NYC Council Passes Controversial Hotel Licensing Bill
By Jordan Bradley
The New York City Council on October 23 overwhelmingly passed the Safe Hotels Act, a bill that requires hotels to gain licensure to operate within the city, with 45 of 51 members voting in favor.
In order to obtain and maintain a two-year license, hotels in NYC will
need to pay a $350 application fee and have continuous coverage of the front desk, and large hotels will need a security guard on property at all times. The legislation also requires hotels to reinstate daily housekeeping unless a guest opts out of the service. Core employees of a given hotel, such as front desk agents and housekeepers, must be employed directly
Destinations International Unveils Revamped Partnership Model
By Jonathan Trager
Destinations International has introduced a new partnership model that the association says offers more transparency and flexibility in response to industry feedback.
In an October 18 email, DI President & CEO Don Welsh touted the association’s growth over the last several years and invited interested parties to check out new partnership opportunities. These were
developed from work with Avenue M, a consulting agency that helped assess the association’s partnership model.
“Through this process, we have identified key areas for improvement, strengthened our understanding of partner needs, and enhanced the transparency and value we provide,” Welsh wrote. “As we look ahead, these updates are designed not only to address current needs
Page 2
by the hotel instead of contracted through a staffing agency. Following feedback from hoteliers, the legislation refined the definition of “core employees” to exclude roles in food and beverage, security and engineering. Hotels with fewer than 100 rooms are also exempt from this requirement.
The Hospitality Show to Host Broadcaster Erin Andrews and Hotelier Sheila Johnson
Page 4
Hilton Partners with Visual Aid App to Serve Blind and Low Vision Guests
Page 4
American Medical Association Adds AI Channel to JAMA Network
Page 6
Brené Brown to Discuss “Daring Leadership” at Convening
Station Casino Files Constitutional Challenge Against National Labor Relations Board
By Jordan Bradley
Las Vegas-based Station Casinos on October 22 filed a constitutional challenge against the National Labor Relations (NLRB) Board in an attempt to halt two complaints of union-busting from the board.
The casino resort company is alleging that the NLRB does not have the authority to prosecute claims against businesses such as Station Casinos. “Station Casinos has taken the extraordinary step of suing the NLRB because the NLRB system has failed it and many other companies and, more importantly, threatens to deprive Station Casinos’ team members of their right to choose whether to be represented by a union or not,” Station Casinos stated.
The casino hotel operator is seeking “a temporary and permanent injunction to halt pending proceedings” related to an April 2021 complaint
Julie Coker Tapped to Lead NYC Tourism + Conventions Will Step Down as Head of San Diego Tourism Authority
By Jonathan Trager
Julie Coker, who has helmed the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) since June 2020, will become President & CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions (NYCTC) on December 9. Coker will remain in that leadership role with SDTA until December 9 before she succeeds former NYCTC CEO Fred Dixon, who departed earlier this year to take the reins of Brand USA.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to take on this new chapter with New York City Tourism + Conventions,” said Coker. “This role represents a remarkable convergence of my professional journey and passion for destination leadership and tourism. My experiences with Hyatt Hotels, the Philadelphia CVB, and the San Diego Tourism Authority have given me a unique bi-coastal perspec-
The Good Witch of Salem enjoys Salem Haunted Happening—the largest celebration of Halloween in the world, which runs throughout October in Salem, Massachusetts. More than half-million visitors come to town. Photo by John Andrews
The Hospitality Show to Host Broadcaster Erin Andrews and Hotelier Sheila Johnson
By Jordan Bradley
The second iteration of the American Hotel and Lodging’s (AHLA) Hospitality Show kicks off on October 28, promising attendees in San Antonio, Texas, a plethora of networking and education opportunities.
Throughout the three-day event at the Henry B. González Convention Center, the Hospitality Show—co-produced by Questex—is hosting immersive activations, opportunities to give back to the San Antonio community through charity events, and renowned keynote speakers, including Fox Sports broadcaster Erin Andrews and Sheila
Johnson, Founder and CEO of the Salamander Collection.
The pair will give the final keynote on October 30, discussing their experiences as trailblazing women in the world of sports, business, media, and hospitality.
Throughout the “Talk of the Titans: Leading Beyond Boundaries,” Andrews and Johnson will explore “how diversity, teamwork, and staying authentic have shaped their success,” according to AHLA. They will also offer advice to leaders looking to make lasting impacts in their fields.
This year’s opening keynote speech will be presented by World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés.
Andrés was named to Time’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2012 and 2018 and is the recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal. World Central Kitchen, which Andrés founded in 2010, delivers food relief and hot meals around the world to communities experiencing humanitarian and natural disasters. Andrés will speak on the power food has to change the world.
On the second day of the show, guests will have the opportunity to sit “fireside” with Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Wyndham Ho-
Workers Ratify New Contract at Two Boston Omni Hotels
By Jordan Bradley
Hotel workers at two Omni Hotels & Resorts properties in Boston voted on October 20 to unanimously ratify new contracts that include raises and affordable healthcare following months of negotiations.
The new contract went into effect October 21, when workers returned to their respective Omni hotel jobs.
The contract met all of the Unite Here Local 26 union’s demands, including a $10 per hour raise over the next four years for non-tipped workers and a $5 per hour raise for tipped workers.
Omni also agreed to maintain workers’ healthcare benefits and the addition of Juneteenth as a paid holiday beginning in 2026.
The new contract improves hiring and severance language in an effort to “regulate workloads and enhance job security,” which was a core demand of the union, according to
Unite Here Local 26 spokesperson Lynette Ng.
“We were very clear from the start that there was a real problem with the economy for our workers,” said Carlos Aramayo, President of Unite Here Local 26, in an interview with Boston’s NBC10. “Folks couldn’t afford to live in Boston. They couldn’t afford the rent. They couldn’t afford to take their kids out for a nice meal once in a while.”
The 685 hotel workers at the Omni Boston Seaport and the Omni Parker House hotels had been on strike since October 14 prior to reaching agreements. Negotiations on the contacts, which expired on August 31, began in April.
In Boston, some 600 Hilton hotel workers remain on strike, according to Unite Here, impacting the Hilton Boston Logan Airport and the Hilton Boston Park Plaza hotels. Workers from these properties began their strike on October 6 and remain on strike indefinitely.
tels & Resorts, and Scott Greenberg, author and franchise expert, during their Wealthy Franchisee Keynote and Fireside Chat.
The pair will discuss steps franchisees can take to elevate their operations to the next level, reduce stress, and elevate customer interactions.
Destination DC Announces Expanded Special Agent Academy
By Jonathan Trager
Destination DC (DDC) has announced its expanded training platform designed to equip travel agents, tour operators, and local hospitality workers with the knowledge and tools to effectively promote and sell the destination.
The organization’s Special Agent Academy offers destination training that combines city information with insights into D.C.’s neighborhoods, festivals and unique landmarks. By completing designated missions, participants will become certified “Special Agents,” gaining access to discounts, the opportunity to win prizes, and access to support from Destination DC’s Tourism, Sports and Visitor Experience team.
“We know there’s Only One Washington, D.C., and we want to share that message with consumers and hospitality professionals,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President & CEO of Destination DC. “The training tools will
help us enhance the knowledge, image and perception of Washington, D.C., as we focus on growing D.C.’s global visitor market share and set our city apart.”
The program is available on a new Learning Management System (LMS) platform called LearnUpon, which Destination DC said is notable for its ease of use. Available now in English, the modules will be translated into seven different languages over the next few months: Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, French and German.
“The knowledge gained through the Special Agent Academy will not only enhance the skills of those in the travel and hospitality sectors but also enrich the overall visitor experience in Washington, DC,” added Ferguson. “Our city is filled with extraordinary arts, culture, culinary delights and accommodations, and we’re excited to share them with the world.”
For more information and to sign up, visit washington.org
Erin Andrews Sheila Johnson
José Andrés
Geoff Ballotti
Scott Greenberg
HOTS Paddington Passport… The British Home Office, which is responsible for immigration, security, and law and order, has issued an official passport for fictional character Paddington Bear, UPI reports. For those unfamiliar, Paddington Bear is a beloved character in children’s literature who embarks on adventures across the globe. Production on a new movie, Paddington in Peru, is currently underway and is expected to be released on January 17. Rob Silva, a co-producer of the film, requested a replica passport to use in the movie and was met with a very real and official passport that lists Paddington’s birthday as June 25 and his birth location as Peru. “We wrote
USAE
Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller
Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com
Publisher James Heller james@usaenews.com
Associate Publisher Todd McElwee todd@usaenews.com
Managing Editor Jonathan Trager jon@usaenews.com
Hotel Editor Jordan Bradley jordan@usaenews.com
Creative Director Diane Nichols dkn@usaenews.com
Graphic Designer Danielle Erbe
Marketing & Circulation Director Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com
To
To
HOTS HOTS
to the Home Office asking if we could get a replica, and they actually issued Paddington with an official passport— there’s only one of these,” Silva told the Radio Times. “You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humor, but under official observations they’ve just listed him as Bear,” Silva added. HOTS is here for this humorous and heartwarming development.
g g g g g
Julie Coker
continued from page 1
tive and prepared me well for the complexities and opportunities that come with leading tourism for one of the world’s most iconic destinations.”
Coker told USAE that what makes the New York City opportunity especially compelling is the city’s position as a “global tourism icon, combined with its extraordinary depth of offerings and experiences.”
“The city’s unmatched diversity—reflected in its boroughs, the multitude of languages spoken, and its rich culture—presents great visitor appeal and unique opportunities for tourism development,” she said. “I’m also eager to build on the foundation of success that Fred Dixon and his team have built, both before and in response to the pandemic. Their work has been exceptional, and I’m eager to work with world-class partners in a city that embodies creativity and endless opportunities.”
The 35-year industry veteran said she’s most proud of several achievements during her tenure in San Diego: weathering the pandemic to exceed initial projections and set new benchmarks during the recovery; launching the award-winning Tourism Accelerator program, which has created tangible opportunities for small, local businesses to participate in our tourism economy; and rebuilding and cultivating a talented team at SDTA, including welcoming more than 40 new staff members during the recovery period.
“San Diego will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Coker. “I will
Labor Challenge
continued from page 1
that the Station Casinos brand’s parent company, Red Rock Resorts, “used the COVID-19 pandemic layoffs to undermine Culinary Local 226 union-affiliated workers and union representation in the company,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.
In June, the NLRB ordered Red Rock Resorts to bargain with the union, upholding an administrative law judge’s 2022 decision that found the casino operator was in violation of
HOTS Overtly Overdue… A copy of William Shakespeare’s Life of King Henry the Fifth has been returned to the Paterson Public Library in New Jersey after 101 years. Cynthia Delhaie was sorting through her late grandmother’s things when she discovered the book, which Arlene Delhaie first checked out in 1923. The copy was printed in 1910 and is apparently “highly valued by collectors” due to its limited run, UPI reports. “It’s never too
forever be grateful for the friendship and support of the SDTA team, the SDTA Board of Directors, our tourism community, and San Diego at large.”
SDTA Chair Shawn Dixon said Coker has been “an outstanding leader and advocate for our organization, city, and tourism industry.”
“Her guidance, grace, and passion helped San Diego’s tourism community come together to regain business faster than many in the market, positioning us for success during the pandemic’s recovery efforts,” said Dixon. “Under her leadership, we laid a strong foundation for growth, rebuilding travel confidence, attracting visitors, and supporting local businesses. Julie has been a true champion of SDTA’s work and a wonderful ambassador of San Diego’s tourism industry. We will miss her energy, humor and dedication, and wish her success at New York City Tourism + Conventions.”
late to return overdue library materials,” said Corey Fleming, the library’s director, in an interview with TAPinto Paterson. “This is the first time I have encountered something like this in over 20 years of working in this field.”
The younger Delhaie has made arrangements with the library to return the book. Now HOTS is wondering if it has any unreturned library books stashed away somewhere.
Coker, who has a dog named Piper, holds several executive board positions, including on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, U.S. Travel Association, Visit California, and San Diego-based organizations. She has also received the Pioneer Award from the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals and has been inducted into the Smart Women in Meetings All-Time Hall of Fame.
A Philadelphia Eagles fan, Coker
the National Labor Relations Act over several incidents.
“Across the country, corporate tactics aimed at weakening worker rights and protections are being exposed and dismantled, as most courts have seen through these meritless arguments and rightly rejected them,” said Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 226, about the casino operator’s filing. “We expect the same outcome in Station Casino’s baseless lawsuit.”
Station Casinos alleges that NLRB “proceedings are not designed to
made history as the first African-American female to lead a major conventions and visitors bureau in one of the top 50 U.S. markets when she assumed the role at Philadelphia CVB. Coker also spent more than 20 years with Hyatt Hotels, where she held general manager positions for properties in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Oakbrook, Illinois.
“Julie is a respected industry expert and deeply experienced leader who will steward both NYC Tourism + Conventions and New York City’s $74 billion tourism economy,” said NYCTC Chair Charles Flateman before thanking the organization’s CMO, Nancy Mammana, for serving as Interim CEO as well as members of the search committee. “We are thrilled to have Julie on board.”
achieve a just and efficient resolution,” according to the complaint, “but rather, they are designed to create a process so unwieldy and all-encompassing that Plaintiffs’ right to defend themselves is virtually impossible and Plaintiffs are, thus, deprived of their constitutional right to a fair and impartial proceeding.”
The casino hotel operator is also seeking a ruling that would allow the U.S. president to remove board members and administrative law judges from serving on the NLRB without cause.
Julie Coker
Hilton Partners with Visual Aid App to Serve Blind and Low Vision Guests
By Jordan Bradley
Hilton and Be My Eyes, an AI-powered visual aid app, have launched a new partnership to allow guests who are blind or have low vision to experience fewer barriers and more relaxation during their stays at Hilton hotels.
The free Be My Eyes mobile app connects such users with sighted volunteers and companies from around the globe through live video calls in order to assist them during their daily lives, according to the app’s official website.
“For guests who are blind or have low vision, exploring the unfamiliar surroundings of a hotel could pose unique and specific challenges that have the potential to impact their stay,” Hilton said.
Now, with the duo’s new and exclusive partnership, low vision and blind guests of select Hilton properties in the United States and Canada can use the Be My Eyes app to connect with a dedicated team of Hilton associates designated to help users more easily navigate their room and hotel.
Guests who take advantage of the collaboration will be able to reach Hilton associates for help with things such as identifying and adjusting their in-room thermostat, operating in-room coffee machines, and identifying window coverings. Through the Be My Eyes app, Hilton guests can also receive assistance navigating the property’s public spaces and amenities such as reading and ordering from a Hilton property’s restaurant menu.
“As a leading hospitality company, Hilton is committed to creating an experience that is welcoming for every guest, at every hotel, every time,” said Mike Gathright, Sr. Vice President of Customer Excellence and Innovation at Hilton. “We believe that every guest—regardless of ability or any other factor—deserves a reliable and friendly travel experience, and we are proud to partner with Be My Eyes to make that more of a reality for thousands of Be My Eyes users.”
The program is available at a variety of Hilton branded properties, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts,
American Medical Association Adds AI Channel to JAMA Network
By Todd McElwee
Under the headline of, “Hello, World—Introducing JAMA+ AI” the American Medical Association (AMA) shared its new digital outlet which highlights the role of artificial intelligence and digital medicine in health care, drawing on original content from across the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) Network.
“JAMA+ AI is a place to bring together the accelerating literature on AI across JAMA, JAMA Network Open, and the JAMA specialty journals, while recognizing that AI in medicine is still embedded in medicine and best understood in the context of a range of innovations with a common goal—namely, improving the health and care of patients,” said Roy Perlis, MD, Editor in Chief, JAMA+ AI; and Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, Editor in Chief of JAMA and the JAMA Network, in the introductory piece.
The Washington Post reported the channel’s first offerings include both new and less recent research. That includes a July study analyzing the use of AI in emergency room triage for patients with chest pain
and a 2018 viewpoint article by a 2024 Nobel Prize winner in physics that examines how neural networks may change health care.
Perlis and Bibbins-Domingo noted that for clinicians already wellversed in AI applications in medicine the channel provides a way to keep up with a flood of new work all in one place or delve deeper into a particular topic. For readers looking to understand the burgeoning field, JAMA+ AI also provides an opportunity to learn and master aspects of this new technology.
“Clinicians, researchers, and policymakers have heard the buzzwords but may feel like they lack the foundation to critically approach articles about AI. JAMA+ AI allows us the freedom to enrich our articles with additional materials, aimed at making them more accessible,” the authors said.
Regarding the computer scientists, engineers, and other technologists who have yet to engage with JAMA, AMA said the new channel will aim to increase interaction between the people building AI and the people using AI in health.
Find more information at jamanetwork.com
DoubleTree by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton.
“Our mission at Be My Eyes is to break down accessibility barriers in everyday life, and this partnership with Hilton is a significant step along that path, helping travel and hospi-
tality to be much more inclusive,” said Mike Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes. “Hilton is once again leading by example, and we’re excited to provide the world’s best customer service platform to help Hilton serve blind and low vision consumers.”
American Bus Association Moving to Capitol Hill
By Todd McElwee
The American Bus Association (ABA) is loading up the moving trucks and relocating within Washington, D.C. from K Street to Capitol Hill on April 1.
ABA said with 75% of its current office space underutilized, it has decided to strategically divest its existing real estate holdings with the sale freeing up “significant resources,” in which the organization can invest in its mission.
“This strategic relocation marks a significant milestone in ABA’s plans for expanding member value creation,” said Terry Fischer, Chairman of the American Bus Association. “By strategically rightsizing our headquarters, we ensure that ABA remains agile and better positioned to focus on what truly matters—supporting our members and driving the future of the motorcoach, charter bus, and group travel industry. Our new space will also enhance our presence on Capitol Hill, allowing us to work more closely with policymakers and regulators to create a better operating landscape for our members. I’m confident this relocation will open new doors for ABA and strengthen our ability to serve the industry for years to come.”
USAE could not find the office’s
price listed online, but LoopNet listed similar spaces in the building from $46–$59.50 per square foot. ABA’s 2022 Form 990’s buildings section showed cost or other basis at just north of $5.5 million, accumulated depreciation at approximately $1.6 million and current value at roughly $3.86 million.
ABA said the move is part of ongoing efforts to “rightsize its workspace, optimize operational efficiency, and refocus resources on creating value for its membership.” It added the new headquarters will offer a modern, collaborative environment.
“Our planned relocation to Capitol Hill represents a pivotal step forward for ABA,” said Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association. “Rightsizing our real estate footprint enables significant investments in ABA staff and programming, allowing us to support our membership better. By optimizing our workspace, we will also create a more modern workplace environment that can better support the needs of our dynamic team, recruit top talent, and enhance our abilities to advocate for policies that help our members succeed in today’s challenging regulatory landscape.”
Guests who are blind or who have low vision will be able to use the Be My Eyes app at select Hilton properties throughout the United States and Canada during their stays.
Brené Brown to Discuss “Daring Leadership” at Convening Leaders
By Todd McElwee
PCMA has added Brené Brown, a researcher and bestselling author, to the Convening Leaders mainstage roster in Houston.
Appearing on January 13, she will share strategies on how to embrace vulnerability and remove the barriers that hinder daring leadership. Convening Leaders will take place January 12–15 at the George R. Brown Convention Center
“The commitment to explore and continue a bold journey towards personal and professional growth is essential for all in the global business
events community,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA. “Embracing vulnerability and creating a culture of courage and leadership is a responsibility that is more relevant than ever, regardless of industry.”
Brown’s official bio states she is research professor at the University of Houston, where she occupies the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair. She is also a visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business. Spending two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, Brown is the
author of six number one New York Times bestsellers, and the host of the podcasts Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead
Brown’s TED talk on “The Power of Vulnerability” is one of the top five most-viewed TED talks in the world, with more than 60 million views. She is the first researcher to have a filmed lecture on Netflix, and in 2022 launched a new show on HBO Max that focuses on her latest book, Atlas of the Heart.
She lives in Houston with her husband, Steve. They have two children, Ellen and Charlie, and a Bichon named Lucy.
NCBMP Offering Eclectic General Session Lineup at Annual Conference
By Todd McElwee
Five general sessions spread across three days have been set as the foundation for the educational agenda at the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals’ (NCBMP) 41st Annual Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, next month.
Leadership, technology, travel’s status and more are on the docket with academics, religious leaders and meetings industry executives set to lead the discussions.
“We Are The Leaders We Have Been Looking For” kicks off the general session slate on the morning of November 14. Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., James S. McDonnell, Board of Trustees, Morehouse College, and Distinguished Professor Chair, African American Studies Department, Princeton University, is facilitating.
“Combining a scholar’s knowledge
of history, a political commentator’s take on the latest events, and an activist’s passion for social justice, Glaude challenges all of us to examine our collective American conscience, ‘not to posit the greatness of America, but to establish the ground upon which to imagine the country anew,”’ NCBMP said.
Dr. Ruha Benjamin, Professor of African American Studies, Princeton University, Founding Director, Ida B. Wells JUST Data Lab, will take the stage at the lunch session: “Reckoning With The Future Of Technology & Society.” Her work investigates the social dimensions of science, medicine, and technology by focusing on the relationship between innovation and inequity, health and justice, knowledge and power, organizers noted.
On November 15, “The 411 On The Travel Industry” is being hosted by Zeek Coleman, Vice President, Amer-
Marriott and MGM Partner on New W Las Vegas
By Jordan Bradley
Marriott International and MGM Resorts International will convert the Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay into the W Las Vegas, a luxury lifestyle hotel brand from Marriott, the pair announced on October 21.
The conversion announcement is part of Marriott and MGM’s long-term licensing agreement established in July 2023, and MGM properties were added to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program this March. MGM and Marriott expect to complete the conversion of the property by year’s end.
According to Marriott, bookings for properties within the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy have “significantly” outpaced “anticipated projec-
tions with hundreds of thousands of room nights booked.”
“Our relationship with Marriott has far exceeded our expectations, demonstrating the power of its brand portfolio and the strength of their distribution channels,” said Steve Zanella, President of MGM Resorts Operations.
“W Las Vegas, the latest hotel to come to life as part of our collaboration, will allow our guests to access a new luxury lifestyle experience recognized worldwide for its distinct personality, dynamic programming and elevated service culture.”
Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development for Marriott International, said the forthcoming W Las Vegas is “a pivotal moment” in the partnership.
icas, Tourism Economics. NCBMP said Coleman has built a reputation via his ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights.
The Hon. Dr. Michael A. Battle, Sr., U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania; Sharon Blaylock, Director of Meeting Management, AME Church Finance Department; Segi Desta, Vice President, Global Accounts, ConferenceDirect; and Steve Paganelli, Sr. Head of Americas Partnerships, Tripadvisor, will share their insights and experiences on international events and matters during “Meeting In A Global Economy, Don’t Limit Yourself.”
Concluding the general session agenda is “Stop Waiting For Permis-
DI Partnership
continued from page 1
but also to futureproof DI, ensuring we remain resilient and innovative in delivering value globally.”
Gretchen Hall, COO of DI, noted that the process of developing a new partnership model started over a year ago.
“We hadn’t really looked holistically at our partnership model for many years,” Hall told USAE. “Just based on anecdotal feedback from our partners, we knew it was time.”
A major change in the partnership model is the creation of a new entry-level tier aimed at small businesses, Hall said. This opportunity offers year-round benefits such as access to the members-only portal and association material such as newsletters and webinars, as well as potentially the ability to contribute content to such offerings.
Previously, the association offered package pricing for a variety of “event activations.” But now the association offers those opportunities a la carte, which “creates a lot of flexibility for partners to choose the ones that best fit their needs and ensures they’re
sion To Be Great” with Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, Sr. Pastor, Friendship-West Baptist Church.
“Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III, is a prophetic pastor, passionate leader, social activist, eloquent orator, and educator engaged in preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and fighting against racial injustice,” his conference bio stated. “Dr. Haynes is also committed to and has devoted his life to economic justice and empowerment in under-served communities and touching and transforming the lives of the disenfranchised.”
Find more information at NCBMP. com
receiving the most value from the partnership,” said Hall.
For example, a partner for the DI Annual Convention might choose to have a networking table with signage and a place to host individual meetings, while another partner might choose to host a “flashes of brilliance” micro-session to present content that they develop.
Hall said the plan has thus far been presented in bits and pieces and the association has received positive responses.
“The initial feedback is very positive thus far because we’ve worked hard to address all of the issues with the previous package,” said Hall. “They were simply around more transparency and flexibility, and we have made improvements on both of those key points. We’re excited to get it launched and off the ground.”
Current partners will have until the end of the year to renew and get first crack at the new opportunities, Hall said. After that, more partners will be added.
For more information, visit destinationsinternational.org/ partnership
Brené Brown
NEWS NEWS
NYC Bill
continued from page 1
The Safe Hotels Act will also require hotels to equip all core employees with panic buttons and provide training to better identify human trafficking on site.
During comment explaining the contents and purpose of the Safe Hotels Act, Council Member Julie Menin, who sponsored the measure, noted that regulating hotels within the city has been a challenge.
“While the hotel industry is an important economic driver for our great city and the majority of hotels are wonderful places to stay, there is desperate need for regulation,” she said in the October 23 meeting.
Over the last four years, Menin said, hotel-related complaints submitted to the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection have doubled. Meanwhile, the New York Police Department has received more than 14,000 criminal complaints about hotels and motels.
Menin pointed to the Umbrella Hotel in Queens, the site of years of violent crime and a New Year’s Day murder in 2021, which she said the city had little to no authority to regulate. Residents living in apartments above the hotel and in the neighborhood complained to the New York City 311 lines, according to the Queens Daily Eagle, but the city had little recourse.
“Hotels that host criminals can be difficult to shut down, as we saw all
Around Associations
Florida Society of Association Executives Hosting Power Luncheon
On November 19, the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE) is hosting a Power Luncheon at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach. Speaker Jenny Taylor will look at creativity in building team effectiveness.
“What if you could tap the strength of each member of your team to get more effort from them without it costing more and draining your people of their desire to serve the membership? Incorporating creativity helps teams build beyond the routine of association management in a refreshing light that gives energy and motivation,” FSAE said. “Using aspects of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, this is an interactive session where attendees are posed a series of questions that strive to explore new possibilities and revamping old ideas. This is a memorable session where people don’t have to be creative, but only willing to shift their perspective slightly.”
More information is available at fsae.org
NBAA Announces Recipient of 2024 Steve Brown Leadership Scholarship… The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has unveiled the recipient of the Steve Brown Leadership Scholarship, in honor of the association’s former COO, who retired in 2022. The winner of this year’s scholarship is Jonny Strange, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The scholarship was created by NBAA, in coordination with NBAA Charities, to support students interested in pursuing a career in business aviation who are currently enrolled in programs to achieve this goal. Up to two awards of $1,500 each are given out annually.
Prior to joining NBAA, Brown served
too well in Kew Gardens Queens with the Umbrella Hotel, when hundreds of neighbors complained about that hotel. And finally, in 2021 there was a murder,” Menin said. “The city tried to shut the hotel down, but had difficulty doing so, in large part because it was not licensed.”
Council Member Lynn Schulman presides over the 29th District where the Umbrella Hotel is located. When it came time to cast her vote, she explained her reasoning for her support of the legislation.
“That hotel is in my district. And I want to thank Council Member Menin and HTC and everyone involved and the speaker for doing this bill, because now we won’t have to deal with hotels like that ever again. It was something that we worked on for a long time,” said Schulman.
the legislation,” said Miraj S. Patel, Chairman of AAHOA. “Hoteliers of all sizes deserve the flexibility to manage their operations effectively to ensure efficiency and guest satisfaction. The unintended consequences of this act will disproportionately affect minority-owned businesses, stifling entrepreneurship and innovation in the hospitality sector.”
for six years as the FAA’s associate administrator for air traffic services. Before that, he served as president of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and sr. vice president, government affairs for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He was a member of the faculty at Texas A&M University, where he taught several aviation-related courses.
NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees.
UFI counts down to 91st Global Congress in Cologne UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has unveiled the program for the 91st Global Congress, which will take place from November 20–23 at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. Centered on the theme “Changes to Chances,” this year’s program will explore global trends reshaping the exhibition industry and uncover strategies to transform these shifts into opportunities for growth.
“We are delighted to be hosting this year’s Congress,” said Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse. “The theme ‘Changes to Chances’ gets straight to the heart of our times. Koelnmesse is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and we are aware of the challenges and changes in the markets. This makes the exchange with industry professionals in Cologne all the more important: We are not resting on our laurels but are constantly developing trade fairs to maintain their innovative strength as well as our own.”
Find more information at ufi.org
The Safe Hotels Act has been strongly contested by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). Representatives from both associations gathered at City Hall on October 9 to testify to the council regarding the potential harm and unintended consequences the legislation could have on the city’s hotels, including increases in hotel rates and arbitrary regulations that could force smaller hotels predominantly owned and operated by minority hoteliers to shut down.
“While we acknowledge the passage of the Safe Hotels Act and the attempt to accommodate smaller properties, this revision still falls short of addressing our broader concerns with
The Hotel Association of New York (HANYC) was at first opposed to the legislation, but it worked with Menin to make amendments to the original bill. Those changes included exemptions for hotels with fewer than 100 rooms when it comes to the bill’s staffing requirements, clarification that unexpected disruptions in service—such as a leak—will not result in revocation of a license, and a twoyear licensing period instead of the originally proposed one year.
“After hard-fought negotiation and necessary adjustments that exempt small hotels from onerous costs and all hotels from arbitrary licensing rules, the legislation passed today by the City Council will create a fair and practical standard for hotels that will protect both our industry and employees—and also provide the best possible experience for our guests so that New York City remains the world’s top travel destination,” said Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO of HANYC.
The Safe Hotels Act must next be signed into law by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who is reportedly expected to support the bill, according to the New York Times.
Experience Kissimmee recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Here, DT Minich, President & CEO of Experience Kissimmee, delivers a speech at the 10-year Anniversary Gala.
