31 minute read
USAE 3.31.25 Issue
Three Hotels Agree to Pay $17.5M in Sex Trafficking Settlement
By Jordan Bradley
Three hotels in Philadelphia in a March 13 settlement agreed to pay $17.5 million to three women who were allegedly trafficked at their properties from May 2015 to January 2017.
The three victims alleged that the owners of the three hotels—the Motel 6 and Days Inn on Philadelphia’s Roosevelt Boulevard and a former North American Motors Inn on City Avenue—had reason enough to suspect human trafficking was happening at their hotels and did not take proper action to prevent it.
According to the lawsuit, the hotels failed to retain adequate security personnel despite repeated police visits and phone calls as well as evidence of ongoing criminal activity at the three hotels.
The Days Inn named in the lawsuit had previously hired a security guard with a history of federal felony conviction and who was later arrested for human trafficking after he had been working at the hotel for years, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Adrian Palmer of Philadelphia worked as a guard at the Days Inn property in June 2012. While employed, Palmer “provided protection and assistance” to a pimp recruiting runaway teenage girls to work as prostitutes, the Inquirer reported, for which he collected between $60–$100 per day.
Palmer pleaded guilty to conspiracy, sex trafficking and attempted sec trafficking of a minor in October 2013.
Moreover, the Motel 6 named in the suit had a single screen for its security camera system located in the owner’s locked office, according to attorneys with Kline & Specter hired to represent the plaintiffs.
“Instead of hiring qualified security and adoption and enforcement policies against criminal activity, the hotels did nothing and permitted criminal activity to the detriment of our clients,” said Emily Marks, an attorney with Kline & Specter.
The three women filed lawsuits between 2022–2024 in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. At the time of the trafficking, the women were 14–17 years old.
According to the suit, police were called and responded to disturbances at the hotels several times. Despite this, the hotels did not enhance security, the suit alleges.
The suit also notes at the Motel 6 and the North American Motors Inn when one plaintiff was trafficked in August 2015, hotel staff and security overlooked clear signs of trafficking, including an excess of condoms in rooms, the renting of neighboring rooms, individuals in possession of large amounts of cash, refusal of housekeeping services, high volume of foot traffic, and guests checking in without luggage.
This lawsuit was also not the first for the North American Motors Inn, according to the Inquirer. In a February 2024 settlement also brought by Kline & Specter, two women were awarded $24.5 million for allegedly being sex trafficked at the property in 2013. In yet another case won by Kline & Specter attorneys in October 2023 against the North American Motors Inn, three sex trafficking survivors were awarded $37.5 million.
“It’s disturbing, I mean really disturbing that these children are being abused, raped and trafficked at local hotels,” said Nadeem Bezar, an attorney with Kline & Specter. “Even more upsetting is that these economy or budget hotels continue to fail to properly secure their properties and protect people especially children from being assaulted.”
The three women who pursued the most recent case—who were only identified by their initials to protect their identities—will receive a portion each of the $17.5 million. The settlement did not specify how the money would be distributed between them.
The case was scheduled for trial on March 24 prior to the settlement, according to Kline & Specter.
The defendants included Eighty Eight L.P. and Eight, Inc., owners of the Motel 6; G6 Hospitality and related companies, the parent company of the Motel 6 brand; Ramara Inc., the owner of the North American Motors Inn at the time of alleged trafficking before it sold the property in 2019; and City Line Corp., which leased the Motors Inn from Ramara.
Defendants either could not be reached for comment or did not respond to USAE request for comment regarding the case.
Association Forum Announces Honors Awards Recipients
By Todd McElwee
Association Forum has revealed the individuals and organizations who will be celebrated at this year’s annual Honors Gala.
Set for June 11 at Chicago’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, this year’s gala embraces the theme “Shine On.” Organizers said the theme is a tribute to the distinguished honorees and a call to all attendees to continue making a lasting impact in their careers and communities.
Association Forum is bestowing its highest honor, the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement, to Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, President & CEO, HR Source.
“I am so pleased to congratulate the 2025 Honors Award recipients,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, Association Forum. “Each of these honorees has set the bar for excellence and service, pushing boundaries and making a powerful impact on the association industry. Their dedication is nothing short of inspiring and serves as a bold reminder of what’s possible when we lead with purpose and passion.”
Fayoumi has spent more than 25 years at the helm of her organization, with Association Forum noting she has expanded the association’s reach beyond its manufacturing roots, diversified membership, and enhanced services to meet the evolving needs of employers.
The highest honor that Forum bestows on an association professional, the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement is presented to the chief staff executive for outstanding service and accomplishments in association/nonprofit management. The award is named after Samuel B. Shapiro, CAE, past chairman of Association Forum and ASAE.
“I’m honored to receive the 2025 Shapiro Award,” she told USAE. “The Association Forum community has been instrumental in my career success. I’m grateful for the opportunities the Forum has provided me and the amazing people I’ve had the privilege of working with through the years.”
The John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding service to Association Forum. This year’s recipient is George Miller, CAE, Practice Director at McKinley Advisors.
The association said Miller has shown unwavering dedication to the advancement of the profession through his long-term volunteer contributions. His mentorship and support of association professionals have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Nathan Chamberlain, CAE, Director of Membership, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, is the Association Professional Achievement Award honoree, which is powered by Choose Chicago. The award is presented to an association professional member for exemplary service and outstanding accomplishments in the field. Chamberlain has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a commitment to professional growth, and dedicated service to the association community, organizers said.
“These outstanding individuals embody leadership and commitment,” said Bob Moore, FASAE, CAE, Association Forum Board Chair and Executive Director at the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. “Their contributions have left a meaningful impact, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments.”
The Chris Mahaffey Inspiring Leader Award, which is sponsored by Visit Anchorage, is presented to an individual who has established a culture fostering employee satisfaction, motivation, engagement, and achievement. This year’s recipient is Jose Segarra, CAE, Strategic Director and Sr. Account Executive at Bostrom. Association Forum said Segarra exemplifies inspirational leadership through mentorship, development of others, and commitment to professional excellence, empowering his team and setting a high standard of achievement.
The Welcoming Environment Organizational Award is given to an association that has demonstrated exemplary outcomes in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and culture. This year’s recipient is the American Osteopathic Association, which has implemented initiatives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for its staff and members.
The Honors Gala supports the Association Forum Foundation.
Find more information at www.associationforum.org
Heathrow Airport Hotels Raise Prices Following Airport Fires
Sparks Outrage, Accusations of Price Gouging
By Jordan Bradley
In the wake of a massive power outage at London’s Heathrow Airport in the late evening of March 20, hundreds of thousands of passengers were left stranded at the airport following its closure, and 1,350 flights were canceled.
Hotels, meanwhile, were accused of price-gouging by stranded passengers and travel blogs.
While the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is able to take action against unfair business practices and works to maintain “competition that works for people, businesses and the whole UK economy,” according to the CMA government website. The agency does not have formal regulations regarding price gouging, however.
According to screenshots from The Standard, the Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2&3 was charging $432 per night and the Holiday Inn London Heathrow Bath Road by IHG less than a mile down the road from the airport was offering guest rooms for the same rate. The same rooms are available at $291 and $107, respectively, on March 29.
“Such events highlight the volatility of the hospitality industry, where unexpected incidents can lead to substantial price fluctuations,” said Tim Hentschel, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of HotelPlanner.com in an interview with The Standard. “Hotels near the airport are capitalizing on a huge spike in demand, resulting in a noticeable increase in room rates.”
Hentschel added a hotel that typically costs a little more than $155 on average per night was being sold for approximately $453 on March 21, while some higher end hotels were seen charging as much as 50% more per room night.
Booking.com prices for area hotels were even higher, according to reports. The Worcester News reported that room rates at the Hilton London Heathrow Terminal 5—one of Heathrow’s three airport hotels—was charging the equivalent of about $553 for a night at the hotel when the same room could be booked on March 28 for the equivalent of $131.
Guests at another Heathrow hotel, the Sofitel, were being asked to pay the equivalent of $902 per night, more than triple the hotel’s $162 rate for a March 28 stay.
“Hotels near major transport hubs like Heathrow often see price fluctuations during such crises, as supply struggles to meet the sudden demand, but there is also an essence of the hospitality industry price gouging to cash in on unfortunate circumstances, which is a real shame,” Hentschel said.
USAE reached out to Hilton and IHG for comment on the price hikes but did not receive comment prior to deadline.
Destinations International Announces “30 Under 30 Class of 2025”
By Jonathan Trager
Destinations International (DI) on March 24 unveiled its “30 Under 30 Class of 2025,” the newest group of exceptional young destination professionals. Through a competitive process each year, 30 individuals under the age of 30 are selected for yearlong industry education and networking opportunities. This year’s honorees hail from 30 destinations across four countries and territories and were selected from a pool of 91 applicants.
“The 30 Under 30 program is a critical initiative directly aligned with the mission and vision of our association,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of DI. “The destination sector and travel and tourism industry offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities, and it is crucial that we help identify and encourage our future leaders. We are excited to welcome these accomplished individuals to the Destinations International 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.”
Now in its 15th year, the initiative is funded by the DI Foundation.
“The Destinations International Foundation believes it is essential to support and empower emerging leaders in our industry,” said Amir Eylon, President & CEO of Longwoods International and Chair of the DI Foundation.
“We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 program enter its 15th year, and we are thankful to our foundation investors for making impactful programs like these possible. We look forward to engaging with this impressive group through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders.”
The new class includes the following:
• Aimy Thai, Marketing Manager, Destination Toronto
• Allie May, Sr. Coordinator, Brand USA
• Ansley Connor, Content and Social Media Manager, Visit Savannah
• Aubrey Caldwell, Sports Event Coordinator, Visit Lake Charles
• Benjamin Landis, Marketing Manager, Discover Santa Clara
• Cameron Molloy, Communications Specialist, Visit Mesa
• Charlotte Moody, Director of Sales, Visit Macon
• Elise Cameron, Creative Services Manager, Visit Aurora
• Erin Sinclair, Travel Media Manager, Destination Greater Victoria
• Gabe Wasylko, Sr. Social Media Manager, Destination Cleveland
• Jen Wingate, CMP, Sr. National Sales Manager, Visit Baltimore
• Katlyn Southern, Marketing and Communications Manager, Cartersville Museum City
• Kiira Grant, Tourism Standards and Training Specialist - Learning & Development Professional, Bermuda Tourism Authority
• Lauren Brown, Marketing & Social Media Specialist, Visit Austin
• Lea Nelson, Brand and Content Coordinator, Visit Quad Cities
• Lydia Williams, Industry Communications Manager, VISIT FLORIDA
• Mallori Johnson, Director of Destination Services, Visit Corpus Christi
• Mary Peyton Carpenter, Sr. Director of Marketing, Nashville CVC
• Melissa Bernal, Destination Experience Coordinator, Visit Greater Palm Springs
• Nick Price, Sr. Manager, Sports & Events, Destination DC
• Nohemi Reynoso, Communications Manager, Pick Ellijay/Gilmer Chamber
• Rachel Nogalski, Director of Experience & Events, Tulsa Regional Tourism
• Raelyn Dessart, Sr. Sales & Events Supervisor, Visit Central Florida Sports
• Rebekah Courtney, National Sales Manager, Louisville Tourism
• Rylee Govoreau, Destination Services Manager, ATL Airport District CVB
• Shauna Fitzgerald, Association Conferences Support, Fáilte Ireland
• Siri Emereje, Marketing Manager, Discover DeKalb CVB
• Taylor Melangton, Event & Communications Manager, Visit Indy
• Tyler Duplantis, Destination Sales Manager, Explore Houma
• Valeria Ayala, Media Relations Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico
“We are thrilled to welcome a new class of 30 under 30 honorees,” said Mike Gamble, Chairman & CEO of SearchWide Global. “These emerging leaders represent the bright future of our industry with their exceptional drive, innovation, energy and passion. We are incredibly proud to support them on their journey.”
In addition to the 30 Under 30 program, DI recognizes a cohort of young professionals from its partners. The association offers them the opportunity to join virtual leadership development and networking sessions alongside the 30 Under 30 class throughout the year.
The 2025 young professional leadership development program cohort includes the following:
• August Erickson, Development Manager, Miles Partnership
• Geena Bevenour, Marketing Manager, Tourism Economics
• Mackenzie Shields, Digital Media Specialist, JNS Next
• Samantha Gerhart, Associate Director, Madden Media
The 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX.
The program is also supported by the “Anne Daly Heller USAE 30 Under 30 Scholars Fund.” The fund provides exceptional continuing educational opportunities for participants of each year’s 30 Under 30 class.
For more information on the 30 Under 30 program and to learn more about the 2025 honorees, visit destinationsinternational.org/ 30 -under-30
Popeau Named PCMA’s Head of Global Sustainability
By Todd McElwee
PCMA has hired Tanya Popeau as Head of Global Sustainability to evolve PCMA’s global sustainability strategy, lead the Convene4Climate (C4C) initiative and work on other projects.
“I am very excited to join PCMA. It has such a varied focus from events to education and innovation,” said Popeau. “I relish the opportunity to operate on a global scale and collaborate with a broad range of actors to drive social and environmental impact.”
Popeau joins PCMA after 10 years collaborating with global corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies—including the United Nations—to develop and implement sustainable and innovative solutions.
Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Tanya to the PCMA team. Tanya’s experience and knowledge will be a key asset as we continue to develop platforms and build this global movement to drive sustainability leadership and showcase the importance of a sustainability-by-design approach.”
Karamat added PCMA remains committed to its role as a conductor for the global business events community, creating platforms and environments that foster global sustainability collaboration and engagement across events, research, education, content, and products.
The Events Industry Council (EIC) awarded PCMA’s Convening Leaders 2024 with its Silver certification in recognition of the association’s sustainability efforts. The association is currently working towards Gold certification for Convening Leaders 2025.
Destination Canada, Fáilte Ireland, Marina Bay Sands and United Airlines recently joined PCMA and The Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) in the promotion of sustainability in business events over the three years. The 2025 C4C will be held October 17 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
HOTS
HOTS Otter Adventures… Louie and Ophelia, two river otters living at the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Suamico, Wisconsin, took advantage of a winter storm and weaseled their way out of their enclosures, the zoo reported on March 20. According to the zoo: “Louie and Ophelia left their habitat through a small breach in buried fencing that they managed to enlarge just enough to get out.” The zoo employed a tracker immediately upon discovery of the otters’ disappearance, and traps have been set in the areas wherein they’ve been spotted. The zoo shared videos of Ophelia and Louie playing in the snow, exhibiting their species’ iconic “bounce, bounce, sliiide” maneuver. The zoo assured the public that the otters will likely be recovered safely, in part because otters are territorial animals and prefer to keep to familiar areas. “Both Louie and Ophelia were born in the wild and brought into human care through a process of rehabilitation,” the zoo added. “North American river otters are native to our area and are very comfortable and capable of surviving in Wisconsin’s climate.” Though their absence was noted immediately, the pair had not been captured by USAE deadline. HOTS is sure these two are having an otterly good time on their adventures.
HOTS Iron Age Hoard… Archeologists in a British village have declared a collection of 2,000-yearold artifacts from Britain’s Iron Age originally found in 2021 by a hobbyist with a metal detector to be a “once-in-a-lifetime” find, according to Sky News. The collection of items was found in two ditches in Melsonby, a village in North Yorkshire. After the hobbyist, Peter Heads, reported the find’s location to the archaeology department at Durham University, it was clear to the department’s responding professor, Tom Moore, that the more-than-800-item hoard was an extremely uncommon find. “The Melsonby hoard is of a scale and size that is exception for Britain and probably even Europe,” Moore said, speculating that the original owner of the items was likely “a part of a network of elites across Britain, into Europe and even the Roman world.” The Iron Age hoard of items includes remains of wagons, ceremonial spears, two ornate cauldrons likely used for wine-making, pony harnesses, and many more. Archaeologists estimate the collection of items is worth more than $300,000. HOTS thinks with the scope and size, this hoard is a once-in-two-lifetimes find.
MPI Awards Sonesta Hotels HMCC Verified Venue Status
By Todd McElwee
Sonesta Hotels has achieved MPI’s Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certified (HMCC) Verified Venue status.
MPI said the designation recognizes the hotelier’s dedication to providing meeting and event spaces that meet the rigorous regulatory and compliance standards required for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences meetings.
“As healthcare meetings continue to evolve with new regulations and compliance requirements, planners need confidence in their venue partners,” said Lori Pugh, Vice President, MPI Academy. “Sonesta Hotels’ HMCC Verified Venue designation ensures they meet the highest industry standards, offering planners peace of mind when booking compliant events.”
The HMCC Verified Venues program, developed by MPI, is designed to help event planners identify venues that understand the unique compliance regulations governing healthcare meetings. Requirements encompass transparency reporting, international codes, and ethical guidelines, ensuring that venues are prepared to support the complexities of life sciences events.
MPI said with the increasing demand for compliant and secure meeting spaces, the HMCC Verified Venue status shows event professionals that Sonesta Hotels has the expertise and infrastructure to accommodate medical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences gatherings with confidence.
“This verification differentiates Sonesta Hotels as a trusted partner for planners navigating the intricate requirements of healthcare meetings,” the association said.
Find more information on MPI’s HMCC Verified Venues at mpi.org
Wyndham Rewards Debuts First Hotel Debit Card
By Jordan Bradley
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts debuted a debit card through its Wyndham Rewards program—an “industry-first,” according to the company—on March 17.
The new Mastercard debit card was created for younger generations of travelers and is the first-of-itskind offering in the United States, Wyndham said. It allows users to earn points on day-to-day purchases, including gas, groceries, dining, and retail transactions.
Wyndham cited a 2024 study from EY that found almost 70% of Gen Z consumers use their debit cards once or more per week, while another 2024 study from PMG reported that 65% of Gen Z consumers intended to spend more on travel this year.
“Research continues to show a large number of travelers, particularly younger consumers such as Gen Z, prefer debit cards as their primary method of payment,” said Charmain Taylor, Sr. Vice President of Strategic and Financial Partnership at Wyndham. “Unfortunately, that means many have been left on the sidelines when it comes to earning free hotel nights and other travel rewards. With the Wyndham Rewards Debit Card, that’s no longer the case. Now anyone and everyone can earn points on their day-to-day purchases and in turn, enjoy meaningful rewards.”
Points earned through the Wyndham Rewards debit card can be used to redeem free nights at Wyndham hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally as well as an upgraded status to GOLD level membership, Wyndham said.
“Brands are looking for payment products that enhance loyalty and deepen the relationship they have with consumers,” said Chiro Aikat, Co-President, United States for Mastercard. “The new Wyndham Rewards Debit Card unlocks access to rewards and benefits curated to enhance consumer value while enjoying their passion for travel.”
The Wyndham Rewards debit card also offers waived ATM fees, a waived monthly fee with a minimum average monthly account balance of $2,500, annual and welcome bonuses, and a booking discount at participating Wyndham hotels.
While this is the first debit card offering from the brand, Wyndham also offers three credit cards: Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card, Wyndham Rewards Earner Card, and the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card.
For more information, visit wyndhamrewardscards.com/ debit-card
FinCEN Removes BOI Reporting Requirements for U.S. Small Businesses
By Todd McElwee
Consistent with the Treasury Department’s March 2 announcement, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule on March 21 that removes the requirement for U.S. companies and individuals to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
Through this interim final rule, all entities created in the United States— including those previously known as “domestic reporting companies”—and their beneficial owners will be exempt from the requirement to report BOI to FinCEN.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), and National Small Business Association (NSBA) have all advocated against rule. NFIB and NSBA have taken action against CTA in federal court.
NFIB President Brad Close said: “NFIB has been steadfast since the beginning that this onerous requirement is a massive intrusion into small businesses’ privacy and creates an unprecedented new government database on Americans. We agree with President Trump that requirements from the Corporate Transparency Act are ‘outrageous and invasive.’ NFIB will continue to work with Congress to put the Administration’s actions into law and repeal the CTA fully. Furthermore, Congress should direct FinCEN to immediately destroy all of the data that was already submitted by small businesses out of fear they would face fines and prison time.”
NSBA, which said CTA was “defanged,” noted the change means fewer than 12,000 companies on average per year must comply with what is left of the CTA, compared with more than 32 million small businesses first estimated to be impacted by the reporting requirements, according to the rule.
FinCEN said foreign entities meeting new definition of a “reporting company” and do not qualify for an exemption from the reporting requirements must report their BOI to FinCEN under new deadlines. These foreign entities, however, will not be required to report any U.S. persons as beneficial owners, and U.S. persons will not be required to report BOI with respect to any such entity for which they are a beneficial owner.
Enacted by Congress on January 1, 2021, the CTA included significant reforms to anti-money laundering laws intended to help prevent and combat money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and tax fraud, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said.
Small businesses need to file beneficial ownership information reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury by January 1. Failure to submit by the deadline puts small business owners at risk of criminal penalties, imprisonment, and fines up to $10,000. The Chamber developed a CTA toolkit and provided updated information on the matter.
American Bus Association Announces Upcoming Marketplace Destinations
By Todd McElwee
The American Bus Association (ABA) will be pulling into eight cities, respectively, for its Marketplace from 2026–2033. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center will host from January 10–13, 2026.
Marketplace destinations from 2027–2033 include Calgary, Alberta; Charlotte, Aurora, Colorado; Kissimmee, Florida; Grapevine, Texas; Atlantic City; and National Harbor, Maryland.
“As a gateway to the historic American West and the great outdoors, Reno Tahoe is the perfect destination for group travel,” said Reno Sparks CVA President & CEO Mike Larragueta. “We are thrilled to welcome ABA Marketplace to Northern Nevada for the first time ever, and we cannot
wait to roll out the red carpet for the American Bus Association’s 100th Anniversary celebration.”
Marketplace 2025 in Philadelphia generated nearly $5 million for local businesses and filled 7,000 hotel room nights for 3,000 attendees, according to ABA.
“ABA’s Marketplace is one of the most transformative experiences in the motorcoach and group travel industry,” said Fred Ferguson, President & CEO, ABA. “In just four days, group tour operators, manufacturers, bus operators, and tourism companies can accomplish a year’s worth of sales meetings. Marketplace 2026 will be especially significant as ABA prepares to celebrate 100 years of uniting operators, suppliers, and the group tour and travel industry.”
Jeffrey Vasser Tapped to Lead Discover Lancaster
By Jonathan Trager
Jeffrey S. Vasser has been appointed President & CEO of Discover Lancaster in southeast Pennsylvania, effective May 5.
Vasser has served as Executive Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism (NJTT) since 2018. He led a team there whose marketing campaigns have driven and elevated the state’s tourism industry.
“I’m truly honored for the opportunity to promote such a special place like Lancaster County as part of the top-tier team at Discover Lancaster,” said Vasser. “I look forward to collaborating with our Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and industry partners in building an even stronger tourism sector for our businesses, our visitors, and the entire Lancaster community.”
During a multi-decade career in hospitality and tourism, Vasser started out in lodging companies such as Choice Hotels International and Four Seasons, conducted industry consulting at Deloitte & Touche, was CFO for food service & restaurant firm Cipriani International, led the Atlantic City CVA for 11+ years, headed the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, and then was regional Vice President at BR Group Hospitality before joining NJTT.
“We are excited to be hiring someone with Jeff’s professional expertise and leadership experience to further grow Lancaster County tourism,” said Discover Lancaster Chair Jonas Nissley. “His wide array of skills in destination marketing, hospitality management, conventions & events, and stakeholder relations will enable him to hit the ground running on behalf of our destination.”
In February, Vasser was recognized by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International as one of its “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds” for 2024. He obtained his master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Motel, & Restaurant Management at Cornell University.
Trump Las Vegas Hotel Sued for Wrongful Death
By Jordan Bradley
The family of a woman who died a year after an incident at the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has sued the property in a wrongful death suit filed on March 18.
The suit, filed in Clark County District Court, alleges the woman died as a result of injuries sustained when she attempted to exit the property through its revolving door.
According to the suit, Diana Truschke, 78, was attempting to leave the Trump Hotel on March 21, 2023, when “she reached the side of the revolving door that faces outward,” and was struck from behind by the door.
Then, Truschke was “violently ejected” from the doorway, the lawsuit alleges, and thrown several feet before falling on her face. The lawsuit did not specify the injuries she sustained from the fall, but it noted that she received medical treatment.
Truschke died on October 14, 2024, and the lawsuit alleges that following the incident, her health continued to deteriorate, leading to her death.
The lawsuit claims the hotel should have been aware that the door did not function properly nor did it comply with safety standards.
Prior to her death, Truschke was a real estate agent living in the Bay City area of Southern California, according NBC Los Angeles.
Truschke’s family is seeking a jury trial, medical and funeral expenses, and damages for pain and suffering.
A hearing had yet to be set by USAE press deadline, according to Clark County records.
Hotels Mixed on Impact of National Egg Shortage
Continue to Serve Continental Breakfasts
By Jordan Bradley
A national egg shortage brought on by an increase in the avian flu has impacted the price of the staple grocery item, leading to shocking sticker prices and limits on purchases in stores throughout the country.
For hotels offering complimentary breakfast for guests, eggs are a given at the buffet and many don’t see that changing despite the circumstances.
The general manager at the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown told USAE that the property’s continental breakfast has not been impacted and that he had not heard of hotels in the area being impacted either.
A front desk agent at the Hampton Inn Cleveland Downtown in Ohio told USAE that the property was not affected by the shortage. The desk agent speculated that that could have been because the property only offered complimentary continental breakfast and does not have a restaurant on site.
A representative from the Holiday Inn Express Cleveland, also in Cleveland, Ohio, told USAE that its complimentary breakfast was not impacted, and that the hotel was serving it as usual.
“It’s just expensive,” the representative added with a chuckle. A case of eggs averaged $40 last year, he said, but in recent months had doubled to $80 per case.
Ohio has been particularly hard hit by the bird flu, with 30% of its egg-laying poultry livestock having been killed due to the virus, according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and was the first state to confirm on February 12 that a person had died after contracting the virus.
Columbus, Ohio, was host to The Arnold Sports Festival, a bodybuilding competition held February 27 to March 2 at the Columbus Convention Center.
The festival brought approximately 20,000 athletes to town, according to a local NBC affiliate. Eggs are a staple in the diets of many body builders due to their high levels of digestible protein.
During an interview with the outlet, the Hilton Downtown Columbus’s general manager speculated that the property would serve more than 10,000 eggs during that weekend despite higher prices.
Meanwhile, the front desk agent at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix West Peoria in Arizona saidshe was unsure about the impact of the egg shortage on her property because the continental breakfast onsite utilizes pre-scrambled boxed eggs.
“I had a hard time picking up a carton [of eggs] at the store last night, though,” she added.
The general manager at the Best Western Plus Tallahassee North Hotel in Florida said the hotel was continuing to serve continental breakfast and that there was no significant impact due to the rising national price of eggs.
He went on to say that because of the brand identity for the property and the staples it provides, including continental breakfast, it was unlikely that BWH Hotels, the Best Western brand’s parent company, would issue a brand directive to cease providing eggs as a complimentary breakfast offerings.
“I think the price of eggs will come down before that would happen,” he said.
The general manager noted he would conduct an inventory audit by the end of the month, which would tell him whether the shortage and increased egg prices were impacting the hotel’s bottom line, but did not have those numbers when he spoke with USAE.
He went on to add that he had not heard of other hotels in the area implementing a change to their breakfast offerings due to increased egg prices, but he speculated that independent properties might.
A front desk agent at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fresno Yosemite Intl Airport in California said at one point several weeks ago the property was unable to order more eggs, but declined to comment further.
The rise in egg prices has even prompted surcharges from two major breakfast chains: Waffle House and Denny’s, according to a March 18 report from USA Today.
Matthew Pivarnik Named Head of Myrtle Beach Chamber and CVB
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and CVB has announced that Matthew Pivarnik will serve as the South Carolina organization’s new President & CEO.
Tracy Conner will continue serving as interim President & CEO until Pivarnik and his wife, Wendy, relocate to the Myrtle Beach area in the coming months.
“I’m honored to join the team at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and bring my experience to this thriving community,” Pivarnik said. “The Grand Strand is a dynamic, worldclass place to live and visit, and this is an exciting time in its evolution.”
Pivarnik most recently served as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership in Kansas. He oversaw operations of the Greater Topeka Chamber, Visit Topeka, GO Topeka and Downtown Topeka Inc., and more.
The industry veteran played a pivotal role in forming the Greater Topeka Partnership in 2018, a “collaboration that successfully unified regional efforts and contributed to the area’s significant revitalization,” according to Greenville Business Magazine.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt Pivarnik as the new president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce,” said MBACC Chair Patrick Norton.
“Matt’s visionary leadership and proven track record makes him the ideal choice to lead our chamber and contribute to our community during a very exciting time.”
Prior to Topeka, Pivarnik served as the executive vice president and COO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber in Oklahoma.
“I look forward to working alongside the community to build on the region’s strengths and further enhance the exceptional quality of life it provides,” said Pivarnik.
USAE Contacts
Ross E. Heller, Publisher-Emeritus
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
USAE, Inc.
PO Box 15009, Chevy Chase, MD 20825
703.898.3528 • ©2025 by USAE, Inc.
