USAEXtra Conference
Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Turkish State Folk Dance Ensemble performed during the opening reception of MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference at Istanbul’s Rixos Tersane. Credit: Jan Buteijn
MPI’s European Meetings and Events Conference Lands in İstanbul, Türkiye
By Todd McElwee
Straddling Europe and Asia, İstanbul has always been a place to meet. Continuing a tradition dating back millennia, MPI hosted its European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) in Türkiye’s largest city from February 22–25, with approximately 250 attending the 36th edition of one of the association’s signature events.
“We are proud EMEC İstanbul has once again set a new standard for immersive, impactful education in the European events industry,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI President & CEO.
“By integrating experiential learning, hands-on exploration, and innovative session design, we’ve created an event that not only educates but truly transforms how attendees approach their work. As the premier event for European meeting and event professionals, EMEC continues to evolve and inspire, ensuring its place as
Paul Van Deventer, President & CEO, MPI, speaks during EMEC. Credit: Jan Buteijn
a must-attend gathering for industry leaders.”
Staged primarily at the İstanbul Lutfi Kirdar International Convention & Exhibition Center, EMEC included an eclectic lineup of keynotes and ed-
ucation, networking, Turkish cultural exhibitions, and hands-on learning journeys taking attendees across the city.
A quartet of plenary speakers topped the educational marquee: Filiz Akdede, Global Vice President, 3D Business, HP; Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Vice General Manager, Tourism Operations and Development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency; Richard Newman, Founder and CEO, UK Body Talk Ltd.; and Nils Roemen, Experience Designer, Experience Experts.
Akdede delved into Ai, 3D developments, trends and innovation. In “Pathways to Sustainability: National Sustainable Tourism Program of Türkiye,” Fisunoğlu showcased the nation’s green efforts in the tourism space. Roemen shared how to create events that leave indelible marks with enlightened and effective storytelling
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MGM’s Bill Hornbuckle Named Chair of U.S. Travel Association
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AHLA Finds 65% of Surveyed Hotels Still Experiencing Staffing Shortages
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AATA’s Cynthia Young Centers Leadership on Transparency and the Big Picture
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NYC’s Roosevelt Hotel to End Asylum Seeker Housing by June
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My Time at the Timeless Hagia Sophia
MGM’s Bill Hornbuckle Named Chair of U.S. Travel Association
By Todd McElwee
William (Bill) J. Hornbuckle, CEO & President of MGM Resorts International, is beginning a two-year team as National Chair of U.S. Travel Association. His appointment was formalized via a membership vote and he succeeds Chris Nassetta, President & CEO of Hilton.
“I’m grateful for this honor and excited to be joining U.S. Travel at such an important time. America remains at the forefront of travel and hospitality, and it’s vital that we do all we can to keep our industry and economy thriving,” said Hornbuckle. “We are entering a period of once-ina-lifetime events and opportunities unlike anything our country has seen
in recent years. I’m proud to join this storied organization and look forward to helping the industry and the country succeed.”
Hornbuckle will work with association leaders to enact industry priorities, including maximizing a mega-decade of events like the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.
Hornbuckle has been with MGM Resorts for more than two decades, including time as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, where he led the creation and launch of the M life Rewards customer loyalty program.
He has also held executive posts with Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget in Laughlin and other Nevada properties. Hornbuckle is
a board member and President of T-Mobile Arena and active in a variety of Southern Nevada charities.
“We are grateful for Bill’s leadership and expertise as U.S. Travel pursues a bold agenda of growth and improvements to the traveler experience,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Bill’s prior leadership of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board provides him a unique understanding of key issues and the levers that need to be pulled to achieve success in Washington.”
Freeman added: “We express our sincere thanks to Chris Nassetta for his outstanding leadership and contributions during his tenure as our national chair. Chris shaped and sped
our transition into a focused and sophisticated trade association.”
Columbus Hotels Lose More than $1M as Targeted Crime Continues
By Jordan Bradley
Hotels in Columbus, Ohio. have been facing an increase in crime targeting cars in their parking lots since last summer, significantly costing hotels in both lost reservations and increased security measures.
The Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association (OHLA) conducted a survey of Columbus hotels and found more than $1 million in lost revenue from cancelled group and event reservations at hotels in the city as a result of rising crime rates.
In an effort to create more safety and security for guests, hotels have
spent more than $1.25 million to increase security on site, the report also found.
The OHLA’s report released at the end of February digs into a steady uptick in crime throughout Columbus. Receiving feedback from 32 hotels, the report found that since June last year, the hotels experienced 959 separate incidents of theft, break-ins and vandalism.
According to OHLA’s report, hotels reported 132 incidents of theft, breakin or vandalism in February to June 2024, but that number increased to 325 incidents between August 2024 and February this year.
Victoria Cimino Tapped to Lead Discover Newport
By Jonathan Trager
Victoria Cimino, who boasts more than 20 years of hospitality and destination marketing experience, has been appointed as President & CEO of Discover Newport in Rhode Island.
Cimino will join the organization on March 17, leading a team dedicated to promoting nine townships in Newport and Bristol Counties. She succeeds Evan Smith, who retired after 19 years in the role.
“I am honored to step into the role of president & CEO at Discover Newport, following the incredible leadership of Evan Smith,” said Cimino. “His dedication and vision have made a lasting impact on Newport and its neighboring coastal communities, and I look forward to building on that strong foundation.”
The Principal of Cimino Consulting,
Victoria Cimino
Cimino previously served as head of Visit Williamsburg, which promotes Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Virginia. Prior to that, she held positions as director of the New
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Several hotels suffered between 30 and 60 incidents since last June, and two hotels reported more than 100 incidents, the report states.
According to OHLA’s report, the greatest number of incidents happened near the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and in the Easton, Polaris and Crosswoods neighborhoods.
Joe Savarise, OHLA President and CEO, told USAE that the break-ins—although they are mostly concentrated in those regions of the city—aren’t isolated incidents. Hotels in Columbus’ Ohio State University area, downtown district, and Dublin and Hilliard neighborhoods are also reporting increases.
As a result of those break-ins, hotels are receiving negative comments from guests on public platforms. By the time of the report’s release, more than 300 of examples had been shared with the association.
“Unfortunately, this hotel like many of the other hotels in Polaris appear to have repeated break-ins. It’s really unfortunate and we chose not to stay our second night as it isn’t worth a broken window,” a guest wrote in a review. “We’ve used this hotel for fun with our young family a few times, but I don’t think we’ll be using Polaris locations until something changes.”
Some incidents have also resulted in physical altercations and violence when security and hotel personnel have attempted to intervene during a car theft, the report said.
Savarise noted that the perpetrators are targeting vehicles they believe contain firearms. He said the association and Columbus hotels are working closely with local law enforcement to address the issue.
“The police have been very engaged
with us, cooperative with us, open and sharing information, open and talking about what their potential plans are for elevating the response,” Savarise said. “I think that that is is a positive part of the discussion—that the city is as concerned about this as the businesses are.”
OHLA is pushing for Columbus’ Division of Police to “bring in additional resources” such as “the gang crime unit or the organized crime unit—there are different resources that they have access to when they do these elevated responses, and all we’re asking for is for them to follow through and implement that kind of response, which has been successful in the past.”
Targeted efforts by police yielded positive results when addressing a previous string of car thefts, Savarise said, and the association is hopeful they’ll see more of that type of action from the city.
“We do believe that if a division of police follows through on these coordinated response plans” there will be a positive impact, Savarise said.
Savarise said OHLA is also requesting meetings with public officials in an effort to bring the pattern to a halt. He noted that hotels have been working diligently to report incidents, communicate with guests and other hotels in an effort to decrease incidents.
“It’s good to see the hotels working together to tackle a common a problem of common interest that affects all hotels,” Savarise said. “I think it has helped different hotels throughout different parts of the city to collaborate and work together on this. One silver lining is that nobody has to feel like they’re dealing with this all on their own, which some hotels did before.”
Bill Hornbuckle
HOTS Curly Fry Catastrophe… A truck hauling a load of curly fries on a highway in York, Maine, caught on fire on February 25, UPI reports. When the York Fire Department arrived on the scene, they were unaware of the flaming truck trailer’s contents and thus concerned that hazardous materials were ablaze. However, the crew quickly determined the trailer’s cargo was indeed frozen curly fries, which made the firefighting a hair simpler. Still, it took 6,000 gallons of water
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
HOTS HOTS
to extinguish the fire. In the end, the York Fire Department said that trailer and the entirety of its spiral spud contents “were a total loss” in a Facebook post regarding the fire. This whole incident is leaving HOTS a little hungry while shouting, “Not the curly fries!”
g g g g g
HOTS Gator vs. Gator… Golfer, Florida native, and University of
Florida alum Billy Horschel is no stranger to putting around an alligator, so when a gator trundled onto the green at the PGA National on February 27, he knew exactly what to do, the AP reports. Leaving the sixth hole to the next tee, Horschel saw a police officer attempting to shoo an alligator away from the course with no success. So the pro golfer “grabbed a 60-degree wedge” and poked at the gator, causing it
to retreat into the water, according to AP. “I’m not afraid of gators,” Horschel said. “Listen, as I tell most people, I said, they’re more afraid of you. The majority of the time they’re only going to come after you during mating season where they’re a little aggressive and then if you’re around their nest when they’ve got some eggs. The majority of the time, they’re fine.” HOTS thinks that’s one brave golfer, Florida-native or no.
USAE xchange
Conversation with Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Vice General Manager, Tourism Operations and Dev., Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency
Türkiye has put sustainability at the heart of its tourism promotion. Speaking during MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference’s (EMEC), which was held in Istanbul from February 22–25, Fisunoğlu highlighted the program and how it is influencing her nation. She continued the conversation with USAE and also discussed the city’s enhanced transportation infrastructure and what to see on your first trip there.
USAE: What were your expectations for EMEC, and have they been met?
Fisunoğlu: This is the second time Istanbul is hosting MPI EMEC. In 2014 we welcomed MPI EMEC and, as industry colleagues, we were eager to welcome the global meetings industry once again. Istanbul is an experienced destination, and the Turkish meeting industry values being active in international networks. Last year, the SITE Global Conference was held in Istanbul. Hosting international industry events gives us the opportunity to showcase our destination, our expertise, and our knowledge. Creating new connections through social and educational programs is very important to us.
EMEC gathered industry leaders from all around the world, along with suppliers, hosted buyers, and international MICE media. The preand post-fam trip programs gave us the chance to show our destinations and incentive programs. We are truly satisfied with the results and honored that the participants enjoyed Istanbul,
the program, and our hospitality. There was also a special surprise—it was a snowy week in Istanbul and throughout the country, and everyone enjoyed the romantic scene created by the snow.
USAE: During the last decade, two major transportation projects, Istanbul Airport (IGA) and Galataport İstanbul, have opened up the city more than ever before. What has been the impact on meetings?
Fisunoğlu: During the last decade, Istanbul Airport and Galataport İstanbul have reshaped the meeting landscape in Istanbul. Istanbul Airport’s role as a major international hub has improved global connectivity, making travel easier and more efficient for meeting attendees from around the world. This enhanced accessibility has not only increased attendance at events but has also attracted a more diverse range of participants.
The geographic location of iGA Istanbul Airport has led to its status as an international hub. It serves an estimated 90 million passengers annually, with a main terminal of 1.4 million square meters, three independent runways, an air control tower, and support facilities.
During 2023, TGA, Turkish Airlines (THY), and Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA) worked together to host the Routes World Conference in Istanbul. This prestigious event further highlighted Istanbul’s growing importance as a global aviation hub. By bringing together key players from the aviation
and air travel industries, the conference facilitated valuable opportunities to create new connections and build relationships with airlines around the world.
At the same time, Galataport İstanbul has revitalized the city’s maritime gateway. Its modern facilities and strategic location on the waterfront have opened up new opportunities for integrating cruise tourism and unique incentive programs into meetings and events. Together, these transportation projects have elevated Istanbul’s profile as a competitive, dynamic meeting destination, while also stimulating growth in the local hospitality and tourism sectors.
Galataport Istanbul is a major destination project with a USD 1.7 billion investment. It’s globally recognized for its innovative design, featuring a state-of-the-art cruise liner port along a 1.2-kilometer coastline. The project isn’t just about maritime travel—it’s an ecosystem right in the heart of the city, equipped with essential digital features and the latest technologies that enhance everyday life.
Galataport Istanbul is set to turn the historic city harbor into a worldclass cruise liner port and touristic destination. Notably, it will open the promenade to public use for the first time in almost two centuries. With
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AHLA Finds 65% of Surveyed Hotels Still Experiencing Staffing Shortages
By Jordan Bradley
While conducting a staffing survey of member hotels, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and Hireology, a human resources and recruitment platform, found that more than two-thirds of hotels are experiencing staffing shortages.
The pair released the findings from their survey on February 20, which revealed that while staffing shortages have decreased from 76% in May 2024 they remain high at 65% this January, AHLA reported.
The survey was conducted between December 6, 2024, and January 3, 2025, with 282 hoteliers responding.
“While American hotels have largely recovered from the pandemic, hotel employment is still nearly 10% below pre-pandemic staffing levels,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of AHLA.
The roles that have been hardest to fill have been in housekeeping—with 38% of responding hotels reporting shortages in that department—followed by front desk agents and culinary workers.
In recent years’ efforts to address staffing shortages, hotels have offered incentives such as higher pay, flexible working hours and hotel discounts, AHLA said.
According to Hireology, the strategy that worked most frequently in attracting and retaining employees was offering higher wages.
“The hospitality industry faces a dual challenge: staffing shortages, particularly in key roles like housekeeping and front desk, coupled with the need to retain existing talent,” said Adam Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Hireology.
Despite conducting active searches, 71% of surveyed hotels have been
unable to fill vacant roles. Hireology found that on average there were six to seven positions left unfilled at understaffed properties.
Hotels nationwide made headlines throughout 2024 as union hotel workers went on strike demanding higher wages. In major cities, including Los Angeles, unions argued that workers’ wages were not enough to sustain their livelihoods, pushing them outside of city limits. After months of strike actions, hotel unions won significant wage increases and better benefits.
But another hurdle stands in the way of pre-pandemic staffing rates: career advancement.
“While wage increases and other efforts by hoteliers are positive steps, we must prioritize career mobility and create clear paths for advancement to truly attract and retain the workforce we need,” Robinson said.
The AHLA said it “continues to
advocate for policies and legislative changes that expand opportunities in the workforce.”
In a continued effort to highlight the flexibility and opportunity within hospitality, the AHLA’s giving arm, the AHLA Foundation, works to raise awareness about career pathways within the hotel sector with its Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship program and the Empowering Youth Program. Both programs focus on recruiting workers to the hotel industry while offering them training and support for successful careers in hospitality. “The hospitality sector is committed to attracting and retaining talent, investing in workforce development, and creating good jobs for millions of Americans, and we are working hard in Washington to ensure we have a policy environment that supports these efforts,” Maietta added.
Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu speaks at MPI’s EMEC.
EMEC İstanbul
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and communication at the center of Newman’s session.
Designed to immerse attendees in the local culture, EMEC’s Learning Journeys included a quintet of excursions throughout the ancient city. A Bosphorus cruise, mosaic workshop, cocktail workshop, Turkish coffee experience and culinary tour comprised the menu.
Cimino
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Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development and director of international marketing for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
T.R. McGrath, Chairman of Discover Newport, said the board of directors is excited to welcome Cimino into the fold.
“Victoria has a proven track record with hospitality and destination marketing, economic growth, and community engagement,” said McGrath. “Building on Discover Newport’s past successes, we welcome the opportunity to work with Victoria and the
The Opening Reception at Rixos Tersane featured the Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Turkish State Folk Dance Ensemble and dishes from the each of the country’s distinctive regions. The MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous was held at the rooftop event space of CVK Park Bosphorus.
More than 20 individuals were awarded scholarships to attend EMEC Türkiye.
EMEC’s 2026 host destination will be announced in the summer.
Discover Newport team to create many new successes.”
Cimino has served on a variety of boards and committees, including for Discover New England, New Hampshire Travel Council, U.S. Travel Association, National Council of State Tourism Directors, Capital Region USA, and the National Governors Association. Currently, Cimino sits on the board of Destinations International.
“Newport is a world-class destination, and I am excited to work alongside area partners to drive sustainable tourism, foster economic growth, and continue showcasing the unique charm of this remarkable region,” said Cimino.
Austin Unveils Design for Revamped Convention Center
By Jonathan Trager
Ahead of the closure of the Austin Convention Center in April, the Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) has released the design plans for the expanded facility in Texas.
The larger building will nearly double the rentable square footage of the existing facility, growing from 365,000 square feet to 620,000 square feet of rentable space. The $1.6 billion project, known as Unconventional ATX, will be funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax and Convention Center revenues.
“The new Austin Convention Center is more than a venue—it’s a landmark that reflects our city’s bold and creative spirit,” said Trisha Tatro, Director of the ACCD. “With its dynamic design, enhanced community access, and commitment to sustainability, this facility will set a new benchmark for convention spaces while strengthening Austin’s reputation as a premier global destination.”
The Unconventional ATX design “reimagines traditional event spaces, prioritizing accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability,” according to the ACCD. Architectural highlights include open-air terraces, public plazas, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Architectural elements include a modern facade, sweeping roof structures, and transparent designs to maximize natural light.
The new Austin Convention Center will also be the world’s first zero-carbon-certified convention center by the International Living Futures Institute.
As a cultural hub, the building will showcase “dynamic installations, interactive exhibits, and artist-driven spaces that celebrate Austin’s diverse creative community,” AACD states. A $17.7 million investment will be made in public art, the largest in Austin’s history. Unconventional ATX will also prioritize public access and multimodal transit.
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NEWS NEWS
Christopher Moore Named Chief Learning and Meetings Officer for ASAE
By Todd McElwee
Christopher Moore has joined ASAE as its Chief Learning and Meetings Officer (CLMO) effective March 24.
Moore will oversee the growth and evolution of the association’s learning portfolio, ensuring it continues to meet the dynamic needs of membership.
“I am honored to join ASAE and excited to contribute to its mission of empowering association professionals through innovative learning and transformative events,” said Moore.
“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, providing relevant, impactful education is more critical than ever. I look forward to collaborating with the amazing team at ASAE and its members to enhance our learning
Fisunoğlu
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accessible low-rise buildings and an architectural design that honors the area’s rich historical tapestry, along with a broad range of transport options, it creates a vibrant environment for culture, arts, work, shopping, and dining.
Additionally, it is anticipated to attract roughly 1.5 million cruise liner passengers annually, further boosting Istanbul’s profile as a top global destination.
USAE: You spoke about Türkiye’s national tourism sustainability initiative during the opening session. Please share the progress that has been made.
Fisunoğlu: In 2022, Türkiye has signed a collaboration agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The signing of the agreement marks an exemplary step toward sustainability as Türkiye becomes the first government in the world to develop a mandatory national program with the GSTC. Thanks to the new program, the Turkish tourism industry will accelerate its global sustainability practices.
Türkiye had taken an extensive series of measures during Covid-19 with
and meetings portfolio to ensure we are delivering exceptional experiences that will drive professional growth and organizational success.”
Moore has 20 years of leadership and management experience, including executive-level roles in education, events, and product development.
Most recently, Moore was senior vice president, head of learning content, coaching, and product marketing at ExecOnline. There, he helped expanded the company’s learning products and revenue streams through research-driven innovation. Prior to ExecOnline, he held leadership roles at several leading information services and strategy consulting firms.
Moore holds a degree in economics and psychology from the University of Virginia.
regards to transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, and congress facilities as well as the well-being and health conditions of passengers/ guests and employees with the Safe Tourism Certification Program, which was implemented in early 2020 and the first of its kind in the world. Nearly 12,000 facilities have been granted the Safe Tourism Certification. Within the scope of the program, the tourism industry, especially the accommodation facilities, will be subjected to both safe and sustainable standards. As of April 2022, accommodation facilities started to implement sustainable practices according to the cooperation with GSTC.
As Türkiye, we are very aware of the need for a transformation towards sustainability within the tourism sector, as Türkiye is steeped in nature and traditional heritage and the protection of our environment is of utmost importance. Thanks to our work with GSTC, our visitors now have the chance to enjoy a responsible holiday in Türkiye, and our industry and partners have the necessary tools to achieve responsible tourism.
Türkiye’s national tourism sustainability initiative has seen tremendous progress, and it’s truly a transformational journey. Launched by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Moore to ASAE as our new Chief Learning and Meetings Officer. His visionary leadership, strategic mindset, and deep expertise in learning innovation will be instrumental in evolving our educational offerings to meet the changing needs of our members,” said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE. “With his proven ability to drive growth and create impactful learning experiences, Chris will ensure that ASAE continues to empower association professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world.”
coordinated by TGA, this program is designed to implement structured, legally binding sustainability practices across all accommodation facilities in Türkiye. Since its inception in 2022, we’ve made remarkable strides. By the end of 2023, 30% of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria had been adopted, and by 2025, this will rise to 70%. We’re on track to ensure that by 2030, all accommodation facilities in Türkiye will meet 100% of the GSTC criteria and receive certification.
Our approach is holistic and encompasses four key pillars: sustainable management, cultural sustainability, socioeconomic sustainability, and environmental sustainability. In fact, today, more than 17,000 hotels have already completed Stage 1 of the certification process, with more than 1,500 achieving full certification.
This makes Türkiye’s sustainability initiative the largest transformation of its kind in the world, and we’re also developing destination-level sustainability strategies across the country. An important aspect of this initiative is the transparency and accountability measures we’ve put in place. Every facility undergoes rigorous independent audits to ensure compliance, and these audits are conducted on an annual basis.
On the practical side, certified facilities must engage in measures such as reducing energy consumption, conserving water, eliminating single-use plastics, and promoting farm-to-table initiatives.
The journey toward sustainability is ongoing, but we are proud of how far we’ve come, and we believe that this initiative sets a new benchmark for the future of sustainable tourism
USAE: If a tourism official from another nation would ask about implementing a similar sustainability
program in their nation, how would you suggest they start?
Fisunoğlu: I would suggest starting by establishing a clear commitment to sustainability at the national level and by ensuring collaboration across government, industry, and local communities. Begin by assessing the current state of your tourism sector to understand its challenges and opportunities, and then develop a structured yet flexible framework aligned with global sustainability standards. It’s important to create a phased approach, starting with achievable goals and gradually increasing compliance. Türkiye’s program became a role model and at international platforms the phased approach is being recommended as a solution to encourage more destinations to implement sustainability practices. We’re also sharing our experiences at international platforms with other nations and organizations.
USAE: What is the one thing a firsttime visitor to Istanbul must do before heading home?
Fisunoğlu: This is certainly a tough question, as Istanbul is a vast and dynamic city blending both modern and historical elements, spanning two continents. It’s incredibly difficult to choose just one thing, but if I had to narrow it down, I would suggest three must-see experiences. First, a visit to the Bosphorus—this iconic waterway that divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia offers some of the best views you can get of the city. Next, the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a stunning architectural marvel that reflects the rich history of Istanbul. And last but certainly not least, the Blue Mosque, with its breathtaking interior and cultural significance. These three landmarks really encompass the spirit of Istanbul’s unique blend of history, culture, and beauty.
Christopher Moore
Scene at MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference
By Jordan Bradley
Women Leading the Way
AATA’s Cynthia Young Centers Leadership on Transparency and the Big Picture
Though the American Art Therapy Association does not receive federal funding, Cynthia Young, CAE, the association’s executive director of 11 years, has received feedback from members concerned about recent federal mandates banning mentions of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on federal websites.
She was adamant when she spoke to USAE that DEI is integral to the association’s—and the art therapy profession’s—core values, and hence the members’ concern.
“We are a 501c3—we’re non-partisan,” Young said. “Obviously, we work in a bipartisan way at the state level to pass legislation, but diversity, equity and inclusion is a part of the fabric of good mental health and community support. So it’s just embedded.”
AATA members move into the field of art therapy in an effort to make a positive difference in the world, Young said, often working with marginalized communities.
“Our members are incredibly passionate. Social justice is a core theme for our continuing education programming and the resources we provide,” Young said. “Their client groups are of every political persuasion and veterans, but we’ve also got a lot of our therapists working with migrants, traditional immigration, transgender
youth, homeless, people who’ve seen domestic or community violence, so I don’t see how we could ever be anything other than a DEI-forward organization.”
It’s common for people to misunderstand what art therapy is, Young said.
As a mental health profession, art therapy “enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship,” according to the AATA website.
As a result, licensing is a continued struggle for the association’s members and a focus for AATA’s 2025 priorities.
Art therapy licensing varies from state to state, Young explained. Some states are currently without art therapy licensure, which keeps insurances from covering sessions, limiting access for clients. AATA is actively working to advocate for clear licensing pathways for art therapists, with the number of dedicated art therapy licenses increasing from the single digits to 16 states in Young’s 11 years at the association.
“At the end of the day, these are mental health professionals, like any other mental health professionals, but they often fight for that recognition, and for that salary, depending on where they work,” Young said.
But there has been a shift in that
narrative in the last 10 years, which Young attributes to a partnership between the Department of Defense, the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center called Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network.
The initiative utilizes art therapy in military hospitals and veterans facilities to support veterans and service members as they seek healing from trauma. The Creative Forces program was successful enough to expand into community arts programs, bringing increased visibility to the therapy.
Young sees potential for AATA and member art therapists to work with other associations to add to their annual conferences, she told USAE
At last year’s ASAE Marketing, Membership, Communications (MMC) and Tech Conference held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. ,from May 12–13, AATA hosted its pilot Art-It-Out studio in partnership with Mighty Citizen, a marketing and website agency.
The Art-It-Out studio consisted of several art-making stations with art therapists guiding participants through the process.
“This was by far one of my favorite things about the conference!” one commenter wrote on AATA’s Instagram post highlighting the pop-up studio. “Brilliant idea, lovely time, and I met the nicest people there. I’ll definitely be advocating to have this at my company’s conference someday.”
Young would like to see the association world embrace art therapy at conferences in large part because “a lot of associations have members who have enormous anxiety and stress in their work, which becomes an association problem because it’s our job to support their careers.” And the association is working on certifying members to represent AATA through Art-It-Out studios in the future.
Young has witnessed the benefits of art therapy first hand. When she joined AATA, she was a new foster parent to a young boy who had himself been utilizing art therapy to process his separation from his family of origin. For him, art therapy made a significant and positive impact on his mental wellbeing, Young said.
“So when I got a call about the American Art Therapy Association, I kind of leapt out of my seat,” said Young.
Cynthia Young
joining AATA in March 2014, Young held senior leadership and vice president roles at nonprofits SOS Children’s Villages USA and Rebuilding together, and she spent more than a decade in sales at large media companies, including CBS Radio Networks, the Associated Press, and ABC Radio Networks.
In 2007, Young realized she was “bored” with her career trajectory and pivoted to mission-focused work. When she joined AATA, she had intended to stay for only three years, she told USAE, but she loved the association and its members so much that she has remained with them.
Young’s leadership philosophies stem “more from my former experience with leaders that I wouldn’t replicate,” she said. But one “phenomenal” leader she met during her corporate years taught Young the value of having her staff’s back.
“All success and great ideas that might come from my head are credited to the staff, and all bad ideas and mistakes that may come from the staff are credited to me,” she said.
Young describes herself as an inclusive and transparent leader who focuses on the big picture, declines to “sugar-coat” a situation, and who considers “silo” to be a four-letter word.
“We’re a tiny staff,” Young said. “We have seven people—we can’t survive on a mentality of ‘this is my lane only, and I don’t need to understand the rest.’”
Young encourages her staff to always be learning and to get out of their comfort zone as often as possible.
Young attended Syracuse University for her bachelor’s degree in TV, radio and film, and received her master’s in industrial labor relations from Cornell University/Baruch College. Prior to
“I share the good, I share the bad, I share the ugly, Young said. “We problem solve together. We debate, sometimes we argue, and we are constantly understanding shifting roles. So we hope to advance everybody in their careers, but we are a small staff and it might not necessarily be with us, and that’s okay.”
CONTACT US IN D.C.
ALBUQUERQUE
Wanda Jackson Lewis, DES jacksonlewis@VisitABQ.org
ALEXANDRIA
Suzanne Thibeault (interim) sthibeault@visitalexva.com
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David H. McAuley dmcauley@atlanta.net
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AUSTIN
Jim Doherty jdoherty@visitaustin.org
Kristen Parker, CASE kparker@visitaustin.org
BALTIMORE
Brian Chung, CMP bchung@baltimore.org Laurie Nelson-Choice lchoice@baltimore.org Jen Wingate jwingate@baltimore.org Crystal Wolfe cwolfe@baltimore.org
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BOSTON
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Kyla Knudson kknudson@meetingscalgary.com
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Jennifer Bumbalo jennifer.bumbalo@VisitDallas.com
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Leah Gutstein (interim) lgutstein@visitdenver.com
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Amber Smith amber@catchdesmoines.com
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Shirley Del Carpio shirley@washington.org
Brandon Murray brandon@washington.org
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Betsy Bush bbush@leegov.com
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Melissa Hayden melissahayden@fortworth.com
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Dennis Edwards dedwards@visitgreensboronc.com
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Tim Walsh twalsh@discovernewport.org
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triel@goprovidence.com
PUERTO RICO
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Kate Heemsoth kheemsoth@goprovidence.com
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kholland@visitrichmondva.com
Jerrine Lee jlee@visitrichmondva.com
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Karen Staples, CMP, CASE kstaples@visitsaltlake.com
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SAN ANTONIO
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Brenda.Berrones@visitsanantonio.com
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Caroline.Gardner@visitsanantonio.com
SAN DIEGO
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THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA
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SPOKANE
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Italicized
NEWS NEWS
NYC’s Roosevelt Hotel to End Asylum
By Jordan Bradley
New York City’s historic Roosevelt Hotel has been acting as the Asylum Seeker Arrival Center since May 2023. On February 24, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the center will close by this June.
“While we’re not done caring for those who come into our care, today marks another milestone in demonstrating the immense progress we have achieved in turning the corner on an unprecedented international humanitarian effort,” said Adams.
The mayor’s office said the center-hotel has seen a steady decrease in registrants, with an average of approxi-
Austin
mately 350 per week in recent weeks. By comparison, at the peak of the migrant crisis, the Roosevelt Hotel Arrival Center received at least 4,000 asylum seekers per week.
“Going forward, these intake functions and supportive services will now be integrated into other areas of the system,” according to Adams’ office.
Since spring 2023, the Roosevelt Hotel has registered 173,000 migrants and asylum seekers, sheltering families in the rooms above the lobby, and helping many to move on to the next phase of their journeys in the United States.
Design
continued from page 5
Demolition and construction will begin shortly after the current facility closes in April. The Unconventional ATX project design is led by a joint venture of LMN Architects and Page Southerland Page, with construction management overseen by the JE Dunn/Turner joint venture.
The hotel is one of 53 hotels and shelter sites that New York City has closed or announced it will close between June 2024 and June 2025.
Since spring 2023, the Roosevelt Hotel has registered 173,000 migrants and asylum seekers, sheltering families in the rooms above the lobby, and helping
“Visit Austin is thrilled the renderings of Austin’s reimagined Convention Center have been unveiled,” said Tom Noonan, President & CEO of Visit Austin. “This project represents a pivotal investment in Austin’s future as a top-tier convention and tourism destination, and we look forward to welcoming the world to experience everything our incredible city has to offer.”
Fired Up! Culture Announces 2024 Culture Achievement Award Recipients
By Jonathan Trager
Fired Up! Culture, an organization that partners with executive leadership to build high-performing organizations, has named its Culture Achievement Award Recipients for the second half of 2024.
The award recognizes organizations that exemplify excellence in workplace culture and team engagement, as measured by the Fired Up! Culture Annual Culture Index, and award “honors teams that actively foster a thriving, positive environment by investing in the growth and success of their team members,” according to the group.
The recipients include the Greater Miami CVB, Visit Corpus Christi, Visit Greater Palm Springs, Visit Rapid City (South Dakota), Visit Shreveport Bossier
(Louisiana), and Zenatta Consulting.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the recipients of the 2024 Culture Achievement Award!” said Chris Ihrig, CEO of Fired Up! Culture. “These organizations have demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering a workplace where engagement, healthy relationships, and excellence thrive. Creating an outstanding culture takes dedication, and these honorees should be proud of their incredible accomplishments.”
The former organizations join the recipients named in the first half of 2024: Explore Asheville (North Carolina), Searchwide Global, and See Monterey (California).
To view more about the 2024 Culture Achievement Award Recipients, visit firedupculture.com
Seeker Housing by June
many to move on to the next phase of their journeys in the United States.
“Our administration has skillfully managed this crisis, which has seen over 232,000 migrants enter our city asking for shelter, and the Roosevelt Hotel has been key in allowing us to effectively manage our operations, processing over 173,000 individuals through these doors,” Adams said. “Now, thanks to the sound policy decisions of our team, we are able to announce the closure of this site and help even more asylum seekers take the next steps in their journeys as they envision an even brighter future, while simultaneously saving taxpayers millions of dollars.”
According to a July 2024 report from the New York City Comptroller’s office, hotels were being paid an average nightly rate of $156 per room in 2024 to shelter migrants and asylum seekers.
The Roosevelt Hotel first opened in 1924 with more than 1,000 guest rooms. In 2000, the hotel was bought by Pakistan International Airlines,
which made the decision to close the property indefinitely in December 2020 during the Covid-19 shutdowns. According to a July 2024 report from the New York City Comptroller’s office, hotels were being paid an average nightly rate of $156 per room in 2024 to shelter migrants and asylum seekers.
The hotel was cited in February as justification for the Trump administration to rescind approximately $80 million in federal funding from the city that had been earmarked for asylum seeker shelters. The administration claimed the Roosevelt was the headquarters for a Venezuelan gang. The city has refuted the claim. It was not immediately clear if or when the hotel would open to tourists and guests, or if the city would open an intake shelter at a different location.
Hyatt Launches New Conversion-Friendly Brand, Hyatt Select
By Jordan Bradley
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced its newest hotel brand, Hyatt Select, on February 25.
The brand is designed to service “upper-midscale transient” guests, is conversion-friendly, and joins Hyatt’s Essentials portfolio, which focuses on select-service hotels.
Hyatt Select, like Hyatt’s other Essentials brands, focuses on making guest stays as “efficient” and “streamlined” as possible. Hotels from this brand will provide guests with complimentary breakfast, a 24/7 self-service market, free highspeed internet, and workspaces in every guest room.
“For Hyatt, launching a new brand is never just about adding to our portfolio—it’s about strengthening our network in a way that benefits both owners and guests,” said Jim Chu, Chief Growth Officer, Hyatt. “Hyatt Select hotels will meet a specific need in the market by offering a cost-effective, conversion-friendly option for owners, while delivering an experience for guests who want reliability, comfort, and thoughtful design in the upper-midscale segment.”
For owners, Hyatt Select offers
flexibility, the hotel company said. Hotels under this brand umbrella can “range from 70-200 keys, offering adaptability across diverse markets.”
Potential owners are able to pursue new build or conversion properties, something Chu said hoteliers are currently seeking.
“We’ve seen strong interest from owners both within and outside of our network who are looking for flexible conversion opportunities with access to Hyatt’s powerful commercial engine and distribution platform,” said Chu. “The Hyatt Select brand will allow us to meet these distinct needs of owners and expand our brand presence for guests looking for a short stay option in secondary and tertiary markets.”
Hyatt also announced the new brand, the hotel company also shared that the first Hyatt Studios opened in Mobile, Alabama on February 18. Hyatt Studios also belongs in Hyatt’s upper-midscale portfolio of brands.
The Hyatt Studios brand was announced in April 2023. Hyatt said the brand has a pipeline of 50 Hyatt Studios hotels, “including 22 in new markets for Hyatt.”
By Todd McElwee
Never meet your heroes, or so I’ve been told. Can the same be said for a building?
Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, in between Iceland and Ireland, a bit of anxiety surfaced about my first visit to Istanbul: Would the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque be everything I hoped, or—like so many encounters with those we idolize—would the 1,500-year-old former cathedral that’s been a mosque since 1453, disappoint?
Istanbul’s an enthralling place, and perhaps one day I’ll share stories of dining at Neolokal, a Michelin star restaurant, buying balık ekmek fish sandwiches and mussels straight off a boat in the Bosporus, learning about coffee cup fortune telling at the Peninsula Hotel during a MPI Learning Journey, seeing the Istanbul State Symphony with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and having a drink with a dog in a local pub. We’ll skip the hammam (Turkish bath) experience.
But today, it’s Hagia Sophia. A snowstorm unlike anything Istanbul had experienced in years, according to the locals, marked my arrival. It was coming down so hard I couldn’t see the across the Golden Horn to where Hagia Sophia is located during a morning stroll shortly after landing. Picture not being able to see Brooklyn from Manhattan.
Hagia Sophia first came into view from across the Bosporus during a pre-fam dinner at Ruby, a stylish restaurant that transitions into a night club with TGA, which hosted the first-class trip just before MPI’s European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC).
Thank you to both for an unbelievable experience!
THE FINAL WORD
My Time at the Timeless Hagia Sophia
A few seats at a sizable round table offered views of Hagia Sophia. I took the best one, sipped Turkish red wine and stared. Positioned atop one of the city’s seven hills, Hagia Sophia does not shine like the marble masterpieces of neighboring Blue Mosque, New Mosque or Ortaköy Mosque, which was adjacent to Ruby. Yet, as it has done since December 27, 537, Hagia Sophia commanded the skyline.
I visited Hagia Sophia twice during my week in Istanbul—once during the pre fam and once with my wife, Angela, who joined me a few days later. Approaching from the Hippodrome, home to the excellent Hagia Sophia Museum, the grand old building comes into sight.
Hagia Sophia shows its age with a faded facade, scaffolding covering large sections of the exterior and a complex of ancillary structures added throughout the centuries. It looks every bit 1,500 years old.
Visitors do not make a grand entrance befitting an emperor or sultan; rather, they rather drop their phones in a basket and walk through a metal detector. What kind of security did the Byzantines or Ottomans have? Women must cover their heads. My blue and white Chesapeake Bay Foundation “Say the Bay” knit hat featuring a giant sea gull got flagged, as a security guard thought it was sports related (with similar colors and Sea Gull mascot, I believe he thought it was Brighton & Hove Albion from England). I turned it inside out.
Up a long bumpy ramp flanked by ancient brick walls—the building was built without concrete—the cavernous interior comes into view. Layers and layers of history, Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman, Republic of Türkiye, everywhere. Again, old. Fading frescoes. Slightly tilting marble columns. Cracked floors. Freezing cold, but surprisingly illuminated.
phia, or perhaps Rome’s much older Pantheon, can lay claim to inventing the open floor plan (although their latter’s dome was built with an oculus in second century).
Both literally and figurately, the 160-foot-tall dome rises about it all. The largest in the world for almost 1,000 years, it collapsed a few decades after completion, but was rebuilt, reinforced, had mosaics installed, had mosaics covered, been painted and who knows what else.
And who knows all the words and all the languages that have been echoed under its expanse?
Justinian is reported have said, “Solomon, I have surpassed you!”
Hagia Sophia is also said to be the first place Sultan Mehmed II visited when he conquered the city in May 1453. A Friday prayer was held in the converted mosque days later.
Speechless.
Only the second-floor gallery is open to non-Muslim foreign visitors—it is a working mosque. It’s more than enough with millennia-old golden mosaics, massive Arabic wooden tiles displaying the names of Allah, Mohammed and other holy Islamic figures, a marble imperial gate emperors passed through and even a bit of Viking graffiti.
Largely unburdened by columns, Hagia So-
Hagia Sophia’s place at the center of two empires and my inability to comprehend how it was designed and constructed so long ago are what has always drawn me in. The fact that it remains so full of life only added to my admiration.
The ground level’s floor is not marble or wood, but rather green carpet, as Hagia Sophia remains a place of worship. I saw children running around the old imperial section, just as they did all those centuries ago. And, like everywhere else in Istanbul, cats quietly make themselves at home wherever they like.
Add my name to the countless number of conquerors, individuals of faith and travelers before, who left my mark on Hagia Sophia—well, in my case, its museum.
Retractable glass gates, similar to what you’d pass through in a subway or stadium, mark the exit into the gift shop. Strolling along at a medium pace, I glanced down and saw a green light.
Kaboom! Had one of Mehmed II’s cannons had been fired in the gift shop?
Malfunctioning, the gate did not open. I didn’t notice. I didn’t stop. Glass covered the floor as shoppers scattered. It reminded me of glass in a hockey arena shattering during a massive check or speedy slapshot.
Conquers always struggled to break the city’s walls and pierce the gates— Mehmed II carried warships over land to the Golden Horn.
I wasn’t slowed at all.
Our wonderful guide, Aysem, rushed to me as did a countless number of museum staff. Thankfully, nobody was injured. I returned with Angela two days later. No glass to be found.
Twice, I’ve meet someone I idolize. I was 7 or 8 years old when I crawled under and around people’s legs in Memorial Stadium’s parking lot to get Baltimore Orioles’ Hall of Famer Cal Ripken’s autograph as he set in what I believe was a red Cadillac.
In 2012, I attended a book signing by ESPN’s Michael Wilbon. Saying hello when getting my book signed, Wilbon said he recognized me from my time covering Maryland Terps basketball and that he liked that I always asked good questions.
Both stories could be a bit apocryphal, but the point is the encounters still make me smile years later.
Hagia Sophia will too.
Todd McElwee at the broken Hagia Sophia Museum exit gate without the glass.
Todd and Angela McElwee outside of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
