USAE
THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWS OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS
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OCTOBER 5, 2026
Moscone Center Experiences Cybersecurity Incident By Jonathan Trager
The publishing company owns several media outlets, including PEOPLE, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, InStyle, Better Homes & Gardens, and Southern Living. People Incorporated initially announced the proposal on June 1. At the time, People Incorporated
Legends Global, the operator of San Francisco’s Moscone Center, has confirmed that the convention center experienced a cybersecurity incident but hasn’t revealed whether any data was stolen. Legends Global has said it discovered the incident and took steps to contain it while “engaging third-party cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough investigation,” Stacey Escudero, Chief Communications Officer for Legends Global, told Skift Meetings. The incident became public after Settra, a ransomware and data-extortion group, listed Moscone Center on its leak site. Settra claimed it obtained about 250 gigabytes of files and threatened to publish them on October 2. The group also claimed the files included Social Security numbers, employee tax and medical records, human resources documents, insurance policies, and event-related contracts. Those claims haven’t been independently verified. Legends Global hasn’t publicly confirmed that the
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The Senior Hospitality Industry Professionals (S.H.I.P.)—an industry networking group founded 20 years ago by David Giger (retired from Hilton Worldwide)—gathered on September 29 at The Falls in Falls Church Virginia.
Publishing Company Formally Withdraws $18B Bid for MGM Resorts
By Jordan Bradley
Publishing Company People Incorporated has formally withdrawn an $18 billion proposal to purchase all publicly available shares of MGM Resorts International. “There are lots of ingredients that go into a proposal of this kind on
its way to completion,” said Barry Diller, Chairman and Sr. Executive at People Incorporated, in a September 23 statement. “We didn’t feel the mix was coming together in the way we had hoped and have decided not to pursue taking the company private at this time. What is undimmed is our belief in the future of MGM Resorts.”
Inside
Hilton Releases 2027 Trends Report Reveals Five Trends to Expect
By Jordan Bradley Months ahead of the 2027 travel season, Hilton is already looking to trends that will influence traveler decisions, finding that travelers are more inclined to travel on their own terms. The report, titled “The Great Rebalance: How Travelers are Expecting to Reset and Recalibrate in 2027,” was the result of a survey commissioned by Hilton of more than 14,700 travelers based in 14
countries around the globe. The survey was distributed in mid- to late-May and asked questions about what travelers are prioritizing in their travels over the next 12 months. The report’s survey found five key trends: •“The Rise of ‘Ish:’” Travelers are less inclined to pursue a “perfect” trip and instead are accepting “good-’ish’” accommodations in order to define their own travel goals. Please turn to page 5
MPI Opens Registration for EMEC in Galway, Ireland By Todd McElwee
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Kennedy Center Closure Shifts Performances Around Washington, D.C.
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AI Insider Zack Kass to Discuss Tech at PCMA’s Convening Leaders
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Experience Scottsdale’s Rachel Sacco Knows Authenticity Gets Results
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Borderless Hotel Alliance Launched for Independent Hotels
MPI is inviting the meetings industry to Galway, Ireland, for its Emerald Isle debut, with registration now open for its European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), set for February 20–23. “For the first time, EMEC is coming to Ireland,” MPI said. “Join event professionals from across Europe in Galway to learn from one another, build lasting relationships and explore new approaches to event design. Through its hospitality, food,
culture and community, Galway offers a living example of how a destination can bring people together. You’ll leave with fresh ideas to bring to your own events.” Each edition of EMEC includes a full slate of learning, networking and cultural experiences. In addition to plenary sessions, EMEC Galway will feature MPI Foundation Club ‘Vous, a hosted buyer experience, Future Leaders Forum and Learning Journeys, which are designed to immerse attendees in the local culture Please turn to page 2
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N E W S
OCTOBER 5, 2026
Kennedy Center Closure Shifts Performances Around Washington, D.C.
By Todd McElwee
The Kennedy Center Honors won’t be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. No, this December 7, the building’s signature event will be staged at Capital One Arena, home to the Washington Capitals and Wizards. On September 26, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) held its Season Opening Gala Concert. But no violins were bowed, nor tympanies struck, nor French horns played at its traditional home—the Kennedy Center where NSO has performed since 1971—as the symphony was roughly 12 miles away at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md. The Kennedy Center is at the center of a legal battle concerning the addition of President Donals Trump’s name, with its board also citing the need for substantial maintenance due to safety concerns. The New York Times said the facility’s board announced its intention to close in March for renovations and officially closed the center on September 15
citing safety. NBC News reported Kennedy Center officials will announce this year’s Kennedy Center Honors recipients at a later date. Strathmore is just the first of six local venues NSO’s schedule say it will appear at this season. The symphony isn’t alone in its nomadic pursuits as the Kennedy Center’s closure is spreading performances away from the banks of the Potomac River to venues around the Beltway. “Washington, DC is fortunate to have an extraordinary range of venues for meetings and events, and we promote all of our city’s event spaces as part of the diverse options available to meeting planners,” Elliott L. Ferguson II, President & CEO of Destination DC, told USAE. “The impact of meetings extends well beyond the walls of any one venue. When a group gathers in Washington, D.C., the benefits reach the hotels where attendees stay, the restaurants where they dine, the retailers and small businesses they visit and the neighborhoods they experience throughout their time in the city.”
Palm Beach County Approves Convention Center Hotel By Jonathan Trager
Palm Beach County commissioners approved a deal on September 29 for an 18-story, 400-room hotel next to the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, advancing a project county officials say will help accommodate larger conventions and support a planned expansion of the center. The 6-1 vote approved agreements with development firm Related Ross, an affiliate of Related Companies. Commissioner Gregg Weiss cast the lone dissenting vote, according to county records and local reports. Under the agreement, Related Ross will finance, construct, and operate the hotel. The county will acquire the land and completed hotel for $26 million, then lease the property back to the developer for an initial 33-year term. Renewal options could extend the arrangement to 97 years. “The county actually has a chance to be a partner in this and generate revenue, and economic development and jobs,” Commissioner Maria Marino said during the meeting, news outlet WPBF reported. The proposed hotel is expected
to address a substantial portion of the projected need for 600 additional hotel rooms associated with an expanded convention center, according to county documents. The county will receive annual base rent of $1.117 million, with 3% increases, plus potential participation rent tied to hotel revenue. The agreement also provides for 335 designated spaces in the convention center parking garage for the new hotel. Convention Center General Manager Dave Anderson told commissioners the second hotel could accommodate conventions with as many as 2,500 attendees, the Palm Beach Post reported. Stephen Ross, Chairman of Related Companies, also spoke in support of the project. Ross told commissioners that Palm Beach County is growing and becoming increasingly important nationally, and he said the convention center would contribute to that growth. The hotel is part of a broader effort to expand the convention center. County commissioners in June approved professional architectural and engineering services for the expansion’s initial programming and conceptual design.
He continued: “Our role is to continue connecting meeting planners with the right venues and experiences for their groups and to help ensure that wherever an event takes place, visitors have opportunities to engage with and contribute to the many communities that make DC such a dynamic destination. We remain committed to supporting the city’s entire meetings and events ecosystem and working with planners and our hospitality partners to create success in Washington, D.C.” NSO calls the Kennedy Center home, but also holds performances at venues around the Beltway. More than ever this season orchestra members resemble Creedence Clearwater Revival and are playing in a “Travelin Band.”
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via curated experiences. The Galmont Hotel & Spa and Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s National Tourism Development Authority, are hosting. “At EMEC Galway, you’ll explore new approaches to event design,
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owned 26.1% of the outstanding common stock in MGM, and Diller noted that the company has been investing in MGM Resorts for almost six years “because we believed it represented a rare kind of business: one with real world assets that AI cannot easily replicate or disintermediate and exceptional digital growth opportunities.” Diller noted that People Incorporated “is doing just fine,” having achieved “its 11th quarter of growth with plenty of cash to both invest in its businesses and purchase its stock.” Meanwhile, MGM Resorts, also shared statement on September 23 acknowledging that People had withdrawn its proposal. Paul Salem, Chairman of the MGM
This season NSO is holding performances at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University (Fairfax, Va.), Rachel Schlesinger Hall at Northern Virginia Community College (Alexandria, Va.) Lisner Auditorium at the George Washington University (Washington, DC) The Anthem (Washington, DC), The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland (College Park, Md.) and Lincoln Theatre (Washington, D.C.). Many weekends are split between two locations. “Of course I was sad, and I was very shocked,” Gianandrea Noseda, the orchestra’s music director, said of the March announcement in a phone interview with the Times on morning Please turn to page 6
learn directly from European peers and build relationships with professionals who understand your work,” organizers said. “Come away with ideas you can apply, potential partners to follow up with and a fresh perspective on how a destination can shape an event.” Find more information here.
Resorts Board of Directors, said the board was “excited to continue to lead MGM Resorts as a standalone company,” but he did not allude to any further discussions with People. Still, Diller said People Incorporated remained “open to and interested in the possibility of a strategic transaction with MGM Resorts and look forward to considering a range of alternatives.” According to a September 24 report from the Wall Street Journal, MGM Resorts International is now discussing a bid for People Incorporated, though the outlet did not name a source for this news. At press deadline, MGM had not returned USAE request for comment regarding the article or a potential transaction with People Incorporated.
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OCTOBER 5, 2026
HOTS Shark Sensation… Crowds of onlookers in Busan, South Korea, the country’s largest port city, have gathered to watch an unexpected presence in the port: an 11.5-foot-long gray shark dubbed Bukangi. According to the Associated Press, the water creature has been swimming in the port for around two weeks. Authorities have made attempts to herd Bukangi out of the port for its own health and well-being to no avail. During the first attempt on September 29, five vessels were deployed into the waterway as a crowd of fans watched. Over the
WEEKLY NEWS OF ASSOCIATIONS CVBs AND HOTELS
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 Marketing & Circulation Director Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com
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HOTS course of several hours, teams on the vessels sprayed streams of water in an effort to herd the gray shark toward the open sea. “Bukangi has naturally become a new part of Busan’s story with the interest and love of the city’s people,” said Busan Mayor Chun Jawsoo in a statement to AP. The most recent attempt to free Bukangi on October 2 occurred after press deadline, and now HOTS will certainly be anxiously awaiting an update. g g g g g
HOTS South African Sizzle… A group of about 3,000 grilling enthusiasts gathered in Pretoria, South Africa, on September 24 in a coordinated effort to break the record for the biggest cookout, the Associated Press reported. The previous record for most people grilling simultaneously was set in Ishigaki City, Japan, in 2023 with 2,220 participants. According to the Guinness World Records adjudicator, participants were required to be barbecuing simultaneously for a mini-
Hard Rock executives celebrated winning the Land-Based Operator of the Year Award at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards held on September 28 in Las Vegas. From left to right: Rick Arpin, KPMG; Jeff Hook, COO, Hard Rock International; Sean Caffery, President of Casino Development & Chief of Staff, Hard Rock International; Kathleen McLaughin, NOVOMATIC; and Mariya Savova, Global Gaming Awards.
mum of five minutes in order to make a new record. According to AP, much like in America, grilling (or “cooking meat outside on a wood, charcoal or gas fire”) is a beloved pastime in
South Africa called a “braai.” HOTS must be hungry, because we can only imagine how mouth-wateringly delicious the city of Pretoria smelled that afternoon.
AI Insider Zack Kass to Discuss Tech at PCMA’s Convening Leaders
By Todd McElwee
Moving beyond the utopia-or-dystopia debate concerning AI, Zack Kass, Global AI Advisor and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, will explore where the technology is headed and why choices made matter more than ever during PCMA’s Convening Leaders’ in Miami. Kass will appear on the Main Stage during January 12’s The Next RenAIssance session. “AI is no longer a future conversation for our global community—it is here and it is reshaping how we design, deliver and measure every experience we create,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA & CEMA. “Zack isn’t asking our community to fear the technology or to wait and see; he’s challenging us to lead it. The choices we make now will shape how the world meets and making them with intention is how we will lead our
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incident involved ransomware, that Settra was responsible, or that the attackers obtained customer, employee, or event-related information. SOCRadar, a cybersecurity intelligence platform that tracks ransomware activity, lists Moscone Center as a claimed victim and gives September 11 as the alleged attack date and September 22 as the discovery date. Its listing explicitly identifies the victim
industry forward.” Kass works with Fortune 1000 boardrooms and leadership teams, including Coca-Cola, Morgan Stanley, and Amgen, helping leaders decipher what AI means for their business. His insights have been featured in Fortune, Newsweek, Business Inside and more. He supports AI education and research at the University of Virginia and is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. Describing the The Next RenAIssance, PCMA said: “AI is the most powerful tool we’ve ever built for expanding human potential, but that outcome isn’t guaranteed,” adding, “This is about the real choices facing you right now. You will leave with prac-
tical frameworks, renewed optimism, and a reason to build.” Destination Canada is facilitating. Find more information here.
status as “Claimed.” However, SOCRadar’s listing doesn’t establish what information, if any, was taken from Moscone Center’s systems. The platform’s designation reflects the ransomware group’s claim rather than an independent confirmation that an intrusion occurred or that data was exfiltrated. The center remains operational, and its event calendar shows it continued hosting scheduled events in September, including the Pokémon World Championships and Salesforce
Dreamforce. Legends Global hasn’t disclosed whether personal or proprietary information was accessed, how the attackers gained entry, or whether law enforcement is involved. Legends Globals’ public privacy policy says the company uses personal information for security and incident detection and maintains technical and organizational measures intended to protect data. The policy doesn’t state whether those measures prevented or limited the incident.
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OCTOBER 5, 2026
Women Leading the Way
Experience Scottsdale’s Rachel Sacco Knows Authenticity Gets Results By Jordan Bradley
are as well.” Those interests include access to high-end brands, natural outdoor Rachel Sacco, President and CEO wonders (more than a third of Scottof Experience Scottsdale in Arizona, sdale land is a designated nature knows—and loves—the community preserve, Sacco said), fine dining she helps to represent to the world. restaurants (earlier this year, Michelin In fact, Sacco is the first and only Guide released a guide for Scottsdale President and CEO of the destination and the Southwest), luxurious resort organization, having served in that stays, and a full market of wellness capacity for 40 years. amenities. Sacco joined the Scottsdale ChamDuring her tenure in Scottsdale’s ber of Commerce in 1986, the year tourism office and as the head of Exbefore the chamber established a perience Scottsdale, Sacco has worked separate tourism arm, the Scottsdale with many city officials, learning to Convention & Visitors Bureau, which advocate for tourism while a wide eventually became its own entity in variety of priorities at play. 2001, and transitioned to Experience “Every city council, every mayor Scottsdale in 2016. that comes in truly is there to serve Through it all, Sacco has been at their community, and the helm. “Every city council, they all have different “The metamorphosis of Scottsdale over every mayor that comes visions,” Sacco said. have visions these last 40 years has in truly is there to serve “Some that include tourism just been so delighttheir community, and more robustly than ful to watch,” Sacco told USAE. But even they all have different others. My job is really to look at what our through those changvisions,” Sacco said. leadership vision is for es, “it’s a community our community, and that still has its very somehow match that up with what own roots.” tourism can bring because tourism is Sacco has always felt that the state such a net positive for everyone.” of Arizona—and the Scottsdale region As a destination organization leadin particular—was “a kindred spirit” to her, having spent a small portion of er, Sacco understands that an inherent part of the job is translating the her childhood there. importance of tourism initiatives to After her family moved to the residents who may not understand the southeast, that sense of connection functions of a destination organization to place brought her back to Arizoor the benefits thoughtful and intenna for college, where she attended tional tourism bring to a community. Tempe’s Arizona State University and “Sometimes our residents—particureceived a degree in communications larly the newer ones that come in—are and business. not as familiar with how much tourism Over the years in the region’s is reducing their taxes,” Sacco said. tourism management office, Sacco It’s sometimes a challenge to comhas watched Scottsdale grow into a municate that “if there are visitors destination known worldwide, but one here, yeah, it might be harder for me that still feels welcoming. to get a reservation at my favorite “There is still a lot of authentic restaurant in March in our high seaWestern in our community,” Sacco son” when travelers and seasonal resisaid. She added that, over the years, dents are in town, “but that restaurant Scottsdale has “also become a grownprobably wouldn’t be here if all those up city that feels like a small town” visitors weren’t here, nor the hotel where residents and visitors alike have that has my favorite spa,” Sacco said, access to “big city amenities” without sacrificing “a very friendly, smaller so community education about the positive impact of being welcoming town appeal.” to those visitors is a must. For Sacco, “tourism is synonymous, “We spend a lot of time trying to I think, with the DNA of Scottsdale— gently and authentically just talk to our how it began, how it’s continuing residents as much as we can, particuto evolve, but also with a resident’s larly through our city leadership, about perspective in mind.” Sacco credits the benefits,” she said. part of its success to the destination Sacco’s tenure at the helm of Exorganization’s focus on its affluent perience Scottsdale meant she was resident and visitor base. building the organization’s culture “Our visitors are very much like essentially from the ground up. our residents, which is probably why “My goal was to create an envithere’s a lot of symbiotic connection ronment where people truly looked there,” Sacco explained. “They tend forward to coming to the office every to be affluent, and they tend to be day because they were valued,” Sacco interested in things that our residents
said. An environment where “they could actually use their skill set, and they weren’t afraid of overreaching. Mistakes were things that weren’t verboten.” Throughout her time leading Experience Scottsdale, Sacco said she has seen several long-term tenures of employees—including a 30-year tenure in the communications department)—and the organization has made a strong effort to uplift individuals with trust, continuing education, and opportunities to take on new challenges. “I knew what I wanted for our team, and it needed to be built on hard work, trust, and knowing that we have each other’s back,” Sacco said. Still, when she stepped into her leadership role, she “wanted to do the job so perfectly, and I wanted so hard to succeed—in the beginning, you can become your own worst enemy,” she said, by trying to emulate the idea of a leader instead of leading as an authentic version of yourself. “When I actually became confident enough to just be myself—a woman who cared tremendously for her team, for the community, who didn’t have all
the right answers” was the moment things began to shift for Sacco, because that authenticity invited trust on her team. Looking forward, Sacco is excited to dig into opportunities created by the passing of Arizona House Bill 2950, a piece of legislation passed in June this year that allows municipalities and governing bodies in the state to levy assessments on lodging businesses and designate tourism improvement areas. The piece of legislation is something Experience Scottsdale has pursued for a decade, Sacco said, and the process is only just beginning in Scottsdale. “We’re starting that journey right now of: what would be great for Scottsdale? What would help our hotels and resorts?” said Sacco. “And frankly, everything from our golf and our art galleries to our retail. What is that we could do that would enhance what we’re doing in a way that, again, follows on our promise to our residents that this [city[ is going to always be authentic—which is also our promise to our visitors as well.”
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Industry Movers
Rahul Roy is now Executive Chef of Nobu Hotel Palo Alto. Prior to Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, he served as executive chef at Marriott Hotels in Fremont, California. He served as sous chef at Nobu Palo Alto, and his culinary career also includes time as chef of The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa and as chef de partie at Four Points by Sheraton in Mumbai.
Hilton
Daniel “Danny” Cuellar is now Visit Florida Keys & Key West’s Chief Marketing Officer. He enjoys more than 20 years of experience. Cuellar served as vice president of Americas marketing at Qantas Airways. His work included leading the airline’s first bespoke U.S. brand campaign in more than a decade “Australia in the Sky.” Before Qantas, Cuellar was the NFL’s senior director of global brand and consumer marketing.
they relax while traveling,” according to the report. continued from page 1 •“The Micro-Travel Mindset:” TravHilton found that “travelers often elers are also more focused on value, feel pressure to do what they think taking smaller and shorter, but more they should do on vacation, even if frequent trips that allow them to it’s not what they want to do,” the experience a lot in a short amount company said, with more than half of of time at a reasonable expense. The respondents reporting feeling pres- survey noted that the definition of a short stay varied by region; Amersure “to have the perfect trip.” •“The Travel Trust Equation:” While icans considering a short trip to be travel companies embrace AI, travelers fewer than 3-4 days while travelers are still prioritizing “the human touch” from Japan overwhelmingly conwhen making their plans. According sidering a short trip to be less than to the Hilton, outside of taking travel two days, for example. Still, 67% of advice from family members (moms the survey’s respondents said they specifically), travelers “place a signifi- “like to plan travel that allows them to experience a lot cant trust in hotel staff, Still, 67% of the in a short amount of with 70% of travelers trusting them as a travsurvey’s respondents time,” Hilton said. Through the findel planning resource.” said they “like to plan ings of the report, Hil•“Growth Geta w a y s : ” Tr a v e l e r s travel that allows them ton discovered “that are placing personal to experience a lot in a travelers are less interested in someone growth as a top priority in, and desired short amount of time,” else’s definition of perfection and more result of, their travel Hilton said. focused on planning planning. According to the report, Gen Z travelers are al- travel on their own terms,” said most two times more likely than Baby Chris Nassetta, President and CEO Boomers “to want to return home at Hilton. Nassetta added: “This year’s report with a new hobby or interest they can reinforces that people are looking for continue to pursue,” Hilton said. •“Wellness, Rewired:” Wellness, rest experiences that fit their lives, help and restoration are still top reasons to them recharge, and create meaning travel, and travelers are increasingly that lasts long after they’ve returned focused on a new balance between home. As traveler expectations condigital and analog solutions to “con- tinue to evolve, it’s our phygital innect more deeply with themselves, novations, the seamless blending of their surroundings and others,” Hilton physical environments and human said. In fact, 65% of travelers surveyed touch with digital products, that will said they “actively seek experiences help guests make the most of their that calm the body and reset the ner- travel experience, while also building vous system,” and 79% said “fresh air trust and loyalty.” Find the full report here. and the outdoors are essential to how
Daniel Treuman has transitioned from destination services executive to National Sales Manager, Citywide Support and Development, East Coast at the Atlanta CVB (ACVB). He’s responsible for promoting and selling Atlanta as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows and group meetings requiring 400–999 rooms on peak night. Treuman served as a senior event manager at both Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center.
Rainell Mano has been named Director of Sales, Marketing & Events at Lotte Hotel Seattle. She has more than 25 years of experience. Born and raised in Hawaii, Mano has built her career across the luxury hospitality landscape, holding leadership positions with recognized brands and organizations including The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Outrigger Hospitality Group, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and PRA Business Events. See more Industry Movers
Visit Greater Palm Springs Becomes IGLTA Gold-level Global Partner By Jonathan Trager Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) has become a Gold-level Global Partner of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, making it the first destination organization in California to reach that level. The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship and follows Greater Palm Springs’ role as host city partner for the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention. “Visit Greater Palm Springs treats inclusive travel as a fundamental commitment, not just a business opportunity,” said Anthony Warner, interim CEO of IGLTA. Warner said the new designation marks another step in the organizations’ relationship. “They step up time and time again, and becoming our first Gold-level Global Partner destination in California is the next natural milestone along our shared path,” he said. The Gold-level designation follows the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention in Palm Springs, which brought tourism professionals from around the world to the region and highlighted Greater Palm Springs as an LGBTQ+ travel destination. Scott White, President & CEO of VGPS, said the partnership builds on the region’s longstanding connec-
tion to LGBTQ+ travelers and reflects the region’s continued commitment to inclusive tourism. “Greater Palm Springs has always been a place where everyone is welcome, and our community has proudly embraced LGBTQ+ travelers for decades,” White said. The Gold-level partnership gives VGPS a more prominent role in IGLTA’s international network of destination and tourism-industry partners. The program provides partners with resources and research related to LGBTQ+ travel and opportunities to engage with the association’s global network. Greater Palm Springs has continued to expand its presence in LGBTQ+ tourism, with businesses, attractions and events serving LGBTQ+ visitors throughout the year. The region also hosts Greater Palm Springs Pride. The new partnership comes as destinations and tourism organizations continue to focus on LGBTQ+ travelers as part of their international marketing strategies. For VGPS, the designation extends a relationship strengthened by the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention. For IGLTA, the organization adds its first Gold-level destination partner in California.
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OCTOBER 5, 2026
Borderless Hotel Alliance Launches for Independent Hotels
By Jordan Bradley
Landingplace Hotels launched the Borderless Hotel Alliance (BHA) on September 24 as a solution for independent hoteliers looking to reap the benefits of franchising without signing away their independence and identity. The new venture offers independent hoteliers solutions for technology, distribution and revenue management, and loyalty programs that they otherwise may not have access to as a singular property or as a small, un-franchised portfolio. Landingplace Hotels is an owner-focused hotel company based in South Carolina
established last year. BHA “is not a franchise,” Landingplace CEO and co-founder Jeremy Bratcher told USAE. “You are a participant in the alliance, and by participating, you get access to our resources, our tools, our guidance, our tech stack, our fully integrated platform with preferred negotiated pricing, and it’s very turnkey.” Bratcher is no stranger to the hotel industry; in fact, he has 30 years of experience in hospitality. Beginning his career with a gig as a bellman and banquet server “just making some gas money,” Bratcher went on to work in just about every discipline in
The Ambassadors Inn & Suites in Virginia Beach is the inaugural member of the Borderless Hotel Alliance.
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of the opening concert. But he considers himself an optimist, and he has rebranded the ensemble a ‘touring orchestra.”’ The Classical Arts Society of Washington is now performing at the Arts Club of Washington, a renovated row home once occupied by James Monroe. Bloomberg said the Kennedy Center seats 2,465 with the Arts Club seating 100 and doubling as an art gallery. “(It) is so intimate that the musicians’ breaths are audible from the first few rows,” Bloomberg wrote. In January, the Washington National Opera (WNO) announced its decision to seek an amicable early termination of its affiliation agreement with the center and resume operations as a fully independent nonprofit entity. WNO said the decision followed changes at the facility, including requiring productions to now be fully funded in advance and the facility’s model not accommodating its artistic mission of balancing popular works with lesser-known operas. In May, WNO announced performances at an expanded roster of venues, including Washington, D.C.’s DAR Constitution Hall, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater’s Kreeger Theater, and Sidney Harman Hall at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
WNO will also be at the Music Center at Strathmore and the company’s WNO Studio. “Your next great night out might just be one search away,” WNO said on Facebook on September 23. “Step into WNO’s bold new 2026/27 season and experience opera in a whole new way at DAR Constitution Hall.” Theatre Washington told USAE that in 2024, the Kennedy Center employed 2,494 people and spent roughly $126 million on salaries, compensation, and benefits, in addition to an estimated $30 million to $40 million in artist fees. Roughly 2,000 workers belonged to professional unions, including Actors’ Equity Association, IATSE, AFM, AGMA, and others. Amy Austin, President & CEO of Theatre Washington, said: “Theatre Washington supports the visibility and vibrancy of the D.C.-area theatre industry. We work to make connections between and among the cultural community, including availability and viability of performance spaces. The closure of The Kennedy Center is an indescribable loss to our community—to our theatrical workforce, to new ideas and new work, and to audiences. While it has meant that residents and tourists alike are discovering and leaning into the abundance of great theatre that has always existed in our region, we don’t see it as an opportunity. The cost of that discovery is immense.”
hospitality at a wide variety of companies and brands, holding significant roles in the operations side as well as the corporate side at brands like Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, and Starwood prior to its acquisition by Marriott. Eventually, Bratcher decided to branch out and launch Landingplace Hotels, a less-prescriptive brand for conversion hotels in the select service and extended stay arenas. Through the course of conversations with hoteliers as Landingplace was taking shape and because he’s seen the hospitality industry “from a 360-degree view,” Bratcher said that “there were some ways that I thought we could do things better.” Thus, the Borderless Hotel Alliance was born. “What we saw—and what resonates with owners—is that a lot of independent hotels that are family-owned, ‘mom-and-pop,’ or smaller ownership groups, they either didn’t have access to, awareness of, or the ability to modernize as fast as some of those big brands,” Bratcher said. “They may be doing things the same way they did in 2005, and 21 years later, the industry has evolved, and they haven’t evolved as quickly.” For the owners of the Alliance’s inaugural hotel, the Ambassadors Inn & Suites in Virginia Beach, BHA offers technology, distribution and revenue management solutions that allow the hotel to remain competitive. BHA also brings hotels into the LandingPlace Rewards loyalty program, which already has 900 participating hotels,
Jeremy Bratcher
Bratcher said. As an alternative to prescriptive brand standards at big name hotel brands, BHA believes independent hoteliers are the experts when it comes to their region and what makes sense for their hotel to offer guests. BHA, for example, doesn’t require hotels to offer breakfast to be a member of the Alliance. “They know their market, they know their customer,” Bratcher said. “We’re not here to change that. We’re willing to give them the back office, the revenue management, the distribution, the CRS, the CRM, the loyalty, the PMS— all of that—that’s future-proofed for 2026 and beyond.” For the owners of the Ambassadors Inn and Suites, Harshad and Swati Barot, what BHA is offering is precisely what their property needs. Please turn to page 7
Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer at Brand USA, speaks for Brand USA Travel Week U.K. & Europe 2026 on September 28. Held in Amsterdam, the event ran through October 1. Credit: Brand USA
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Around Associations SITE NITE North America Coming to IMEX America… On October 12, SITE NITE North America will be at Las Vegas’ Zouk Nightclub with organizers, saying it will be an “evening of good people, great music and Yacht Rock energy.” “Come ready to catch up with familiar faces, meet some new ones, hit the dance floor and see what surprises we have in store,” SITE SAID. The party runs from 8–11 p.m., with coastal nautical meets country club the suggested dress code. “Think yacht-ready, with a little Vegas thrown in,” SITE said. Find more information here. Alzheimer’s Association and Special Olympics Launch Partnership… The Alzheimer’s Association and
Special Olympics have announced a new partnership to increase access to brain health education, dementia resources, and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families and caregivers. The organizations will expand awareness of brain health and dementia, develop accessible educational resources, and strengthen connections between local Alzheimer’s Association chapters and Special Olympics Programs. “This partnership reflects our commitment to making brain health and dementia resources accessible to all communities,” said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. “Together with Special
Olympics, we can better support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers with trusted information, education and resources.” An initial focus of the partnership is adapting the Alzheimer’s Association’s 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain resource into an easy-read format to better serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. People with Down syndrome are at significantly increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, with estimates suggesting that 50% or more of people with Down syndrome will develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease as they age. In addition, by age 40, most people with Down syndrome have the brain changes associated
with Alzheimer’s disease, including the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, although not everyone develops dementia symptoms. “People with Down syndrome face a significantly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, making trusted brain health and dementia resources critically important”, said Dimitri A. Christakis, MD, MPH, Chief Health Officer at Special Olympics. “Special Olympics is proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to expand the education and resources available to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers so they can recognize the signs of dementia, make informed decisions, and seek appropriate care.” Find more information here.
Borderless Hotel
place team took the time to listen to what we wanted and understand the hotel before recommending solutions. We felt we were working with people who respected what we’ve built and wanted to help us make it stronger.” The hotel is currently undergoing onboarding and is expected to be fully integrated by December. “‘Borderless’—we chose that strategically for a couple of reasons,” Bratcher said, adding that the term is also in reference to its geographic coverage area. “We’re not defined to the single chain scale within the industry. “It’s not just mid-scale or not just upscale. It ranges from economy all the way to upscale.” In fact, BHA is in the process of
having conversations with hotels nationwide, as well as properties in Canada and Latin America, Bratcher told USAE. Still, for Bratcher and the Alliance team, “our focus is on the first ho-
tel and making sure it’s successful through sound execution,” he said. “It’s one thing to say all these things, it’s another to execute—and we are highly focused on execution.” Find more information here.
continued from page 6
“We’ve operated Ambassadors Inn & Suites ourselves for more than 30 years, and the hotel business has changed tremendously during that time,” said Harshad Barot. “Knowing your guests and your market is still important, but today you also must compete through technology, distribution, revenue management and all the different ways travelers find and book hotels. We knew Ambassadors needed to evolve in those areas, and Borderless gives us an opportunity to do that while building on what has worked for us for more than three decades.” Swati Barot added: “The Landing-
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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp addresses the 2026 Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference on Jekyll Island on September 30.
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Savannah: The Conversation Has Shifted from Why You Should Book to Why Haven’t You
Savannah has long given planners the best of both worlds: a destination attendees want to experience and one that works for the meeting itself. The Historic Landmark District puts hotels, dining, shopping, rooftop bars, River Street and nearly three centuries of history within easy reach. Across the Savannah River, the Savannah Convention Center has space for the main event and everything surrounding it. Now, planners have even more to work with. The Convention Center spans 660,000 square feet, including a 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom alongside its existing 25,000-square-foot ballroom, 27 meeting rooms, five executive boardrooms, and a 367seat auditorium. That added capacity gives planners greater flexibility to accommodate general sessions, exhibits, concurrent breakouts, meals and events under one roof. The best part? A larger meeting still comes with the Savannah experience. Step outside the Convention Center, board a complimentary Savannah Belles Ferry and let the river carry attendees downtown. In three to five minutes, to be exact, cobblestones, shaded squares, rooftop toasts, historic architecture and more than 100 diverse dining options are waiting on the other side. Some routes will be short. Others, they’ll want to take the long way around. Savannah’s walkability gives planners more freedom beyond the day’s agenda, too. Attendees can leave a session, explore downtown on foot, gather for dinner or continue to an evening event without planners having to build extensive transportation
Savannah Convention Center
into every transition. And Then There’s Signia Opening in 2028, Signia by Hilton Savannah will bring 444 rooms directly to the Savannah Convention Center, giving planners another headquarters hotel alongside the neighboring Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Signia will also bring 34,000 square feet of its own meeting space, including a 13,000-square-foot ballroom. Together, the two hotels will offer more than 800 guest rooms on Hutchinson Island, while Savannah’s Historic Landmark District remains a short ferry ride across the river. Planners will be able to keep more attendees, meetings and events together on Hutchinson Island while incorporating downtown Savannah into
the program just as easily. Five food and beverage concepts, a resort-style pool and Club Signia will add more places for attendees to dine, gather and unwind right at the hotel. Signia is booking now for 2028 and beyond, giving planners looking to-
Myrtle and Rose Rooftop Bar
Rendering Aerial Signia by Hitlon
Meetings Group Historic Landmark District
ward 2028 and 2029 the opportunity to secure dates around a completed Convention Center expansion and a headquarters hotel already on the way. And when Savannah calls, the ferry is waiting.
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Kiawah Island: A Natural Fit for Every Event Celebrated for its world-class amenities, 10 miles of shoreline, and Southern hospitality, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is equally known for its engaging settings where groups can meet, dine, unwind, and connect. Planners have the flexibility to choose from a variety of coastal venues across the island, making it easy to find the ideal fit—from executive-level retreats to conferences of up to 800 attendees. Whether it’s a clubhouse overlooking the 18th green, an elegant ballroom, an expansive oceanfront lawn, or a contemporary breakout, every gathering here is uniquely its own. The West Beach Conference Center The right meeting space can shape an entire event. From group size and room layout to accommodations and atmosphere, finding a venue that is both inspiring and functional can make all the difference. The West Beach Conference Center brings it all together with 23,000 square feet of light and airy purpose-built, customizable space. The fact that it’s just steps from the sand is equally refreshing, with plenty of natural areas for attendees to relax and chat during breaks. Meet Seaside at The Sanctuary Canopies of Spanish moss-draped live oaks and the sounds of rolling surf lead directly to The Sanctuary—one of only a handful of properties in the U.S. recognized with a Forbes Triple FiveStar rating. Indoors, events of every style unfold in sophisticated ballrooms, distinguished boardrooms, and well-appointed suites. An executive center easily adapts to serve as a base camp, quiet office area, collaborative workspace, or lounge. Outside, the Grand Lawn, coastal courtyards, and terraces set the stage for breathtaking beachside receptions and banquets. Clubhouses With Character Golf clubhouses are a popular
choice for everything from smallgroup sit-downs to catered gatherings with exceptional views of famous fairways designed by greats like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Pete Dye. Verandas, dining rooms, boardrooms, club rooms, and pubs also await near the greens, delivering an easygoing environment for colleagues to catch up or toast a round well played. The Mingo Point Oyster Roast & BBQ Wrapped along the banks of the Kiawah River with panoramic marsh views, Mingo Point accommodates groups of any size outdoors yearround. It’s also home to the Mingo Point Oyster Roast and BBQ, Kiawah’s longest-standing culinary tradition and one of the most memorable team experiences on the island. Featuring a riverside feast of oysters roasted over an open fire, slow-cooked barbecue, and live music, it’s the perfect way
for planners to treat their teams to a true taste of Lowcountry culture and cuisine. The Kiawah Dining Collection For groups, dining plays an important role—one that brings both conversation and great flavor to the table. Options range from buffets and plated dinners to luncheons, experiential pairings, tastings, and chef’s tables. A total of 16 eateries comprise The Kiawah Dining Collection. Crowd-pleasers include Italian specialties, fresh-caught seafood, gourmet fare served poolside, locally sourced ice cream piled high with decadent toppings and The Ocean Room steakhouse—the state’s only Forbes Five-Star dining experience. Seaside Pursuits for All Groups Within Kiawah Island’s subtropical climate—framed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Kiawah River, salt marshes, and lagoons—coastal activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are always in season. Teams can also explore the island at their leisure, bicycling on 30 miles of paved paths or the hard-packed sandy shore. Guided nature tours offer insight into the island’s wildlife, including diamondback terrapins, osprey, white-tailed deer, alligators, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. World-Class Courses Whether new to the game or avid golfers, attendees almost always welcome the chance to tee off. The resort’s five championship layouts are among the best in the nation, including Turtle Point by Jack Nicklaus, Osprey Point by Tom Fazio, Oak Point by Clyde Johnston, and Cougar Point by Gary Player. Famously designed by Pete
and Alice Dye, The Ocean Course is renowned for its competitive play and will host its third PGA Championship in 2031. Matches for Every Team For those ready to rally, the property’s acclaimed Roy Barth Tennis Center boasts 22 state-of-the-art tennis courts, six dedicated pickleball courts, and two new padel courts designed for every skill level. Group and private lessons are also available. At the Tennis Clubhouse, a modern pro shop is fully stocked with apparel, gear, and accessories, while the Courtside Café is perfect for post-match refueling. A Team Building Paradise The Treehouse Activity Center is one of the resort’s latest additions, giving guests the ability to branch out with a little friendly competition in any weather. Options include bowling lanes, state-of-the-art golf SIMs and an arcade featuring everything from classics to the latest-and-greatest interactive games. Custom, non-competitive team experiences are also available, such as art classes, wine tastings, and aquatic adventures. More to Stay For Planners can expect detail-oriented, in-house conference managers to provide turnkey support at every venue, from special requests to on-site audiovisual experts and chef-driven menus. Stays are just as seamless, highlighted by private Resort Villas and Vacation Homes, Cottages tucked alongside The Ocean Course clubhouse, and The Sanctuary hotel—all easily accessed by car or Charleston International Airport (CHS) followed by a leisurely drive. Kiawah Island Golf Resort—50 years of coastal connections and counting.