FTC Announces Final Rule Requiring Fee Disclosures for Hotels

By Jordan Bradley

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on December 17 that it has finalized a bipartisan rule banning junk hotel and event ticket fees, requiring companies to adhere to new transparency regulations.

The finalized Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees now requires businesses that sell live-event tickets and short term lodging stays to present the true total price inclusive of all mandatory fees “whenever they offer, display or advertise any price,” the FTC said.

The rule—also called the Junk Fees Rule—refers to “surprise” fees that appear at the end of a transaction when booking a hotel or other short-term lodging stay, or when purchasing a concert or event ticket. These fees include resort, convenience, or service fees and significantly increase the total price per transaction when compared to the original advertised cost.

“People deserve to know up-front what they’re being asked to pay— without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees that they haven’t budgeted for and can’t avoid,” said Lina M. Khan, Chair of the FTC.

Under the rule, businesses are allowed to exclude shipping fees or taxes from their total cost.

However, businesses must now “clearly and conspicuously disclose the nature, purpose, identity, and amount of those fees before consumers consent to pay,” the FTC said.

According to the FTC, the “unfair and deceptive pricing practices” were harmful to consumers. The organization estimates that consumers will save up to 53 million hours annually in time they previously wasted searching for the total price for live-event tickets and short-term lodging as a result of the new rule.

Under the Junk Fees Rule, if businesses are found to be unclear in their advertised prices, they can be held liable for consumer redress and civil penalties, the Commission said.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) released a statement in support of the rule.

“For years, AHLA has been leading the charge to establish a single, federal standard for lodging fee display across the industry because consumers deserve to have transparency no matter where or how they book their stays,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the AHLA.

Maietta added that the association “firmly” believes that one national standard for pricing practices “is the right approach for consumers and business.”

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) also spoke out in support of the measure, applauding the finalized rule.

“This is a win for both consumers and businesses,” said Laura Lee Blake, President and CEO of AAHOA. “Uniform and transparent pricing practices ensure clarity and fairness, allowing guests to budget confidently while protecting the integrity of our industry. AAHOA is proud to support measures that foster trust and improve the guest experience.”

The FTC first proposed the rule in October 2023, and the final rule was approved in a 4-to-1 vote, the FTC said. The Junk Fees Rule will go into effect in early June.

Caesars Celebrates Grand Opening of Caesars Virginia

By Jordan Bradley

Caesars Entertainment opened its newest luxury resort, the Caesars Virginia, in Danville, Virginia, on December 17, celebrating the occasion with race cars, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a party fit for Caesar himself.

Caesars kicked off the grand opening celebration with a parade of race cars and supercars through Danville, traveling down the city’s Main Street to Caesars Virginia. The parade was led by five-time NBA Champion Dennis Rodman, the celebration’s master of ceremonies.

After arriving at Caesars Virginia, Rodman, Cleopatra, and Danville’s Mayor Alonzo Jones joined representatives from Caesars Entertainment and the property’s ownership partners, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and hundreds of community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This has been an impressive development project to see come together over the past couple of years and we couldn’t be prouder to finally open the doors of this beautiful destination,” said Chris Albrecht, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Caesars Virginia.

The Caesars Virginia boasts a 320-room hotel tower, a 50,000 meeting and convention space that can also serve as a 2,500-seat live entertainment venue, a full-service spa, a pool, four distinct dining options (including Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen), and 90,000 square feet of gaming space.

Five-time NBA Champion Dennis Rodman (center) placed the first ceremonial sports bet at the grand opening of the Caesars Virginia in Danville, Virginia, on December 17. The celebration began with a parade of race cars and supercars through Danville, with Rodman as the parade’s master of ceremonies. Photo by Caesars Entertainment

“This beautiful destination encompasses what the Caesars brand is all about,” said Anthony Carano, President and COO of Caesars Entertainment. “From exceptional restaurants, high-energy gaming and exciting entertainment, Caesars Virginia has it all. The fantastic amenities coupled with the Family Style Service Caesars is known for make for a world-class destination we know our guests and the community will love.”

To celebrate the opening, Rodman placed the first bet in the property’s “state-of-the-art” Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars said. And the day of celebration concluded with a drone and fireworks show by Grucci.

Representatives and supporters of the property say they expect the new casino-hotel to boost the local economy.

The new Caesars Virginia follows a temporary facility, the Danville Casino, a temporary facility that opened in May 2023. The temporary casino property, which did not have a hotel tower, saw approximately 100,000 visits per month, Albrecht told local NBC News affiliate WSLS 10 at the Caesars Virginia opening.

Chuck Grouzard Elected IAEE’s 2025 Chair

By Todd McElwee

Chuck Grouzard, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Creative and Design at GES, will serve as 2025 IAEE Chairperson of the Board.

IAEE said Grouzard “is a recognized thought leader in the industry and has extensive experience in change management, leveraging his knowledge to navigate complex challenges and inspire innovation.”

“I am filled with excitement and optimism for the future of our industry as I step into the role of IAEE Chairperson in 2025,” Grouzard said. “Together with Marsha Flanagan, our talented IAEE team, the Board of Directors and our dedicated members, I look forward to advancing our shared vision of innovation, growth and collaboration. The opportunities ahead are immense, and I am eager to work alongside all of you to shape the future of exhibitions and events.”

Grouzard’s LinkedIn shows a 38-year tenure at GES with various posts and promotions earned along the way. In addition to his service to IAEE, Grouzard previously served as chairperson for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) as well as president of the Exhibitions Services Contractor Association (ESCA) and the IAEE Midwestern Chapter.

In 2023, Grouzard was honored as one of Connect Corporate’s “15 Over 50” award winners, recognizing his profound impact on the meetings and events industry.

“Chuck embodies outstanding leadership and unparalleled industry expertise,” said IAEE President & CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “His history of fostering innovation and achieving remarkable growth positions him as a transformative force.

We are excited for the vision and direction he will bring to IAEE as we aim for new milestones in 2025.”

Members of IAEE’s Board of Directors are elected on an annual basis by the official voting member of each IAEE member company. Officers serve a term of one year except the secretary/treasurer, who may hold the office for two years. The directors each serve three years in staggered terms to ensure continuity in the governance of the association.

— OBITUARY —

Bill McGowan, Former Leader of Indianapolis CVA, Dies

By Jonathan Trager

William “Bill” McGowan, who headed up the then-Indianapolis CVA (now Visit Indy) from 1984–2002, died on December 18 of natural causes. He was 89.

A proud University of Notre Dame alumnus, McGowan began his career in banking at American Fletcher National Bank as vice president of bank real estate and president of Circle Re-

alty Corporation. Bill then served as president & CEO of Fidelity Bank of Indiana before taking the reins of the Indianapolis CVA.

In a LinkedIn post, Leonard Hoops, President & CEO of Visit Indy, reminisced about the longtime champion of the city and namesake for the organization’s highest award, the Bill McGowan Leadership Award.

“Bill was the first person to call me when I was named the CEO of Visit Indy in March 2011 (I can vividly remember seeing his name pop up on my desk phone’s caller ID screen while still in San Francisco) and was unwaveringly supportive of Visit Indy and our community until his last day,” said Hoops. “We are grateful for Bill’s vision and leadership, knowing that everything we do today was built on his very broad shoulders. Our deepest sympathies to Bill’s family, especially his wife, Joan, and son, Tom, a Visit Indy Board member.”

Leonard Hoops (left), President & CEO of Visit Indy, with the organization’s former leader, William “Bill” McGowan.

Hoops noted a slew of McGowan’s many accomplishments, including helping land the 1982 National Sports Festival and 1987 Pan American Games; playing a key role in the development of the Hoosier Dome and in bringing the Indianapolis Colts to Indy; rallying support for an expansion of the Indiana Convention Center and the development of then Conseco Fieldhouse; and drawing many new citywide events to the city, including annual events such as the Fire Depart- ment Instructors Conference.

Bill Hanbury, former CEO of Bermuda Tourism Authority and former president & CEO of Destination DC, called McGowan a “class act” and the “ultimate gentleman and professional.”

“What he did in Indy inspired me to try to have the same impact on my community,” said Hanbury. “You will be missed my friend.”

“Bill was a force in this city,” said Jeanna Conner-Bates, Sr. Group Sales Manager at Sheraton. “The Colts would not be in the city if not for his vision to build a stadium downtown. Rest well and in Peace.”

Dave Neff, CEO Of the Boilermaker Alliance, said McGowan was a “city father” whose “fingerprints are all over central Indiana.”

McGowan was a four-time recipient of the state’s highest award—bestowed by four different governors— the Sagamore of the Wabash. He was elected to the Destinations International Hall of Fame in 2022.

After his retirement in 2002, friends and colleagues created the William & Joan McGowan Endowed Scholarship for the Department of Tourism, Conventions, & Event Management at Indiana University Indianapolis.

McGowan is survived by his wife, Joan Frey McGowan; his three children, Bill (Michelle), Tom (Jennifer), and Kathleen (Michael Smith); and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marybeth Crossin.

A memorial mass is being held on December 23 at St. Luke Catholic Church in Indianapolis.

Marriott to Launch Outdoor-Focused Collection in 2025

Marriott announced its acquisition of the Postcard Cabins portfolio of 29 properties throughout the United States. Photo courtesy of Postcard Cabins.

By Jordan Bradley

Marriott International announced on December 12 that it will launch a new collection of properties focused on outdoor lodging in 2025.

To launch the program, Marriott has penned two new deals. It has acquired the Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway Outposts) brand, a portfolio of properties made up of groupings of tiny cabins, and a long-term agreement with Trailborn, a brand of bespoke outdoor hotels.

Marriott said with these new agreements the hotel chain “aims to offer guests and Marriott Bonvoy member more choice in traditional and alternative accommodations in nature-for-ward destinations.”

According to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends report, outdoor participation in America grew to 175.8 million participants over the age of six– an increase of approximately 4% from the previous year’s study.

“Marriott has long been committed to offering incredible travel experiences for every trip purpose,” said Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development, Marriott International. “As guests are increasingly interested in nature-immersive travel, we are excited to build on the incredible breadth of our portfolio and welcome the Postcard Cabins and Trailborn portfolios to

Marriott Bonvoy as we deliver more accommodations and experiences in awe-inspiring destinations.”

The Postcard Cabins portfolio consists of 29 properties with more than 1,200 cabins near “outdoor wonders” including national parks, deserts, ski areas, and shorelines across the United States, Marriott said. Postcard Cabins are dog friendly and feature modern design, private bathrooms, full kitchens and enough space between lodgings to provide guests with privacy and relaxation.

Under the acquisition terms, Postcard Cabins properties are expected to join Marriott’s planned—but not yet named—outdoor-focused lodging collection and integrate into Marriott’s platforms and Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s 219-million-member loyalty program, next year.

In joining Marriott, we’re excited to bring the Postcard Cabins experience to a global audience seeking exactly what we offer—a place to slow down, disconnect from the everyday and invest in the relationships that matter most,” said Jon Staff, Founder and CEO of Postcard Cabins.

“What started a decade ago with a small group of believers in the power of spending free time in nature, has grown into a national movement, which we expect will only gather steam with Marriott’s expansive reach,” Staff said.

Trailborn is a collection of bespoke hotels “built for adventure to the great American outdoors,” Marriott said.

The brand’s portfolio of properties currently consists of three standing properties near iconic outdoor wonders including near Rocky Mountain National Park, the Grand Canyon and in Highlands, North Carolina, and two properties in the works in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina and Mendocino, California.

Each of the Trailborn properties are “design-forward” and inspired by each property’s location, programming centered around local experiences, and curated food and beverage menus.

“We are thrilled to announce Trailborn’s agreement with Marriott, enhancing and underscoring our mission to provide travelers with exceptional access to the country’s most extraordinary outdoor destinations, deliver experiences guests love, and maintain the unique character of Trailborn’s independent spirit,” said Mike Weiss and Ben Weinberg, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Trailborn. “Trailborn is excited to work alongside Marriott to provide guests with the perfect blend of comfort and adventure in stunning outdoor settings.”

Marriott’s long-term agreement with Trailborn will also bring the outdoor hospitality brand into Marriott’s platforms and loyalty program.

“Whether you’re looking for bespoke lodging near natural wonders, an elevated camping experience, or off the beaten path excursions in nature, our planned outdoor-focused collection is expected to offer a broad array of options for seasoned adventurers and first-time explorers,” Oberg said.

Students from the Frederick Community College’s (FCC) Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism Institute and Frederick County Public Schools’ Career and Technology Center in Maryland, spent months in the FCC Baking and Pastry Lab to create this year’s gingerbread installation to fruition at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. The display is a tribute to D.C.’s National Mall, and includes detailed replicas of the Washington Monument, National Gallery of Art, and the U.S. Botanic Garden.

HOTS

HOTS Fountain of Fireball Youth… A woman in Loveland, Ohio, celebrated her 106th birthday at her retirement home on December 16. According to UPI, the woman, Florence Hackman, has earned the nickname “Fireball Flo” for her adoration of Fireball Whisky. Her love of the libation—and a lifelong dedication to the Cincinnati Bengals—caused her to go viral last year, when the whiskey brand sponsored her birthday during a Bengals game spot. According to Hackman’s children, she credits her long life to her positive attitude. “I just try to be nice to people and try to go one day at a time—that’s all,” Hackman said in a post on her retirement home’s Facebook. “If you get that one day in, then you can go on to the next one. So that’s what you’ve got to do—one day at a time—think what I’ve got to do today. You’ve got to keep moving as long as you can.” HOTS will have what Fireball Flo is having.

HOTS Santa Clauses Coming to Town… The annual SantaCon, a Christmas-themed bar crawl that has spread to cities across the States, was held on December 14. Thousands of Santa Clauses—and Grinches and elves!—flooded local bars “from Adelaide to Vancouver” with red and white polyester, the AP reports. SantaCon in its modern form originated in San Francisco in 1994, and is intended to spread jolly chaos and cheer. Some cities such as New York City have pivoted and utilize the bar crawl as an opportunity to raise funds for local nonprofits. “SantaCon is a charitable, non-political, nonsensical Santa Claus convention that happens one a year to fund art and spread absurdist joy,” the NYC event’s website reads. HOTS wonders how many Santa hats were lost in the progress of the SantaCon crawl.

AHLA and Cvent Sign Three-Year Partnership

By Jordan Bradley

The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) announced on December 17 a new three-year partnership with Cvent, an event management, marketing, and technology company in the hospitality industry.

The association said it expects the partnership to “add tremendous capacity” for expansion of AHLA’s trade shows and conferences through Cvent’s powering of registration, diagramming, attendee management and engagement, onsite check-in and badging, and the implementation of mobile event apps.

“As the largest hotel association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry with a highly engaged network of hospitality professionals, we are incredibly excited to embark on this partnership with AHLA,” said Bharet Malhotra, Head of Hospitality for Cvent.

The three-year partnership between AHLA and Cvent also includes “several thought-leadership initiatives” that will offer attendees industry insights, guidance for hosting events, and innovative technology practices for members, AHLA said.

Cvent will also act as the registration technology platform and event registration sponsor for several of AHLA’s annual events.

“Cvent is a longtime global leader in meetings, events, and hospitality technology, and we are thrilled to be working hand-in-hand with them to foster meaningful connections across our industry,” said Kevin Carey, COO and Sr. Vice President at AHLA. “Cvent will be a vital collaborator as

AHLA continues to unite hoteliers, employees, vendors, and other industry partners via our world-class events and conferences.”

AHLA and Cvent have partnered for AHLA and AHLA Foundation events in recent years, including ForWard: Advancing Women in Hospitality, Night of a Thousand Stars Gala, OFF-SITE The Classic, and regional events for the Hospitality Show.

“Over the last 25 years, Cvent has become a global marketplace where hoteliers and event professionals collaborate to create exceptional event experiences, and we are honored to bring our expertise to AHLA’s distinguished events,” Malhotra said. “We look forward to collaborating with AHLA to support their member community and accelerate their success.”

Cie Armstead Named Association Forum’s 2025 Woman of Influence Award Honoree

By Todd McElwee

Highlighting her contributions to the association community such as her diversity and inclusion efforts, Association Forum has announced Cie Armstead, DBA, Administrative Director at the American College of Surgeons, as the 2025 Woman of Influence Award honoree.

The award recognizes leaders who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, influence, and dedication to the sector through mentoring, coaching, and service to others.

Armstead will receive the award at the Women’s Executive Forum on March 7 at Convene Willis Tower in Chicago.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Association Forum as the 2025 Woman of Influence,” said Armstead. “Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure that associations are spaces where everyone can thrive. I am grateful for the mentors who have supported me and for the opportunity to mentor and uplift others.”

Armstead’s professional journey began in 1991 when she joined the American Bar Association. She has served as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at the American College of Healthcare Executives and piloted the American College of Surgeons’ DEI efforts as Administrative Director of its Office of Inclusive Excellence.

A nationally recognized authority in DEI, Armstead is the Founder and Principal of Owlservations, a boutique service firm dedicated to equipping and empowering Professionals of Color and their allies to achieve enriched outcomes in diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational cultures. She created the Healthcare Executive Diversity Collaborative and led the first ABA Diversity & Inclusion Plan.

“Cie’s career has been a beacon of leadership, mentorship, and innovation,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum. “As a passionate advocate for fostering inclusive and dynamic workplace environments, Cie has worked tirelessly throughout her career to unlock the true power of each individual’s strengths, talents, and ingenuity. Her efforts have transformed the lives of countless people, both within the association community and far beyond.”

The Woman of Influence Award was previously awarded to Wendy-Jo Toyama, CAE, FASAE, CEO, American Epilepsy Society; Jacqualine Price Osafo, CAE, Executive Director, Society of American Archivists; Robin L. Rone, Executive Director, Apra International and Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Smithbucklin; Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, President & CEO, HR Source; Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President & CEO, American College of Healthcare Executives; Kathleen T. O’Loughlin, DMD, Executive Director, American Dental Association; and Dawn Sweeney, President & CEO, National Restaurant Association.

The Women’s Executive Forum is an annual event connecting women leaders and aspiring leaders in the association sector and beyond to foster conversations on professional challenges and opportunities.

Find more information at associationforum.org

Delta TechOps presented a record 1,700 bikes, more than 1,300 new toys and a check for $50,000 from Delta Air Lines to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Atlanta affiliate at an event at the TechOps Hangar in Atlanta earlier this month. The organizations are celebrating 20 years of partnership.

SlidesLive Offering AI Video Solutions

By Todd McElwee

Seeking to help conference organizers properly catalogue their event’s speaking lineups, SlidesLive, a conference recording and streaming services company, has introduced an AI-powered robotic camera system.

Powered by the proprietary NATE (Neural Automated Tracking Engine) software, the company said it can offer seamless speaker tracking and dynamic stage adaptation in real time.

Bruce Gudenberg, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, SlidesLive, said the custom hardware (NATEbox) and custom AI-driven software are the company’s “secret sauce.”

“No other camera on the market can track speakers like our software,” Gudenberg told USAE “It is designed with conferences in mind, to mimic that natural movement of a human videographer. It is developed to track a speaker or panel not just by a face but to predict where they move next, when they turn their back, low lighting, and more…it fits with our end-to-end service of recording, editing, and publishing as a full-service solution.”

Gudenberg added the cameras are designed to run independently, simplifying logistics for event planners. A technician sets everything up before the event and during the conference the system operates on its own—one technician can oversee up to four rooms simultaneously.

The SlidesLive Player and complementary video hosting via the SlidesLive Library allows users to customize views to highlight video or slides, pinpoint key moments, create playlists and more from their conference videos.

“With nearly 100,000 talks archived in the SlidesLive Library, we are committed to preserving and sharing knowledge globally in an engaging, accessible, and innovative way,” said Vojta Ciml, CEO of SlidesLive.

Find more information at slideslive.com