association Forum has announced the 2025 Forty Under 40 honorees. The class will be celebrated during Holiday Showcase—Next Level on December 3–4 at McCormick Place Chicago.
“As someone who started out young in this field, I understand how transformative early recognition can be,” said Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE, CEO
of the Chicago Association of REALTORS and Chair of Association Forum’s Board of Directors. “Congratulations to each of you—your energy, innovation, and leadership are exactly what our community needs. I’m thrilled to celebrate your achievements today and even more excited to see how you’ll shape the future of our profession,”
Now in its 12th year, the Forty Under 40 program recognizes individuals nationwide. The application
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let’s be social #visitnj From tony towns to epic history to foodie destinations. Inspire your team to achieve amazing things at the center of it all, in New Jersey. It’s one engaging wow after another after another. Plan your gathering at visitnj.org/meetings.
PALMER SQUARE | PRINCETON
HOTS Is This Seat Taken?... In Spain, a group of seven criminals has been busted for literally stealing seats, the Associated Press reports. The seat-stealing Spanish septuplets were found to have stolen more than 1,100 chairs from the outdoor seating areas of 18 different restaurants and bars in Madrid and Talavera de la Reina over the course of two months. The group, comprised of six men and one woman, stole an estimated $69,000 worth of chairs, the Associated Press said. They are facing charges of theft and belonging to a criminal organization, and they are believed to have stolen chairs also in Morocco and Romania, according the Spain’s National Police. Though HOTS doesn’t condone stealing, HOTS
Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller
Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com
can’t really blame the group—those European cafe chairs are the best.
HOTS Swine Skateboard Skills… As of October 23, Norbert the Pig from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is the newest Guinness World Record holder for his skateboarding skills. The pink and poised pig rode 33 feet on his skateboard in 11 seconds, earning him the record for the fastest 10 meters a pig has ever pushed a skateboard, according to UPI. Norbert’s owner, Vincent Baran, said he discovered the pig’s talent when Baran discovered an old childhood toy. “I had my board from when I was a kid and figured I’d try him with it,” Baran said. “I went outside, laid the board down and took out some unsalted peanuts as treats. In about 15 minutes, I had him standing on the board. After a couple more sessions, he was pushing himself down the street.” The 175-pound pig was a natural, Baran said. HOTS thinks this pig has certainly earned his nickname, Tony Pork—an homage to well-known skateboarder Tony Hawk.
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the circumstances for individuals and businesses in the industry.
“As we enter week three of a government shutdown, our organizations remain deeply concerned about the impacts on travel and tourism. Each day of the shutdown costs the economy $31 million in activity that would’ve been generated by hotel stays,” the group wrote.
Beyond the daily financial impact, the shutdown is fostering uncertainty that the group says is interfering with preparations for the holiday travel season, an important time in the industry marked by increased bookings. The group says the shutdown could have longer ramifications for hoteliers and the travel industry.
“Experience tells us that an ongoing federal government shutdown will cause travel delays and weaken traveler confidence, resulting in trip postponements and cancellations. It translates into significantly fewer hotel guests, airline passengers, restaurant diners, and visitors to local cultural institutions,” the group said.
Maietta said the AHLA is concerned about cancellations as a result of the ongoing shutdown.
“Economic uncertainty and waning consumer confidence are translating into booking cancelations and discouraging future planning especially as we head into the heart of the holiday travel season,” Maietta said. “These essential industries fuel our economy and we need our leaders in Washington to come together now and vote
to reopen the government as soon as possible.”
AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake noted the almost 20,000 hoteliers that AAHOA represents throughout the United States are “a remarkable testament to entrepreneurship and resilience” but that the shutdown is pushing their capacity.
Blake said “even the most resilient businesses cannot thrive amid prolonged uncertainty. The ripple effects of this shutdown reach from front desks to entire communities.”
While this stretch of government shutdown is not yet the longest in American history, as of press deadline, it was the second longest shutdown, beating out a shutdown during President Bill Clinton’s presidency lasting from December 16, 1995, to January 6, 1996.
“It’s time for Congress to replace gridlock with momentum—for the good of our economy, our workforce, and the millions of travelers who depend on a strong and stable hospitality industry,” Blake said.
Destinations International Unveils Course-Setting Research at Advocacy Summit
By Jonathan Trager
Destinations International (DI) released new, informative research for DMOs during its 2025 Advocacy Summit, which drew nearly 200 destination leaders to Sacramento, California, from October 21–23.
The research includes the release of The Advocacy Leadership Imperative, previews of the 2025 Resident Sentiment Survey for the United States and Canada, and research on the impact of destination reputation on travelling consumer perceptions.
“These valuable new insights set the tone for this year’s Advocacy Summit,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of DI. “At a time when reputation and relevance are so tightly intertwined,
our members need both the data and the leadership tools to navigate issues, protect funding and earn community trust. This research arms them to do exactly that.”
DI released The Advocacy Leadership Imperative, produced with MMGY NextFactor and supported by the DI Foundation, which outlines a new model for destination advocacy that “goes beyond communication to embed advocacy across governance, strategy and performance.” The association noted the report draws from DI’s ongoing DestinationNEXT Futures Study, which found that 42% of destination organizations anticipate funding reductions within three years, underscoring the urgency for stronger
Congratulations to Mark Metcalfe, Director of National Accounts, Visit Phoenix, and Kiki Somerville, CEO of The Fearless Artist, who were married at Herrington on the Bay in North Beach, Maryland. The happy couple is joined by Mark’s father, John Metcalfe, the founder of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). Credit: Sam Johnson Photography
By Todd McElwee
PCMA and German Convention Bureau Partner on AI-Driven Destination Intelligence
PCMA and the German Convention Bureau (GCB) have announced a strategic collaboration bringing together Destinaitor and Open Data MICE Germany to help “shape the future of business events intelligence and destination marketing.”
Destinaitor is PCMA’s and dFakto’s AI-powered destination research platform that provides more than dates, rates and spaces for users. Open Data MICE Germany is a strategic data management initiative that structures and connects MICE-relevant data across Germany’s business events community.
“Destinaitor is designed to unlock the full power of data for the global
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was quick to rush to its aid this summer. It also noted in July that President Donald Trump’s FY26 budget requests full funding for Brand USA, which the association said is critical for the success of America’s 250th anniversary and other major global events hosted during his term.
“Failing to fully fund Brand USA is a missed opportunity—especially as the administration seeks to maximize a historic slate of global events on American soil,” said Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, U.S. Travel, in July. “Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation
business events community,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President and CEO of PCMA and CEMA. “By partnering with the GCB and its Open Data MICE initiative, we are expanding the platform’s intelligence and reach—creating new opportunities for destinations and business events strategists to collaborate more effectively. This partnership reflects our shared belief that data transparency and innovation are essential to driving economic and social progress through business events.”
German destinations participating in Open Data MICE will contribute their structured, machine-readable data to Destinaitor. The goal is to enhance both the depth of global destination data available through the
at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices. As Congress begins work on FY26 appropriations, it must fully fund Brand USA and ensure visitor fees are lowered, if not eliminated, wherever possible.”
WSJ said Brand USA is having talks with the White House, according to a spokesman for the organization who said the administration has been supportive. The White House didn’t respond to specific questions but said Trump has bolstered vacation travel to the county
“President Trump has done more for American tourism than anyone, including by making our cities safe and beautiful again for all to enjoy and bringing major events like the Los Angeles Olympics and FIFA World Cup to the United States,” said White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly in the WSJ. “His America First
platform and the international visibility of Germany as a premier meetings and conventions destination.
“With the collaboration between Destinaitor and Open Data MICE, the long-standing and close partnership between PCMA and the GCB gains a powerful new dimension,” said Matthias Schultze, GCB Managing Director. “Open data and AI-powered marketing hold tremendous potential for the future of business events. The fact that German destinations are among the first to contribute to Destinaitor clearly illustrates how, moving forward, applications worldwide will be able to access and leverage the open, machine-readable data we provide – setting a benchmark for innovation and strengthening Germany’s global positioning in the
agenda has restored our country’s place as the leader of the free world once again—making it the best place to live or visit.”
A financial report from October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 shows north of $347 million in total net assets. Liabilities came in at roughly $45 million. Salaries (general and administrative and program services) came in at $12.9 million. Cash and cash
business events industry.”
Open Data MICE Germany is led by the GCB in cooperation with the German National Tourist Board. The project systematically captures and structures MICE-related data from across the entire German business events landscape in an open, machine-readable format. The integration with Destinaitor extends these capabilities globally.
Destinaitor leverages advanced large language models to curate, analyze, and match destination and venue information delivered by partners Simpleview and Tempest. Only participating entities can manage and update data.
Find more information at pcma.org
equivalents, end of year, was $61.7 million, up from $30.6 million in 2023. The FY2025 business plan includes a budget of $252 million with $224 million dedicated to marketing, $14 million in operations and $13million in corporate affairs.
Brand USA was in London for Brand USA Travel Week U.K. & Europe when contacted by USAE and referred to U.S. Travel for comment.
American Bus Association Expands Board of Directors
By Todd McElwee
The American Bus Association (ABA) Board of Directors has expanded from 39 members, including three honoree seats, to 58.
ABA said the decision aligns with a rolling three-year strategic plan that calls for membership growth, a doubling of hosted events, and expanded representation across the bus operator and travel community.
“Our plan calls for three major priorities: growing ABA’s membership, doubling the number of events we host to create more opportunities for engagement, and strengthening representation across the entire ecosystem of operators, travel partners, and suppliers,” ABA Board Chair Terry Fischer said. “Expanding the board gives us the leadership structure we need to deliver on those goals. It brings more voices to the table, drives collaboration across sectors, and positions ABA to lead with even greater impact as we head toward
our centennial and beyond.”
ABA said the expanded board reaffirms a commitment to being bus-operator driven, with 35 of 58 seats dedicated to that demographic. The association added a key change in this expansion is the creation of more seats specifically for small operators, ensuring their voices are represented at the national level. Small businesses make up more than 85% of the motorcoach industry.
Fred Ferguson, ABA President & CEO, said: “We are in a growth mindset. We need to build the leadership roster that will carry us into our 2026 centennial and beyond. I’m most excited about the diversity of our board—bus operators of all sizes and types, and the partner community whose businesses benefit from a bus full of people. ABA is the ‘big tent’ bus and travel association, and the board’s decision is a major statement that we value our role as the most important connector in the industry.”
The American Bus Association (ABA) is gearing up for its centennial with a refreshed brand identity and special 100th Anniversary logo mark. ABA said the unveiling marks a milestone moment as it looks forward to celebrating a century of service and prepares for growth going into 2026. Credit: ABA
Hotels Huge “Economic Engine” for Denver, AHLA Report Finds
By Jordan Bradley
Hotels in Denver—host of the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s (AHLA) annual trade show and industry convention this year—contribute a significant $7 billion in economic activity for the city, the association found in an October 21 report.
“Hotels are the fabric of every community,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA. “This new data confirms what hoteliers experience every day: when hotels thrive, communities thrive.”
The report was timed to be released with the AHLA’s 2025 trade show and convention, The Hospitality Show. This year, the event is being held at
the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from October 26–28.
“As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, The Hospitality Show remains a catalyst for innovation, leadership, and shared success— both for hotels and the communities they serve,” Maietta said. “I’m excited for Denver to see how hotels are fueling communities across the country.”
The Hospitality Show—hosted by AHLA, Hotel Management and Questex—gathers hoteliers and more than 400 exhibitors to discuss industry trends in technology, workforce development, sustainability initiatives, and guest experience, AHLA said.
According to the association’s economic impact report, that $7 billion
contributes $1.1 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
Maietta went on to note that hotel guests often support local and small businesses during their stays, something the report found in its closer look at the impact of Denver’s 169 hotels.
So far in 2025, hotel guests spend $4.3 billion in hotels, at local businesses, and on transportation, equivalent to $625 per room night, AHLA’s report found.
“Every guest stay supports small businesses—from restaurants and coffee shops to transportation providers and retailers,” Maietta said. “That shared success story defines our industry, and it is imperative that local and state governments continue to promote policies that
keep our industry healthy.”
AHLA said almost 34,000 jobs are supported by Denver’s hotel industry and the economic support from hotels reaches to restaurants, retail businesses, and local arts and entertainment within the Mile High City.
“Denver’s hotel industry demonstrates the deep connection between small businesses and the strength of local economies,” said Amie Mayhew, President and CEO of the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association. “Hotels generate nearly $1 billion in tax revenue, fueling the public services our city and state rely on. Beyond the tax revenue, the hotel industry creates thousands of meaningful careers for Colorado residents.”
Visit Mesa Launches Program for Guests with Food Allergies
By Jordan Bradley
As part of its dedication to being at the forefront of accessibility, Arizona’s Visit Mesa has introduced a new Food Inclusivity Program to help Mesa’s hospitality businesses better serve guests with severe food allergies.
The organization’s initiative includes a new certification program, the Food Allergy Certification, provided through a partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation, an organization that trains businesses in safe food handling practices.
The foundation was created by Lisa Cohen in 2019 following the shocking and unexpected death of her daughter, the foundations namesake. While on a family trip abroad, Kyah unknowingly consumed peanut sauce and died in Cohen’s arms of anaphylactic shock before anyone in the family or at the restaurant could intervene.
As part of the certification program, the Kyah Rayne Foundation provides training modules focused on anaphylaxis, its causes, and proper emergency response actions to take, the foundation’s website says.
According to the foundation, more than 33 million Americans live with food allergies, and every 10 seconds “a severe allergic reaction to food sends someone to the emergency room.”
“Sometimes you don’t even know you have an allergy,” said Alison Brooks, Vice President of Marketing and Destination Experience at Visit Mesa. “Maybe you’re trying something new because you’re in a new city—in Arizona, you’ve got a lot of Mexican cuisine and maybe [travelers] are new to it and they find out that they have a severe allergy.”
Through Visit Mesa’s program, a business will be deemed Food Allergy
Certified when at least 80% of its eligible staff—employees with direct guest contact and food-handling responsibilities, including servers, kitchen staff, concierge and event personnel—complete the online training provided by the Kyah Rayne Foundation.
“Partnering with the Kyah Rayne Foundation not only allows Visit Mesa to continue delivering on our vision of becoming the nation’s most accessible city, but also serves a greater purpose to educate hospitality staff on the critical importance of food safety and inclusion,” said Brooks. “It’s important for both visitors and residents to feel confident that Mesa businesses are equipped to safely accommodate guests with food allergies and dietary sensitivities.”
When USAE spoke with Brooks in mid-October, three local businesses—the Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa and the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa hotels, and the Intentional Foods restaurant—had already become Food Allergy Certified.
“The Kyah Rayne Foundation is proud to partner with Visit Mesa to expand food allergy training and certification for restaurants, helping to create safer, more inclusive dining experiences for all,” said Lisa Cohen, founder of the Kyah Rayne Foundation. “Together, we are working to prevent life-threatening allergic reactions and helping Mesa be a compassionate, welcoming destination for every visitor.”
The addition of its food inclusivity program is just the latest initiative in Visit Mesa’s endeavors to be a destination known for its accessibility, Brooks told USAE
“At Visit Mesa, we’re on a mission to be one of the most accessible cities in the country,” Brooks said. “We were
the first ever autism-certified city, and then soon adopted the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard, and the Threshold 360 Virtual Tours from the accessible point of view, and [we were] the first Wheel the World-verified city.”
In its next frontier of accessibility, Visit Mesa is looking to its Food Inclusion Program, which is being rolled out in three phases, Brooks told USAE
The first phase was the DMO’s partnership with the Kyah Rayne Foundation, “who does the allergen training for free, virtual on demand, and our goal is to get all of our restaurants, attractions and hotel partners—anybody, basically, who could touch food—certified” in the hopes of creating “a more safe and welcoming experience for our visitors,” Brooks said.
Now, into the second phase, Brooks said Visit Mesa is working through its
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munity delivers every day.”
ASAE noted the campaign builds on the momentum of its successful 2025 tax reform advocacy and seeks to sustain strong relationships with policymakers amid ongoing scrutiny of the tax-exempt sector and a broader climate of declining institutional trust. Targeted messaging, storytelling, and media outreach will be employed to shine a light on associations as trusted conveners, trusted standard setters, and trusted advocates who drive progress, innovation, and civic engagement, organizers said.
The campaign will roll out in two phases: an initial
charitable arm dedicated to accessibility, the Mesa For All Foundation, to supply certified partners with EpiPens.
“We feel very strongly that that should be a thing,” Brooks said. “When you look around and you’re in these hotels, gyms—or anywhere, right? NFL stadiums—you see [automated external defibrillator] devices everywhere. And those are, I would imagine, $1,000 to $2,000 apiece. When an EpiPen can cost $50. These could be in all of our restaurants and hotels. And what a difference that could make.”
Brooks said the DMO is still developing the programing and approach for the Food Inclusivity Program’s third phase, but she shared that the focus would be on sensitivity training as it pertains to cultural foods and special diets—“things that go further than just allergies.”
push focused on organic community engagement, followed by a broader earned media and advertising effort aimed at national audiences. ASAE invites participation from across the association community.
This week, ASAE is releasing a Trust Associations Campaign Toolkit to make engagement simple and impactful. It will include branding, social media post prompts, ready-to-use graphics, and a platform for submitting short videos sharing industry stories.
Learn more at asaecenter.org
New Architectural Designs Unveiled for Raleigh Convention Center
By Jonathan Trager
The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex (RCPAC) in North Carolina on October 23 unveiled the designs for a new Raleigh Convention Center expansion.
The 500,000 square foot expansion will bring the facility’s total
square footage to just over 798,000. Designed by architect joint venture RATIO | TVS, the project includes a large new 50,000-square-foot divisible flex space and 18,000-square-foot ballroom, plus 13 new meeting rooms and welcoming pre-function spaces.
In addition, the organization noted the design highlights Raleigh through
Stephanie W. Adams Association Management Center
Lindsey Baris Academy of General Dentistry
Terin Bates Inteleos
Julie Bedingfield American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
Shaundra Branova American Society for Microbiology
Rachael Callahan, CMP Project Management Institute
Robin Chan, Association Management Center
Dr. Ashley Cross, CAE, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools
Cody Czmyr, International Interior Design Association
Deidra Eberle, CMP American College of Surgeons
expansive windows that “provide picturesque views of the city on all sides, offering visitors an immersive experience of downtown Raleigh’s energy and character.”
“This expansion will allow us to host events and conferences we were unable to previously accommodate, allow our loyal customers to expand and grow, while opening doors to new
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weighs factors such as leadership, dedication to mission, and giving back to the nonprofit community. After a rigorous review of submissions, the Awards and Scholarship Committee selected recipients who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication to the profession, and a passion for advancing association management.
Association Forum’s 2025 Forty Under 40
Sara El Saied, The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses
Fatema Gharzai, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Beth Goins, American Academy of Pediatrics
Shane Hanlon American Chemical Society
Katie James, Association Management Center
Danielle Leber, American College of Chest Physicians
Sean Luechtefeld, Ph.D., CAE ANCOR
Angel Martinez, Association Management Center
Katie Martino Society of Gynecologic Oncology
Samantha Mazzola MHI
Nicola Mohan Society of Women Engineers
Kyle Mullen American Society of Anesthesiologists
Ben Opp HR Source
Jordan Pearlstein J. Noah Skills Academy
Briana Rabiola American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
Juana Rabulinski Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Erik Rancatore Institute for Portfolio Alternatives
Jacqueline Retzer The Toy Association
Marlee Ribnick The American Bankers Association
Julie Rossberger American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
conventions and events for years to come,” said Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the RCPAC. “Conventions bring the world to Raleigh’s doorstep, and we’re delighted to have a part in that knowledge exchange and downtown growth.”
This marks a “significant milestone in Raleigh’s strategic downtown
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“These trailblazers are redefining what leadership looks like in our industry,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum. “Their creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to progress are shaping the future of our community and inspiring others to reach new heights.”
Recipients will be featured in the spring 2026 issue of FORUM Magazine and upcoming USAE publication. Find the complete class at associationforum.org
Catie Russo, Academy of General Dentistry
Hediyeh Sadeghein, CPA, CAE NAIOP
Nick Stepaniak Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
Gigi Sutton, ACES: The Society for Editing
Tuba Tariq Association Management Center
Perrise Thomas World Vision
Zach Timm American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
Kara Vinson Society of Critical Care Medicine
Margaret Wolfe, MS DRI
Regina Escano Zappi American Speech-LanguageHearing Association (ASHA)
Designs for an expanded Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina were released last week.
Titanic-Themed Hotel Brand Eyes Columbus as Home Port
By Jordan Bradley
Columbus, Ohio—though profoundly land-locked—may be getting a Titanic-themed boutique hotel in 2028.
The proposed $30 million hotel project is still in the fundraising phase, but the new hospitality brand behind the property, Unsinkable Hotels, said the Titanic-themed hotel would feature 50–55 staterooms, a fine dining restaurant modeled after the ship’s
First Class Dining Saloon, casual dining options including a rooftop bar, and a Turkish bath-style spa—all taking direct design inspiration from the interior of the infamous sunken vessel.
“The Gilded Age is calling. After years of planning and preparation, we’re thrilled to officially soft launch Unsinkable Hotels!” said Andrew Messing, CEO and Founder of Unsinkable Hotels, in a social media announcement.
Mandarin Oriental to Go Private in $4.2B Deal
By Jordan Bradley
Jardin Matheson, the Hong Kongbased company that owns the majority of Mandarin Oriental shares, said on October 17 it will buy the remaining 12% of the luxury hospitality brand’s shares it does not already own.
The acquisition deal, when complete, would bring Mandarin Oriental’s value to $4.2 billion, according to analysts. The luxury hotel brand currently operates 43 hotels, 12 residents and 26 luxury homes in 27 countries and territories worldwide.
Jardine Matheson said in a statement it was pursuing the acquisition through its wholly-owned subsidiary Bidco, to help support the Mandarin Oriental brand’s growth. Throughout 2025, the company has been expanding and announcing new additions, including the opening of its first golf course announced in late September.
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growth,” according to the RCPAC, with the Raleigh Convention Center expansion, the new 600-room Omni Hotel, the new iteration of the Red Hat Amphitheater, and improvements to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts “all poised to bring significant increases in economic impact to Downtown Raleigh.”
However, it also announced a 430-person layoff in relation to the redevelopment of the Mandarin Oriental Miami property this April. The property was closed for demolition and redevelopment this May to make way for a new hotel and residence towers. It’s set to reopen in 2030.
At the same time of the private offer announcement, Jardine Matheson said it intends to sell the top 13 floors of Mandarin Oriental’s One Causway Bay property in Hong Kong to Alibaba Group and Ant Group for $925 million. The Mandarin Oriental offer is priced at $3.35 per share, and consists of a $2.75 in cash offer plus a special dividend of $0.60 per share from the Alibaba office space sale.
Should 75% of the remaining Mandarin Oriental shareholders agree to sell, Jardine Matheson expects to complete the sale by December 31.
“This state-of-the-art convention center expansion is a transformative investment in the future of downtown Raleigh,” said Dennis Edwards, President & CEO of Visit Raleigh. “It will bring thousands of new visitors, driving more restaurant reservations, hotel stays, and traffic to local businesses. This facility strengthens Raleigh’s position as a vibrant, nationally competitive destination for meetings, events, and tourism.”
The exterior of the hotel would emulate the exterior of the RMS Titanic, the luxury steamship that sank after colliding with an iceberg while on its maiden voyage on April 15, 1912. Unsinkable Hotels, a brand from Historical Hospitality Group, would guarantee a different stay for guests.
“While the atmosphere is pure 1912, the experience is thoroughly modern, featuring passenger-focused service and all the comforts you’d expect from an upscale hotel,” the Unsinkable Hotels website reads.
“This isn’t just a boutique hotel; it’s an immersive experience that will transport passengers back to an era of unparalleled luxury and architectural grandeur, inspired by the legendary RMS Titanic,” Messing said in his announcement. “Get ready for the
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advocacy capacity.
“Advocacy has become a leadership discipline,” said Cassandra (McAuley) Gilbertson, Managing Director of MMGY NextFactor. “Destination leaders must connect community impact to visitor success, diversify funding without losing public trust and measure value in ways residents recognize. The most resilient organizations are those able to achieve that alignment.”
Additional research and resources included the following:
The 2025 Resident Sentiment Towards Tourism Findings for Canada and the United States, which DI called the much-anticipated “early release” of the 2025 Canada and United States Resident Sentiment Towards Tourism Study. Presented by Amir Eylon, President & CEO of Longwoods International, this research offers a comprehensive review of resident perspectives on tourism’s economic, social, and community impacts that serve as a critical benchmark for evaluating the role of tourism in community well-being and long-term viability.
“Destination Reputation: Impact
opulence, the dining, and the service of a bygone era.”
According to Unsinkable Hotels, the brand is eyeing Columbus for its maiden voyage because it’s the second-largest city in the Midwest, hosting major events and more than 50 million visitors annually. The hotel company said it will find a build location for the project in a Qualified Opportunity Zone, which allows investors to defer their capital gains tax.
The hotel company also said that Columbus has a unique tie to the Titanic: Columbus native Helen Newson and champion tennis player Karl Behr were both Titanic passengers. The pair met in the same lifeboat during the tragedy and were later married.
Unsinkable said it will release updates as the project progresses.
on the Traveling Consumer’s Considerations”—a preview of the latest in the family of destination reputation research reports developed by DI and Future Partners that examines how advertising and promotion can shape public perception and address reputational challenges facing destinations. Erin Francis-Cummings, President & CEO of Future Partners, previewed findings from the study, which explores which styles of messaging, creative elements, and campaign strategies are most effective in influencing destination consideration and rebuilding trust.
Destination Wayfinder introduced Wayfinder Pulse, its latest product offering for destination organizations. While annual plans provide full access to the Destination Wayfinder technology platform and destination management framework, Pulse delivers a onetime, diagnostic assessment that gives destinations a clear snapshot of their destination management capability.
“This year’s Summit is about connection and courage,” Welsh said. “We’re giving destination leaders the evidence, the examples, and the network to lead confidently no matter the climate.”
Visit Tucson introduced a new brand identity developed in partnership with MMGY earlier this month that includes a new logo.
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