Healthcare Associations and Other Groups Seeking RFK Jr.’s Resignation
By Todd McElwee
A collection of medical, scientific, public health and patient associations and other groups are calling for the
resignation of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The 21 organizations said Kennedy is forcing CDC experts to turn their back on decades of sound science to
Corey Sanders, COO of MGM Resorts, to Retire After 30 Years
By Jordan Bradley
MGM Resorts International announced on September 5 that Corey Sanders, the company’s COO, will retire at the end of the year.
Sanders has been with MGM since 1994, holding several executive positions, including CFO and treasurer for MGM Resorts International as well as CFO for both MGM Grand in Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Resorts division.
“It’s impossible to overstate what Corey has meant
to this Company over the last 30-plus years,” said Bill Hornbuckle, President & CEO, MGM Resorts. “He has been a constant presence, providing foundational leadership for all the key moments that have defined our history—from our acquisitions of Mirage Group and Mandalay Resort Group to our regional property openings and expansions like Springfield, National Harbor, Empire City and Borgata.”
Sanders stepped into the role of COO at MGM
meet his political agenda, which puts Americans at risk and “is the final exclamation point on a term defined by multiple efforts to undermine science
Page 3 Michael Bilello to Lead Newly Formed American Whiskey Association
Page 4
HSMAI Foundation Announces Recipients of 2025 Mike Dimond Grant
Page 5
Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre Starts Expansion
Page 6 Visit Buffalo Launches New Brand Initiative
Petition to Stop L.A. Hotel Wage Increases Fails Industry Associations React
By Jordan Bradley
A petition led by the L.A. Alliance for Tourism, Jobs, and Progress to repeal the Olympic Wage Ordinance in Los Angeles has failed, according to local authorities.
The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, which reviewed the petition to verify it had reached the required number of signatures, announced its findings on September 8.
The alliance had been required to collect 92,998 signatures in order to repeal the Olympic Wage Ordinance. Although the alliance submitted 140,774 signatures, the county registrar verified only 84,007, according to the office.
The Olympic Wage Ordinance was approved in June and raises hotel worker wages from the 2025 rates of $22.50 an hour to $25 an hour in 2026, $27.50 in 2027, and to $30 in 2028, with mandatory healthcare benefits payments beginning in 2026.
While the attempt to repeal the wage increases was underway, the or-
Council
Vote on L.A. Convention Center Project Delayed
By Jonathan Trager
A Los Angeles City Council committee on September 9 decided to postpone a vote to forge ahead with an expansion of the L.A. Convention Center.
The city’s Budget and Finance Committee made the decision, which also applies to the issuance of bonds.
The project is estimated to cost $2.7 billion.
“I want L.A. to be a premier destination for conferences and events,” said Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, Chair of the
committee, according to the Los Angeles Daily News
“The benefits are real, but the trade offs and costs, and uncertainties, are also real, and every general fund dollar that we commit to this project for 30 years is a dollar that we are not going to be spending on hiring police officers, fixing sidewalks or keeping our street lights on.”
The project consists of 190,000 square feet of additional exhibit hall space, nearly 40,000 square feet of meeting room space,
The Nashville CVC and Geiger & Associates took media members to the Gibson Garage in Music City on September 8. The tour was led by Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience, Gibson Brands (in jean jacket). Credit: Nashville CVC
HOTS Ice Cream Man… A hiker in Colorado spent his Labor Day weekend distributing ice cream to fellow hikers trekking to the Huron Peak near Denver, AP reports. The man has not yet been identified, but social media posts show him wearing an ice cream costume sitting at the top of the 14,000-foot peak in a camping chair with a beer. Blaine and Katie Griffin told AP the sandwiches the ice cream man distributed were surprisingly cold. “Eventually we got up to the top of the mountain and, tired, hot, thirsty and didn’t know it, but ice cream was just kind of what we wanted,” Blaine told the outlet.
HOTS HOTS
A father and his two children who enjoyed some unexpected ice cream at the peak of their hike thanks to the anonymous man said the experience “definitely leaves a lasting impression for my kids as a very positive experience,” AP reports. According to social media accounts, the ice cream man carried the frozen dessert in a 60-pound pack. Blaine Griffin told the news outlet the man later “zoomed past” he and his wife heading down the trail, giving the Griffins the impression that the man had climbed the trail regularly. HOTS will now fantasize about running into an ice cream man on every hike thanks to this stranger.
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
dept. at christy@usaenews.com.
HOTS Hoppin’ Past the Competition… A champion ice skater from Hungary just earned a new accolade: Guinness World Record holder of the most jump rope skips on ice skates in one minute. Eszter Szombathelyi performed 136 rope skips—on freaking ice skates—in 60 seconds. Her record blew the standard set by
Guinness World Records—45 skips in one minute—off the ice and out of the rink. Szombathelyi, who performed the feat at a rink in Sun Valley, Idaho, earned titles as. both the Junior and Senior National Champion in Hungary, UPI reports. “I want to inspire other ice skaters and performers to dream big, and show them that ev-
erything is possible if we are brave enough to do it,” Szombathelyi told Guinness World Records. “I would like to expand the world of figure skating shows with a new, spectacular acrobatic element.” HOTS wonders if this is the beginning of Cirque de Soleil on Skates?
Michael Bilello to Lead Newly Formed American Whiskey Association
By Todd McElwee
American whiskey has a new international voice.
Recently founded by a group of leading American whiskey producers, the American Whiskey Association (AWA) announced Michael Bilello as CEO in a post on X—its first post on the social media outlet.
Bilello, whose appointment is effective on September 22, comes to AWA after serving as executive vice-president of strategic communications and marketing at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), the Spirits Business reports. He has also held prominent roles with the TSA and Centurion Strategies.
“From its early role in American history to the ways it continues to bring people together—whether in celebration, as a gesture of friendship, or in marking life’s milestones—whiskey remains a universal
L.A.C.C.
continued from page 1
and nearly 100,000 square feet for a multi-service room.
Officials are seeking to revamp the convention center for the 2028 Summer Olympics, which the city is hosting.
The Daily News referred to a re-
language of connection,” Bilello said in Spirits Business. “Today, we continue that legacy by empowering consumers worldwide to discover, access and appreciate the craft and character that make American whiskey truly unique.”
“We aspire to bring the entire American Whiskey industry together, including local associations and state guilds, supply chain partners, and distillers of all sizes to act as the leading voice for American Whiskey globally,” the association said.
Launched in 2025, AWA was founded by a group of prominent American Whiskey producers, united to support the category’s global growth and appreciation. Founding members include Brown–Forman, which owns Jack Daniel’s and Suntroy Global Brands, Jim Beam’s parent company. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is a board member.
“We aspire to bring the entire American Whiskey industry together,
port from the city’s Chief Legislative Analyst and the City Administrative Officer: “Missing the Olympic readiness deadline could result in serious financial ramifications for the city, including losing the Olympic and Paralympic events currently planned to be held at the Convention Center and adjacent facilities in 2028.”
In March, the project was estimated
including local associations and state guilds, supply chain partners, and distillers of all sizes to act as the leading voice for American Whiskey globally,” the association said. “The American Whiskey Association represents the entire industry, engaging with key national and global stakeholders to ensure it achieves its global vision, purpose and ambition.”
AWA said priorities include monitoring market access risks and opportunities globally, contributing to advocacy efforts for regulations, taxes and other matters, and engaging in global trade debates and addressing tariff and non-tariff trade barriers alongside other trade organizations.
to cost $483 million, with the increase attributed to tariffs, the prices of materials, and other city costs. The bonds that the city would issue to pay for the project would be paid off over 30 years.
Yaroslavsky said the council would pick up the matter this week, when other city officials will testify.
Destinations International (DI) staff gathered last week in Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, for the organization’s annual team retreat. Ottawa Tourism President & CEO Michael Crokatt and his team hosted the DI employees, who enjoyed informative and forward-looking sessions. Credit: Destinations International
NEWS NEWS
HSMAI Foundation Announces Recipients of 2025 Mike Dimond Grant
By Jordan Bradley
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation on September 4 announced the four recipients of the 2025 Mike Dimond Student Career Success Grant: Reem Alaqili, Margaret Thompson, Juliette van der Ham, and Libby Worden.
The Mike Dimond Student Career Success Grant provides the winners with $2,000 grants, free registration to one HSMAI conference, and a one-year mentorship with an industry leader. Grant recipients were chosen based on academic achievement, industry experience, and a written statement, all reviewed by the HSMAI Foundation’s board of directors.
“This year’s grant recipients truly exemplify the curiosity, dedication, and leadership that define the next generation of hospitality professionals,” said Lori Kiel, CHDM, Chair of the HSMAI Foundation and Sr. Vice President of Revenue Management at Pyramid Global Hospitality. “We are proud to provide them with resources, mentorship, and connections that will help shape their careers and, ultimately, the future of hospitality leadership.”
Grant recipient Alaqili is a fourthyear international student studying hospitality management at The Pennsylvania State University with an interest in hospitality sales and
marketing. Outside of classes, Alaqili serves as president for the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality, and as the secretary for Penn State’s collegiate chapter of HSMAI. Alaqili has completed two internships with Marriott Vacations Worldwide. During her internships, Alaqili gained front desk experience, shadowed professionals managing sales operations, and expanded her skills in guest service and sales, the HSMAI Foundation said.
Thompson started her pursuit of a master’s degree in global hospitality management at New York University this fall after completing her bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration at Boston University this spring. While in undergrad, Thompson “built a strong foundation in event planning, marketing strategy, and hospitality leadership,” the HSMAI Foundation said. Thompson is also a member of HSMAI.
Grant recipient van der Ham—a fourth-year student at the Hotel Management School Maastricht in the Netherlands—is currently completing her final internship at Wasl Hospitality in Dubai focusing on asset management. Throughout her education, van der Ham has gained hands-on experience with housekeeping supervision in her first internship with The Reykjavik Edition in Iceland, and she has earned WSET and STR certifications. She joined the HSMAI Europe Student Council in 2024, serving as
ILHA Announces Prague & Las Vegas as 2025 INSPIRE Locations
By Jordan Bradley
The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) will host the 16th annual INSPIRE Luxury Hotel Conference in Prague and Las Vegas, the association announced in early September.
The annual conference will be held in Prague from November 12–13 at the Congress Centre of the Czech National Bank, and in Las Vegas from December 10–11 at Resorts World Las Vegas. Both conferences will dive into topics related to current trends shaping the luxury hospitality sector, including innovation, culture, wellness, technology, development, and investment.
The European edition of the conference is in its 15th year, and ILHA expects to see more than 400 attendees and more than 60 speakers, the association said.
The conference features panel
chair before relocating for her current internship.
Worden, a fourth-year hospitality and tourism management student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), recently completed an internship with HVS in Montreal, and has worked in hotels across Canada.
discussions and talks by leaders from Aston Martin Lagonda, Nobu Hospitality, Starhotels, Aimbridge EMEA, Matthiesen Hotel Project Management and Consulting, Savoy Signature, and more on topics like residential development, and third-party hotel management.
The INSPIRE USA conference is in its 16th edition, and ILHA expects to host more than 1,000 attendees and more than 120 speakers, according to the association.
Sessions and panels featuring executives from Horwath International, Driftwood Capital, Sage Hospitality, Canyon Ranch, The Ritz Carlton, and more focus on topics such as “turning headwinds into opportunity” and “how the longevity economy is transforming luxury hospitality,” ILHA said.
ILHA said for both conferences, more speakers are being added. For more information or to register, go to inspire.ilha.org
Worden is also Co-President of the Ted Rogers Sales Club, a student-led organization at TMU that bolsters student
sales experiences and connects them with industry professionals. Worden was part of the first Canadian team to win “overall university champion” at the 2024 International Collegiate Sales Competition held every fall at Florida State University.
The Mike Dimond Student Career Success Grant was created in honor of respected hospitality marketing executive Mike Dimond by his family.
Reem Alaqili
Margaret Thompson
Juliette van der Ham Libby Worden
The Nashville CVC (NCVC) and Geiger & Associates took media members to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee on September 10. It was led by Jed Lirette, Sr. Brand Ambassador, Jack Daniel Distillery. Left to right: Nancy Monson, Matt Bodiford, Lirette, Carly Mac Manus, Sarah Bisacca, Ellie Hamrick and Caitlin Heimerdinger.
By Jonathan Trager
NEWS NEWS
Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre Starts Expansion
The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, owner and operator of the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, “broke bricks” on September 9 to kick off a major renovation and expansion project.
The $190 million project is scheduled to be completed in early 2027.
“The renovated, expanded convention center will be a best-in-class facility that will continue to attract meeting planners due to our flexible spaces, superb location, world-class service, and award-winning food and beverage operations,” said Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Authority.
The expansion will include the following new features: a two-story grand entryway; 7,200-square-foot junior ballroom; 11 new meeting rooms and an executive boardroom, totaling 24,000 square feet ; 11,000-square-
L.A. Hotel Wage
continued from page 1
dinance had been suspended, but it is now in full effect, local authorities said.
Local hotel worker union Unite Here
Local 11, in a joint statement with SEIU-United Services Workers West and the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, said “workers have yet again triumphed over corporate interests.”
The union claimed the ordinance’s referendum petition signatures were
RFK Jr.
continued from page 1
and public health.”
“We are gravely concerned that American people will needlessly suffer and die as a result of policies that turn away from sound interventions,” the organizations said. “After careful consideration, we insist on Kennedy’s resignation to restore the integrity, credibility and science-driven mission of HHS and all its agencies. Our country needs leadership that will promote open, honest dialogue, not disregard decades of lifesaving science, spread misinformation, reverse medical progress and decimate programs that keep us safe.”
The groups involved include the Infectious Diseases Society of America; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Academy of HIV Medicine; American Association of Immunologists; American Public Health Association; American Society for Microbiology; American Society for Virology; Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology
foot outdoor event courtyard and separate garden; connected parking with covered, all-weather access into the expanded facility; and overall addition of 13,000 square feet of indoor event space.
There will also be a renovation and facelift of existing exhibit hall, concourse, rotunda, and ballroom.
While the convention center will be closed for the last four months of 2025, it will reopen for business in January 2026 in the exhibit halls and ballroom. The outside arrival area, new parking deck, and expanded meeting and event space will remain in progress until early 2027.
“Cobb Galleria Centre will be open throughout 2026 and will continue to host trade shows, expos, meetings, conventions and social events in the exhibit halls and ballroom,” Authority General Manager & CEO Charles Beirne said.
garnered through “deceptive practices” and the campaign was “funded by airlines and hotels.”
“Authorities were presented with extensive documentation of these and other deceptive practices,” the union said. “In some cases, signature gatherers were themselves deceived by the initiative organizers into believing the petition was to raise the minimum wage.”
Los Angeles City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, who sponsored the
(APIC); AIDS Vaccine Advisory Committee; Camenzind Solutions; FastTrack Cities Institute; HIV Medicine Association; ID Care; International Association of Providers of AIDS Care; NTM Info & Research; Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society; Peggy Lillis Foundation; Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America; Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP); Stop TB USA; and Treatment Action Group.
The group expressed concerns about Kennedy and HHS’ handling of food safety, diagnostic testing, expert consultation, infection tracking, education, epidemics, health departments and more.
“We are speaking out because protecting public health is our responsibility as physicians, scientists and patient advocates,” the group said. “It is also the responsibility of our elected officials, and we call for their support at this critical moment to protect the health of the nation. It is time to reverse course and begin rebuilding the public health infrastructure overseen by CDC. Kennedy has proven himself unwilling and ill-prepared to lead that effort.”
ordinance, said in a statement: “This outcome sends a clear message to corporate interests in L.A. and across the country: working people can fight and win, no matter how much money or misinformation is used to stop us.”
Industry organizations, including the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), argue the wage increases will have negative impacts on small business hoteliers in the city.
“AAHOA Members are proud to create jobs and opportunities in their communities, but this ordinance imposes an unsustainable cost increase that will ripple across the entire city,”
said Laura Lee Blake, President and CEO of AAHOA. “Even with a delayed rollout, the mandate represents a 70% wage hike above California’s 2025 minimum wage. This approach threatens to strip more than $114 million each year from hotels, funds
Corey Sanders
continued from page 1
Resorts International in 2010, after the position had been vacant for almost two years, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. During the vacancy, the outlet reported in 2010, Sanders oversaw the company’s core brands and regional properties for about 14 months prior to being officially announced in the role.
“Corey helped us put all the different pieces together to create one company and one culture,” Hornbuckle said. “As a leader and as a person, Corey understood the importance of caring for employees and treating people with respect. He will be deeply missed.”
Sanders’ last day in the role of COO
that should be invested instead into keeping workers employed and ensuring Los Angeles remains a competitive, thriving global destination. This mandate raises the risk of closures, layoffs, and a weaker Los Angeles.”
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), a strong opponent of the measure from its inception, noted “tens of thousands of Los Angeles voters” voted against the ordinance in a September 8 statement.
“Today’s decision denies Angelenos the opportunity to voice their opposition to this flawed proposal,” said Rosanna Maietta, President and CEO of the AHLA. “It’s clear that the ordinance will jeopardize jobs, push hotels to the brink of closure, severely cut tax revenue the city desperately needs, and leave the city grossly unprepared for the 2028 Olympic Games.”
will be December 31, MGM said, but he will act in an advisory capacity to Hornbuckle until December 31, 2026.
Corey Sanders
Bob Voyles (left), Vice Chairman of the Cobb-Marrietta Coliseum & Exhibit Authority, and Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Cobb-Marrietta Coliseum & Exhibit Authority, mark the start of the expansion of Atlanta’s Cobb Galleria Centre with a ceremonial brick breaking on September 9.
By Jonathan Trager
Visit Buffalo Launches New Brand Initiative
Visit Buffalo on September 10 unveiled its new identity—simplified from Visit Buffalo Niagara—as part of a large tourism brand and marketing campaign.
The initiative is “the most expansive brand redevelopment and advertising campaign in the four-decade history of Erie County’s nonprofit destination marketing organization,” the New York organization stated.
The
The advertising campaign now underway is called “That’s Buffalo For You.” The national effort will feature digital, video, outdoor billboards and social media advertising in target markets such as Boston, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.
advertising campaign now underway is called
“That’s Buffalo For You.”
“This is a pivotal moment for Buffalo’s visitor economy,” said Patrick Kaler, President & CEO of Visit Buffalo. “For the first time, we have the resources and visibility to share Buffalo’s story on a national scale. This campaign is about more than tourism—it’s about redefining how the world sees Buffalo and celebrating the qualities that make this community remarkable.”
The new brand, which includes a reimagined logo, emerged from a process that began in January with a series of listening sessions, interviews, and workshops.
About 25 artists, entrepreneurs, and local leaders participated, with MMGY Global leading the rebranding process.
“This brand comes directly from Buffalo’s people,” said Kaler. “We listened carefully, and what emerged is a message steeped in local pride and authenticity. This isn’t just about marketing—it’s Buffalo telling its own story.”
PCMA’s Convening Leaders Earns Top EIC Sustainability Award
By Todd McElwee
The 2025 edition of PCMA’s Convening Leaders has earned Platinum Level Certification to the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards—the program’s highest distinction.
EIC noted the honor marks a leap from CL24’s Silver Certification and signals PCMA’s accelerating leadership in sustainable event design.
“Achieving Platinum Certification is more than a recognition—it’s proof of our belief that sustainability must be embedded in every decision we make,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA. “This milestone builds on our earlier progress and affirms that business events can be both transformative experiences and responsible drivers of global change.”
The EIC Sustainable Event Standards were created through a global collaborative process with participation from subject matter experts in all sectors. Organizers said they provide a framework for collaboration and a strong focus on guidance and metrics so that event professionals at all stages of their sustainability journey have the support needed to implement
and measure sustainable practices.
The standards specify performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility and social impact. More than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards.
EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert said: “This is a defining example of what it means to lead by action. PCMA’s Platinum Certification demonstrates that true industry progress comes when sustainability is not a side initiative but a core principle.”
CL25 welcomed 3,800 participants in Houston. PCMA collaborated with Honeycomb Strategies, sustainability consultants for the events industry. Independent verification was conducted by the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM).
“PCMA’s practices demonstrate a deep and measurable commitment to environmental stewardship and accountability,” said Richard Murphy, AAM’s CEO, President and Managing Director. “We applaud their continuous progress and congratulate them on their achievement.”
By Todd McElwee
A range of health-conscious programs are on deck for IMEX America next month, including the 8th Annual IMEX America Challenge, IMEXrun, healthy dining options and more.
“Don’t leave your good health habits behind while you’re at IMEX,” organizers said. “Take advantage of our range of well-being activities and education. From the IMEXrun to quiet spaces for rest and relaxation, from healthy food options to learning on well-being at events, give yourself time to relax, refresh and revive the IMEX America way.”
Sponsored by Caesars Entertainment and the Las Vegas CVA and powered by Heka Health, the Wellbeing Challenge runs from October 7–12.
During the challenge, participants can engage in a range of wellbeing
activities and enjoy healthy competition with peers. They can earn chances to win prizes for reaching Challenge Goals while working their way up the leaderboard.
In addition to competing individually, attendees can form a team and compete against other teams based on average points. Challenges with the IMEX staff are also scheduled.
The IMEXrun kicks off at dawn on October 8. The 5K will snake its way through Las Vegas.
“It’s our way of helping you get the best start to a busy day at the show,” IMEX said. “Open to all— whether you’re planning to sprint, jog or walk.”
IMEX America will take place October 7–9 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on October 6. Find more information at IMEXAmerica.com
NEWS NEWS
AHLA Foundation Forges New Partnerships to Support Higher Ed
By Jordan Bradley
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) Foundation has formed two new strategic partnerships to support higher education for students interested in pursuing careers in hospitality.
Announced on September 9, the AHLA Foundation’s expanded and new partnerships with the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE) and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) will help the foundation bridge the “gap between higher education institutions and industry workforce needs,” AHLA said.
The ACPHA reviews and accredits hospitality programs across the United States and globally. As part of the new partnership with the AHLA Foundation, the association will pro-
vide annual reports on participating schools’ data to the foundation to bolster its strategic planning and resource allocation, ensuring the foundation supports programs that are helping students prepare for the future of the hospitality industry.
“This partnership is an excellent example of academia and industry working in concert to the benefit of hospitality-focused students,” said Thomas Kube, incoming Executive Director for the ACPHA.
The AHLA Foundation has had a “longstanding” relationship with the ICHRIE, and the newest development between the two will serve to deepen on-campus engagement at AHLA Foundation-affiliated school programs, the foundation said.
The foundation and ICHRIE will continue to develop analysis of affiliated school programs. As part of the new aspect of the partnership, the pair will
work with 40 Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society—the international collegiate fraternity for hospitality and tourism students—chapters in the United States to continue to grow the hospitality talent pipeline.
ICHRIE and the AHLA Foundation will also help faculty in affiliated hospitality programs to stay abreast of industry trends ensuring top education for the next generation of hospitality professionals. The partnership also helps faculty to maintain industry connections through professional development opportunities.
“Together, we are strengthening pathways to academic excellence, professional development, and industry engagement—ensuring that the next generation of hospitality
leaders is empowered, supported, and inspired,” said Dr. Donna Albano, Chair, ICHRIE Eta Sigma Delta Board of Governors.
The partnerships with ICHRIE and ACPHA are intended to address a new chapter in hospitality education that aims to provide “academic rigor” and “industry relevance” to students, the AHLA Foundation said.
“We’re not just funding education—we’re investing in the alignment between academic learning and professional readiness,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA Foundation President and CEO. “These partnerships give us the insights needed to support students and programs that effectively prepare graduates to enter the evolving hospitality industry.”
The new logo and advertising will be posted around the city for people to see—including illuminated night projections on the Statler Hotel, messages on the Buffalo Convention Center’s over-street walkway, and on city buses.
New advertising outside of Buffalo—on social media, websites, and billboards—is targeting cities with Buffalo continued from page 6
direct flights to Buffalo: D.C., Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia. In addition, Buffalo’s new brand and advertising campaign is being shared in traditional markets such as Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Syracuse, and New York City.
“We’re raising Buffalo’s profile in the travel media as well as in new markets,” said Kaler. “The combination of national advertising and national media coverage puts Buffalo in the spotlight like never before.”
Meet in the Mountains of the Lake George Area this Fall
When autumn sweeps into the Southern Adirondacks, the Lake George Area turns into a living postcard, and the team at the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau loves helping groups experience it. Crisp mornings, brilliant fall colors, and lake towns bustling with art shows, live music, and seasonal charm. It’s the kind of setting that makes strategy sessions sharper, conversations warmer, and off-the-clock memories effortless.
What sets this region apart for meetings and events is how naturally productivity blends with play. Start the day in a light-washed room with lake views, then step outside for a foliage stroll that doubles as a brainstorm. Take a rail-biking adventure along the
Warren County Bikeway, enjoy an easy hike with Adirondack views, or set out on an evening Lake George cruise that ends with fireworks over the water. Trade name badges for flannel during a craft-beverage tasting on the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail, sample menus that lean into autumn produce, and close the night at a private bonfire with Adirondack chairs and s’mores.
Fall also brings a calendar full of only-here moments that planners can weave directly into an agenda. The season kicks off with Fall Restaurant Week, serving up three-course “Fall Spices” menus perfect for dinearound nights and VIP tastings. Soon after, Jazz at the Lake fills Shepard Park with world-class performances and a walkable waterfront vibe. The Adirondack Balloon Festival follows, lifting spirits skyward with sunrise ascensions and glowing evening displays from Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury. Early October brings Warrensburg’s World’s Largest Garage Sale, turning treasure hunting into a team-building adventure, and the Gore Mountain Harvest Festival, where foliage, gondola views, local
flavors, and live music take center stage. All season long, the Lake George Dinner Theater offers intimate, on-site entertainment to round out a day of sessions.
Between sessions, history and culture come easy. Groups can step into the past at Fort William Henry, wander renowned works at The Hyde Collection, or pop into the Chapman Historical Museum for local lore that sparks conversation. Prefer fresh air? Prospect and Buck reward hikers with sweeping lake vistas, calm coves invite guided paddles, and bike paths and country roads deliver both casual spins and spirited rides. As the sun dips, the lake settles into that quiet, golden light—and that’s when relationships deepen and ideas tend to stick.
Getting here is simple, and leaving is the hard part. The Lake George Area is an easy, scenic drive from major Northeast hubs and less than an hour from Albany International Airport. Once you arrive, you’ll find modern venues, culinary treasures hiding in plain sight, and a hospitality community that still believes in handshakes and
handwritten welcome notes.
Our team at the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau is your shortcut to making it all happen. We’ll help with venue matchmaking, dine-around maps, off-site concepts, and seasonal perks for fall dates, then stay by your side until the last guest
heads home. If your next gathering could use a little Adirondack color and a lot of heart, meet in the mountains and let autumn do the rest. Explore the meeting guide at meetlakegeorge.com, or reach us at lgcvb@lakegeorgechamber.com and 518-668-5755.
Lake George Waterfront
Revolution Rail Co Outing: Credit: Revolution Rail
The Sagamore Resort: credit: Adirondack Aerial Imagery
Lake George Steamboat Company - Credit I Love NY
