Don Welsh Staying at Destinations International Through 2027
By Todd McElwee
Don Welsh will continue to pilot Destinations International (DI) through 2027. The association’s president & CEO since 2016, he’s agreed to a contract extension through the conclusion of next year. His contract was set to expire at the end of 2026.
“For the last decade, it has been my privilege to lead Destinations International (DI) as we refined its mission and grew both DI and the DI Foundation,”
he said. “I have enjoyed both the work and the people tremendously.”
Welsh said he was approached by current DI Board Chair Leslie Bruce, CDME, and incoming Chair Kyle Edmiston, CDME, about the possibility of extending the contract late last year. He was grateful but asked for time to contemplate his plans as it had been a very challenging and difficult year with the illness and passing of his wife of 44 years, Jean.
During these next two years Welsh
Miss. County Moves Forward with Conference Center & Hotel
By Jordan Bradley
The Madison County, Mississippi’s board of supervisors initiated the approval process for a 50,000-square-foot conference center and adjacent 250-room luxury hotel on February 2.
The board of supervisors approved the project with four votes for, one against, and one abstention, according to the Clarion Ledger
According to the Madison County Business League (MCBL), the conference
center and hotel would be developed by PraCon Global Investment Group, the developer behind the city’s mixed-use development, the Prado Vista, which has the only Topgolf location in the state.
The hotel is expected to have four restaurants and “will be the first hotel of its kind in the State of Mississippi, representing the highest level of luxury hospitality available in the market,” the MCBL said. Developers and local au-
said he plans to focus on strategic priorities including supporting DI’s new Chief Revenue Officer, Sharon Houghton, as she leads the association’s revenue strategy, and working closely with COO Gretchen Hall, CDME and Chief Impact Officer Sophia Hyder Hock to expand DI’s impact and membership engagement. He will assist Chelsea Welter in continuing to raise the profile of the DI Foundation and identify new revenue opportunities.
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2 Waldorf Astoria to Embrace Winter with New Utah Resort
Page 4 Fort Worth Unveils Plans for Phase 2 of Convention Center
Minneapolis Hotels Feel Strain of ICE Activity, Protests
By Jordan Bradley
Minnesota’s Twin Cities have been at the center of an extended federal immigration enforcement operation led by the United States Border Patrol, Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agencies.
Clashes between protestors and federal agents have left two U.S. citizens dead, and the region in a state of fear and anger.
For local hoteliers, the picture is “very mixed and complicated,” Angie Whitcomb, President and CEO of Minneapolis-based Hospitality Minnesota told USAE
Hoteliers are seeing an immediate and sustained impact to their revenue streams.
“We’re absolutely seeing it in the metro area,” Whitcomb said. “Many of our members in the hotel [industry] are reporting increased cancelations, reduced reservations for both leisure and business travels, and then drops in food and beverage revenue, and events revenue.”
However, the financial impacts are
FIRST to Host Robotics Competition in Houston Through 2034
Seven-year deal will mean $500M in
economic impact
By Todd McElwee
FIRST, a global youth robotics community, will continue to host its largest annual competition in Houston from 2028 – 2034. Houston First Corporation shared the FIRST Championship draws more than 50,000 attendees annually with an economic impact of approximately $74 million.
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) has
hosted the FIRST Championship seven times with the most recent event taking place last April and the 2026 and 2027 sessions previously on the books.
Houston beat out three other cities to secure the seven-year commitment, which starts in 2028. The deal will reportedly generate a total economic impact of more than $500 million.
“I’m pleased that this in-
On February 4, Marriott Bonvoy brought its season-long Keysakes campaign to a close ahead of Super Bowl LX with a high-energy, musical pop-up featuring Marriott Bonvoy “Fanbassador,” Adam Devine and NFL players at San Francisco’s Ferry Building. Left to right: Devine with Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons; George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers; and Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles.
See story on page 2.
Waldorf Astoria to Embrace Winter with New Utah Resort
Park City property to allow guests to ski in and out
By Jordan Bradley
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, a Hilton hotel brand, will invite guests to ski-in and ski-out following the expansion of the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah.
The existing Deer Valley Ski Resort originally opened in 1981 and doesn’t currently offer lodging. However, the partnership plans for the Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort aim to expand the resort to include a hotel and branded residences consisting of 132 guest rooms and 105 branded residences with layouts ranging from one to six bedrooms.
Hilton and its development partner Extell Development Company, a New York-based real estate developer, announced plans for the expansion in late January.
“We are pleased to welcome Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort and Residences to our global estate of legendary destinations,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head for
Hilton Luxury Brands. “Mountain destinations have always held a special emotional power, and Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley allows us to interpret that through the lens of one of the world’s most iconic
luxury brands. This is a place designed around arrival, belonging, and connection to the landscape, where ski-in, ski-out access is paired with deeply considered design and service. It is a luxury that feels natural, immersive, and enduring.”
The resort is part of a larger expansion of the Deer Valley East Village development.
The ski resort has spent the better part of the last two years working to expand its ski routes and prepare for a larger scale expansion, according to local news outlets. Most recently, Hilton said, the resort established the Green Monster, a 4.85-mile, beginner friendly ski run on Bald Mountain that now claims the title of longest ski run in Utah.
According to Kara Randall, vice president of Hilton’s North America luxury and mixed-use development, the Waldorf Astoria-branded property will be one of two Hilton hotels in the area, joining a Canopy hotel that will open later this year.
“The signing of Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort and Residences marks a major milestone in Hilton’s growing luxury portfolio across the Americas,” said Randall. “We’re proud to partner with visionary owners to introduce this ski-in, ski-out resort to Deer Valley East
Village, complementing the upcoming Canopy by Hilton at Deer Valley, which is expected to open this year.
This Waldorf Astoria resort will further enhance Hilton’s diverse offerings in Utah, where more than 70 properties are already welcoming travelers.”
Construction on the resort began last May and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Alongside the addition of lodging and residences, the Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort will offer guests “a curated suite of on-site amenities” including a 15,000-square-foot spa, fitness centers, ski valet and concierge services, a golf simulator, kid’s room, a pool deck along the Green Monster for residents, an indoor lap pool, a collection of
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Marriott Surprises Super Bowl Fans with Pop-Up Event
By Jordan Bradley
Marriott International’s rewards program, Marriott Bonvoy, surprised Super Bowl fans with a pop-up sing-athon featuring comedian Adam Devine and a troupe of top NFL players on February 4 at the Ferry Building in San Francisco to close out its season-long Keysakes campaign.
Devine, Marriott Bonvoy’s “Fanbassador,” and his NFL backup singers,
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not the foremost concern for hoteliers at present, Whitcomb said.
“They’re being put in a difficult position,” she said. “There is an impossible position they face: potential consequences if they refuse lawful reservations, but then they’re facing protests and community pressure for accepting them. Some of our properties have temporarily closed to safety concerns for their staff. That combined with revenue drops and cancellations,
including George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers; Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons; and Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles, performed as “The Golden Keys.” The group was supported by professional vocal group Fundamentally Sound.
Marriott Bonvoy’s Keysakes campaign was a “season-long celebration of fandom,” Marriott said, that offered members NFL-themed collectibles and chances to win
it’s not a sustainable business environment.”
In an effort to support hotel members who may be unsure of their rights and responsibilities under the current circumstances, Hospitality Minnesota is “coordinating resources, sharing legal guidance on compliance with I9 requirements, and advocating for our industry on every level,” Whitcomb said.
Hotels have received backlash from locals and national individuals for honoring reservations made by ICE agents.
Two hotels owned by a subsidiary
an overnight stay inside Levi’s Stadium on the night before Super Bowl LX.
“I’m closing out the football season as Marriott Bonvoy’s Fanbassador and announcing the Super Bowl Sleepover Suite winner the only way I know how… by SINGING,” said Devine. “I couldn’t have done it without my NFL buddies. They were great but thankfully, these men are athletic specimens and don’t make their living singing.”
The event “blended live music,
of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in the St. Paul – the IHG branded InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront and the DoubleTree by HiltonHotel St. Paul Downtown closed mid-January due to safety concerns after receiving threats from anti-ICE protestors. At the time of the closure, officials were unsure of when they would reopen. However, at press deadline a notice on their respective websites noted a planned reopening of February 5.
A front desk agent at the InterContinental property told USAE that staff had been receiving “terrible calls” prior to the closure due to rumors that the
comedy, and fandom,” Marriott said, with Devine leading the NFL stars and Fundamentally Sound in musical moments.
Marriott also announced the winner of the Golden Key, Alana Wood from Seattle, who woke up inside Levi’s Stadium in the Sleepover Suite on February 8. The Sleepover Suite has become “an iconic tradition” in the partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and the NFL, Marriott said.
hotel was renting rooms to ICE agents. Whitcomb said the association is working closely with local law enforcement to help “identify hotels who are needing extra resources.”
“Our law enforcement here has been incredible in working with our hotels,” Whitcomb said. “The threats are real. I mean, bomb threats, personal threats. It’s unimaginable what they’re facing on a daily basis, all while their business is disappearing.”
Throughout the federal activity, anti-ICE protestors have targeted hotel brand Hilton, calling for boy-
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Rendering of the forthcoming Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort and Residences
HOTS Lizard in a Blizzard... Officials are dubbing a frozen reptile rescued in late January from the Rhode Island cold as the “lizard in a blizzard,” the Associated Press reports. The local New England Wildlife Center said that a Providence man found a tegu lizard in his driveway, brought it inside and called a local reptile store. Associates of ET Reptiles took the tegu lizard to an animal hospital where the poor scaly thing was treated for frostbite and muscle weakness in its tongue due to prolonged cold exposure, AP said. A social media
USAE
Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller
Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com
Publisher James Heller james@usaenews.com
Creative Director Diane Nichols dkn@usaenews.com
Managing Editor Jonathan Trager jon@usaenews.com
Associate Publisher And Association Editor Todd McElwee todd@usaenews.com
Marketing & Circulation Director Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com
Senior Vice President George Roman george@georgeromanmedia.com
HOTS HOTS
post from the New England Wildlife Center said that a portion of lizardin-a-blizzard’s forked red tongue had to be amputated, but that “he is now resting comfortably and finally warm, which makes all the difference!” Tegu lizards are native to South America, but have become popular pets. It’s unclear whether the tegu escaped or was abandoned, but HOTS would bet he was just looking for some sun to bathe in.
g g g g g
HOTS Pooch Pirates ... With their penchant for being loyal, you’d never expect a couple of canines to turn into porch pirates, but one Oklahoma City resident caught the sticky-pawed pair on camera, according to UPI. The Oklahoma City Police Department even shared the footage with the public on their Facebook page to warn neighbors. The video shows a dog approaching the front door of an OKC home, pick up the package, and skeedadle with another dog (who was surely acting as lookout)! The thieving Toto can even be seen looking in the distance, as though looking for witnesses. “Evidence shows clear intent,
flawless teamwork, and zero remorse – just pure tail-wagging confidence,”
local officials wrote. “These thieves were no bark, all bite! If you recognize these fur-ocious felons give them a
doggy biscuit.” When the package was discovered, it turned out that there were no snacks, but only drill bits. HOTS thinks that serves those doggone thieves right!
Immersive Learning Journeys Set for MPI EMEC’s in Barcelona
By Todd McElwee
Expeditions of enlightenment, professional development and cultural connection, a quartet of Learning Journeys will take attendees into Barcelona during MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC). The event is February 21 –24 at SLS Barcelona.
“Designed to immerse you in the local culture, EMEC’s Learning Journeys connect you with fellow attendees and provide enriching educational experiences,” organizers said. “These offsite adventures blend diverse ideas and perspectives, creating a collaborative, actionable and unforgettable learning experience. This is your time to explore the harmony of human connection, engagement and inspiration through unique journeys.”
Learning Journeys will explore architecture, sustainability, commerce, wine and more.
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food and beverage options, 11,300 square feet of meeting and event space featuring a 5,200-squarefoot ballroom, and more.
“Deer Valley East Village is the
Bellesguard – Art, History & Hands-On Creativity will take participants inside the Sagrada Família’s architect Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Bellesguard. MPI said the immersive journey will blend architectural discovery, Catalan cultural storytelling, and a handson creative experience inspired by Gaudí’s signature trencadís mosaic technique. Attendees will divide into two small groups to rotate between a guided architectural tour of the historic Bellesguard estate and a mosaic workshop where they will craft either a coaster or decorative box to take home.
“This journey offers a rare opportunity to learn from expert guides while engaging directly with Gaudí’s design philosophy—making it both reflective and deeply interactive,” MPI said.
Examining Barcelona’s waterfront as a real-world example of how historic coastal districts can evolve
culmination of world-class luxury partners committed to delivering exceptional ski experiences. The addition of a Waldorf Astoria resort and residences builds upon that vision and marries the best of the real estate and hospitality worlds,” said Gary Barnett, Founder and chairman,
through sustainable planning and environmental stewardship, the Barcelona Marina – Innovation, Blue Economy & Waterfront Regeneration session will work around Port Vell and the surrounding marina. Participants will hear from experts involved in marine sciences, start-up incubation, and sustainability initiatives related to the Blue Economy.
“Rather than focusing on the marina as a venue, this experience highlights the environmental strategies, challenges, and cross-sector collaborations that meeting professionals can learn from—and apply to responsible event design,” MPI said.
A walking tour through one of the city’s most progressive neighborhoods, the Architecture Tour –22@ Innovation District & Modern Barcelona excursion offers professionals a firsthand look at how a city intentionally reshapes space to foster creativity, collaboration, and Please turn to page 7
Extell Development Company. “With globally recognized brands such as Waldorf Astoria and Four Seasons joining an extraordinary collection of hospitality, retail, recreation, and residential offerings, the Village is poised to become the crown jewel of North American ski resorts.”
Blake Shelton has announced eight additional performances of his acclaimed Live in Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The newly added shows will run May 6 – 24. He arrived driving a Kubota tractor down the Las Vegas Strip and pulling up in front of Caesars Palace before tossing the keys to the valet for check-in for 2026.
Fort Worth Unveils Plans for Phase 2 of Convention Center Transformation
By Todd McElwee
Fort Worth is forging ahead with Phase 2 of the Fort Worth Convention Center’s expansion. Plans for the $606 million initiative were presented to the city council on February 3.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the $95 million Phase 1 project in December.
“The Phase 2 expansion positions Fort Worth to not only attract more conventions and meetings, but also to deepen engagement with downtown businesses and residents,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “As a key part of the transformation of the
southeast quadrant of downtown, the new center will anchor a hub of economic growth and higher-education partnerships, and its beautiful design will showcase the Modern West brand that has helped make Fort Worth a stand-out destination among our peer cities.”
Phase 2 will deliver a new, flexible convention building in place of the facility’s 1968 arena and modernize the existing center that has not been significantly renovated since the previous expansion in 2003. Wrapped in windows, the four-story structure will encompass a total of 257,268 square feet of exhibit hall space, 60,917
By Todd McElwee
square feet in meeting room space, 74,033 square feet in ballroom space and 16 loading docks.
“Our customers shared their feedback, and we responded,” said Bob Jameson, President & CEO of Visit Fort Worth. “From flexible space configurations that allow for more breakout sessions to ceiling heights required for sports competitions, the expansion and renovation will provide modern amenities and an authentic Texas experience attendees are seeking. Even within the ballroom, guests will immediately feel that they are in Fort Worth, Texas.”
For more information, click here.
Sanchez Serrano to Lead Fort Worth Public Events
Cynthia Sanchez Serrano, CEM, CVP, has been named Director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department, leading Phase 2 of the Fort Worth Convention Center’s expansion and modernization project.
She succeeds Mike Crum, who successfully steered the construction of Phase 1. He will remain with the city in a part-time advisory capacity for the next several months as deputy director, swapping roles with Sanchez Serrano effective February 7.
“I’m honored and ready to lead both of these iconic centers into their next exciting chapters,” said Sanchez Serrano. “Our team will remain focused on providing excellent customer service to our clients and guests while delivering a bestin-class venue that showcases Fort
Worth’s renowned western heritage and hospitality to visitors and residents alike.”
Sanchez Serrano will continue as general manager at the convention center until the end of this year. Promoted to deputy director in 2025, she previously served as assistant director and operations manager. She has more than 20 years of events experience and holds a Master of Science in Advertising and Public Relations from Texas Christian University and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas and completed coursework in public administration at Texas Wesleyan University.
Americans Sweet on Valentine’s Day Sweets
Research from the National Confectioners Association (NCA) shows 84% of Americans will include chocolate and candy in their Valentine’s Day celebrations. Valentine’s Day generated $5.2 billion in retail sales last year, NCA added.
John Downs, President & CEO of
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thorities have not yet identified the proposed hotel’s branding.
The Madison County Conference Center “has long been a dream of many leaders and stakeholders” in the county, according to the MCBL.
Gerald Steen, President of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, echoed the sentiment.
“Madison County is extremely excited about announcing the Conference
NCA, said: “Valentine’s Day is a reminder that chocolate and candy are more than just treats, they’re expressions of love, connection, and joy. Whether it’s a heart-shaped box of chocolates, conversation hearts, or another favorite, these timeless American products continue to bring people together during moments worth savoring.”
Valentine’s Day Stats:
Center coming to Ridgeland,” said Steen. “This has been a vision for our community for a long time, and we are eager to see it come to fruition. This announcement shows our leadership is serious about our County being a competitive, livable, and welcoming community to all individuals. We have a great partnership between Madison County, the City of Ridgeland, MCEDA, and Prado Vista that will make this new development a success.”
The executive director of the Madison County Economic Development Authority, Joey Deason, said that the
• 92% of people hope to receive chocolate on Valentine’s Day, and nearly half of Americans plan to treat themselves to a box of chocolates.
• The heart-shaped box of chocolates remains the most iconic Valentine’s Day treat, chosen by 75% of consumers.
• Receiving a Valentine’s Day box of chocolates is seen by 55% as the warmest gesture, followed by conver-
conference center would have a positive economic impact on the region and the state.
“Adding a conference center to our community is about creating something useful and beneficial not just to Madison County residents, but to Mississippians and the regions beyond,” said Deason. “By expanding developments in our community that offer meeting spaces, we’re investing in a stronger, more connected community that will benefit our citizens for generations.”
• Opening a Valentine’s Day chocolate box comes with strategy – 43% of people start by consulting the guide, while 24% bite the corner, 23% pick one at random, and 10% poke the bottom.
For more information, click here
Prado, President and CEO of PraCon Global, said that the recent approvals of the Madison County Conference Center and the adjacent luxury hotel by Madison County Supervisors supports “the vision of the residents of Madison County to fulfill the dream of having a conference center.”
However, the county will need approval for the project from the cit y of Ridgeland and the state. Prado told local news outlets on scene at the February 2 supervisors meeting that should the appropriate approv-
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Cynthia Sanchez Serrano
Hard Rock Announces New San Juan Resort & Casino
By Jordan Bradley
Hard Rock International will develop an $850 million new-build Hard Rock hotel and casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the company announced on February 5.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan is expected to open in 2029, with construction expected to begin later this year.
The Hard Rock San Juan will consist of 415 guest rooms, 58 suites, and 186 branded residences. The property will also have views of both San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Hard Rock said.
“This is an ambitious project that expands Puerto Rico’s hotel capacity in one of the island’s most iconic and attractive areas. The initiative strengthens the destination’s tourism offering in a comprehensive way by complementing the cruise segment, expanding the culinary scene, and enhancing our ability to attract international-caliber events and conventions,” said Jorge L. Pérez, President and CEO of Discover Puerto Rico.
To honor the Hard Rock brand’s music-centered ethos, the new hotel
and casino will be built with event venues, a recording studio and local memorabilia celebrating San Juan’s rich musical heritage.
Hard Rock executive, Jeff Hook, said it makes sense for the company to invest in a San Juan location.
“San Juan is a natural extension of our portfolio, creating a seamless Hard Rock experience for guests traveling between our international properties,” said Hook, COO at Hard Rock International.
“We’re honored to create a destination that celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich music and arts scene, and we look forward to welcoming visitors and locals alike to experience the island’s dynamic cultural landscape.”
Alongside the musical offerings, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan will have “diverse dining experiences spanning from casual poolside fare to upscale cuisine and multiple bars throughout the property,” Hard Rock said. It will encompass a spa, fitness center, three terrace-level pools, a kids’ club, kids’ arcade, and “curated teen hangout spaces.”
The hotel marks Hard Rock’s first
Rendering of the forthcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino San Juan project in Puerto Rico, the company said, and is expected to create 2,500 direct construction jobs, and 1,250 permanent team member roles when it opens.
“Hard Rock is committed to maximizing local benefit through strategic Please turn to page 8
Society of American Florists Continues Fight Against Negative Advertising
By Todd McElwee
Marketing against the purchase of Valentine’s Day flowers has once again appeared on the radar of the Society of American Florists (SAF). In 2025 the association put 10 companies on notice for antagonistic campaigns and this year SAF is once again urging media outlets or advertisers to refrain from disparaging flowers when promoting their own goods and services.
SAF is also counting on members to help it stay informed of other these affronts.
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ternational competition focused on education and the opportunities available to the next generation has committed to Houston,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “This opportunity will not only create tremendous value for Houston’s hospitality industry over the next decade, but it will also foster excitement for the types of jobs that will drive our city’s economic future.”
FIRST is the largest youth-serving organization of its kind. It seeks to inspire innovation, build confidence, and prepare kids for a successful future – whatever their path may be.
Chris Moore, CEO of FIRST, shared his excitement about the decision
A late January post from Amanda Jedlinsky, Senior Director of Content and Communications, SAF, referenced disparaging campaigns from Spirit Airlines and Macworld in 2025. The carrier encouraged travelers to “Skip the flowers, send them to paradise,” ahead of Valentine’s Day last year.
“We urged them to promote their product based on its own merits, rather than disparaging flowers,” said Elizabeth Daly, Director of Marketing and Communications, SAF.
Kevin Priest of Cleveland Plant & Flower Company contacted Macworld after a Valentine’s blog post titled,
to keep the competition in Houston adding that the planned expansion of the convention center with the new GRB South building was a major selling point.
“The added capacity will allow us to enhance the FIRST Championship experience for all attendees,” explained Moore. “We will be able to better accommodate our growing community and create new opportunities for them to showcase their FIRST-learned skills and innovations on an even larger stage. The city of Houston has been an invaluable partner in delivering an extraordinary event experience, and we are proud to continue this relationship.”
Michael Heckman, President & CEO of Houston First Corporation, emphasized this is the first example of
“Forget flowers, this right-priced Apple charger is just what your Valentine wants.”
“Your negative reference … to ‘Forget flowers’ is not appreciated by a person whose family business sells flowers,” Priest wrote. “Why not just promote the value and benefits of your product instead of running down another product?”
S AF recommended those who encounter an offender can reach out to Daly or contact the organization directly. Those opting for the latter should:
•Be objective, diplomatic, and
a major piece of business that Houston has booked due in part to the $1 billion expansion of the GRB.
“We are proud of the relationship our team has developed with FIRST in recent years and very excited to see this competition continue to grow in Houston,” Heckman said. “When we set out to transform the GRB, securing impactful opportunities like this is exactly what we had in mind. The addition of the GRB South building will allow mega events like the annual FIRST Championship to expand their footprint while at other times we’ll be able to layer or stack multiple pieces of business at one time, maximizing the efficiency of the building and creating more value for our hotels and other hospitality stakeholders.”
Data compiled by the Greater Hous-
reasonable
•Describe why you find the article or advertisement offensive or unfair
•Communicate the impact this type of advertising can have on your business
• Urge the media outlet or advertiser to refrain from disparaging flowers and promote products based on their own merits
The Counteracting Negative Publicity portion of SAF’s website contains various resources for members to combat disparaging advertising of flowers.
Find more information, here
ton Partnership (GHP) shows there are nearly 50,000 engineers employed in the metro area, one of the highest concentrations in the nation. Another 47,000 area professionals work in biotechnology and life sciences research and more than 44,000 in aerospace and aviation.
Greater Houston Partnership President & CEO Steve Kean said: “We need to encourage today’s young people to explore these professions, and it’s organizations like FIRST that are on the front lines of that effort.”
FIRST and GHP are now collaborating on connections with local businesses to help bridge the gap between early STEM education and future career opportunities.
The 2026 FIRST Championship is April 29 - May 2.
Visit Cincy Names Julie Kirkpatrick as Interim President & CEO
By Todd McElwee
Julie Kirkpatrick has been appointed Interim President & CEO of Visit Cincy, effective February 2. She’ll continue serving as President & CEO of meetNKY— the DMO in Northern Kentucky and a close partner and collaborator of Visit Cincy in promoting the region.
Julie Calvert concluded her tenure as President & CEO of Visit Cincy on January 31.
“Meeting planners should expect continuity,” said Kirkpatrick. “Our sales and services teams are fully engaged and our partners are aligned. With the recent reinvention of the Cincinnati Convention Center, our community and the Visit Cincy team are poised to set a new standard for meetings and conventions in the region.”
Kirkpatrick has more than 30 years of experience in hotel and destination sales. She’s occupied senior sales leadership roles with Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott, and has spent over a decade leading sales and destination strategy at meetNKY. A Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), she is a past president for the Kentucky Chapter of MPI and has been recognized for her leadership by the Cincinnati Business Courier and YWCA.
The Visit Cincy Board has launched
Julie Kirkpatrick
a nationwide search to identify the organization’s next President & CEO, led by a community-based search committee and supported by an external executive search firm.
Candace McGraw will serve as Interim Executive Advisor, supporting board governance and oversight while providing strategic guidance throughout the transition. McGraw retired as CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in June 2025.
Around Associations
By Todd McElwee
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance
Announces Legislative Action Day… The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) will host its annual ECA Legislative Action Day on May 28 in Washington, D.C. In 2025, 170 industry stakeholders from 30 states came to the Capitol Hill.
“ECA Legislative Action Day is more than a day on Capitol Hill – it’s a live demonstration of the power of in-person events and what can be achieved when our industry comes together with a shared purpose,” said Fernando Fischer, Chair of the ECA Board of Directors and President, Americas for RX. “Exhibitions and conferences fuel economic growth, support millions of jobs, and strengthen small businesses nationwide – and when we bring our industry to Washington, D.C., we’re not just telling that story, we’re showing it. This event gives us a powerful opportunity to bring that story directly to our elected officials and help inform the policies that will shape our future.”
Once again, ECA Legislative Action
Day will be held in conjunction with Lippman Connects’ Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF), which will take place on May 27.
Sam Lippman, President of Lippman Connects, said: “Lippman Connects and ECA share the same interest in the continuing prosperity of the event industry. As a platinum sponsor, we will make every effort to encourage the ECEF community of leaders to participate in ECA Legislative Action Day.”
ECEF will be preceded again by an invitation-only executive roundtable hosted by mdg, A Freeman Company, on May 26.
Following Legislative Action Day 2026, ECA, UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and MAD Event Management will host the inaugural Global Policy Forum, on May 29.
For more information, click here
The Great American Beer Festival Heading Outdoors in Denver… The Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is relocating from the Colorado Convention Center to Denver’s Levitt Pavilion. Please turn to page 8
Rogue Tulips Consulting Hosting CAE Prep Course
By Todd McElwee
CAE class is in session with Rogue Tulips Consulting and Cecilia Sepp, CAE, Principal & Founder facilitating. The next edition of the firm’s CAE Prep Course + Study Group kicks off in the second week of February with the session running through the end of April.
Three options are available. Wednesday classes run from February 11 – April 29, from 8 – 9 a.m. Thursday classes go from February 12 – April 30, from 1 – 2 p.m. A create-your-own-study-group opportunity is also offered during the same time frame. All times are EST.
“Our class at Rogue Tulips Consulting has consistently evolved since we started working with CAE Candidates back in 2019,” Sepp told USAE . “We gather feedback from course participants and integrate it into the next session. Our approach is collaborative and personalized. That means no matter how many times we teach the content, it is always fresh because each course cohort brings unique experiences and perspectives. Despite leading this course for years, I always learn something new and different too. We care about the learning and how it supports CAE candidates now and in the future. It’s about their career –the exam is an activity that helps them grow as nonprofit management professionals.”
Asked what one thing surprises individuals about preparing for the CAE exam, Sepp replied: “In my opinion, there are two surprises. One, it is not a content exam; it is
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economic growth, MPI said.
During Alta Alella Winery – Organic Winemaking, Sustainability & Mediterranean Terroir, participants will embark on a two-hour journey beginning with a guided tour of the vineyard, winery, and cellar. The experience is designed to invite attendees to explore the intersection of tradition, environmental stewardship, and innovation in winemaking
“Nestled within the Serralada de Marina Natural Park just minutes from the Mediterranean Sea, the historic Can Genís estate offers a unique blend of natural beauty and sustainable viticulture,” MPI said.
For more information, click here
an understanding of theory and its application exam. Two, there is no set pass score. It changes with every exam cohort based on each group’s overall performance. There is a sophisticated system that evaluates each cohort and that is how the exam pass score is developed. Because we don’t know what the pass score is going to be, our approach at Rogue Tulips is to focus on the CAE Candidate’s learning arc and creating a CSE mindset that helps them do their best.”
Sepp also shared what having the CAE means to her.
“First, it offered inclusion. Until 2014, Consultants were not allowed to take the CAE Exam,” she said. “However, if someone earned the CAE as a staff person and became a consultant, they were allowed to keep it. After ten years of lobbying and advocating for consultants to enter the CAE program, it paid off -- there were several of us working on that the whole time and we were glad we convinced the CAE Commission to change the requirements.
“Second, preparing for and passing the CAE Exam helped me to take all the information and experience I had gathered over my career and organize it in my head. I believe it made me a better association management professional and a better consultant. I learned that I was good at what I do and I do have something to say and contribute. It gave me insight into what we call best practices too and helped me compare and contrast them.”
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Miss. County
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als be given, the project could begin construction as early as this summer.
According to a statement from the Mayor of Ridgeland, the city is in favor of the project.
“The City of Ridgeland is excited about the opportunity this development represents,” said Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee. “We’ve been having conversations for several years regarding the need for a conference center to support our growing community, and we’re encouraged by the progress being made. We look forward to continuing to work with Madison County as the process moves forward. The conference center will indeed have a positive impact on Ridgeland and the entire county.”
Tropicana Atlantic City Reopens Hotel Tower
By Jordan Bradley
The Tropicana Atlantic City is ready to welcome a wave of new guests with the grand opening of its new Solana Tower.
Caesars Entertainment made the announcement on February 2.
The Tropicana’s newly unveiled Solana Tower reintroduces 598 guest rooms and suites to Atlantic City travelers. The redesign and renovations updated the tower’s rooms in a “modern, coastal-inspired” design that draws inspiration from Tropicana’s “iconic Palm Walk” evoking “a sense of destination within the resort,” the announcement said.
Guest rooms and suites will now “feature soft wood tones, tropical patterns and bold accents that set a light and inviting tone,” Caesars said. “Curated artwork and thoughtful details offer a fresh, stylish stay
By Jon Trager & Todd McElwee
Dan Rowe, the former President & CEO of the Panama City Beach CVB (CVB) and Executive Director of the Bay County Tourist Development Council (TDC), was officially relived of his duties on February 2. He’d submitted his three-month notice in a resignation letter on January 30, but TDC’s board decided to end his tenure immediately, WJHG reported.
“The Bay County Tourist Development Council and the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
Minneapolis
continued from page 2
cotts of their properties. Meanwhile, individuals in support of ICE operations, as well as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have called for boycotts of hotels that refuse reservations for federal agents.
However, Whitcomb points out that most hotels with name brands like Hilton and Marriott, in fact, are small businesses whose operating procedures and ownership are only loosely tied to brand names under franchise agreements.
“When people target a hotel to protest,” Whitcomb said, “they’re forgetting about the hundreds of employees that work at that hotel who need their jobs, who need their paycheck to pay their mortgage, feed their kids, pay their bills. It’s not the owner alone; it’s all the people that rely on that
that feels both relaxed and refined.”
According to the casino and hospitality company, “the opening marks a significant milestone in the resort’s ongoing evolution and commitment to providing elevated accommodations in the heart of Atlantic City.”
The renovations to the Solana Tower were announced in May last year, and renovations began just after Labor Day. The renovation project transformed the property’s existing west wing, according to Caesars.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to finally welcome guests to the new Solana Tower,” said Gregg Klein, senior vice president and general manager at Tropicana Atlantic City. “After re imagining every detail, we’re thrilled to share a space where guests can relax, explore and enjoy a fresh, modern Atlantic City experience.”
Dan Rowe Resigns in Panama City
are currently reviewing the scope of the CEO role to guide an intentional and strategic hiring process,” the Panama City Beach CVB told USAE “Additional details regarding timing and the search process will be shared as they become available.”
The bureau has been rocked by scandal involving a pair of executives arrested for alleged theft totaling roughly $1 million. Rowe has not been accused of a crime.
The TDC’s lawyer told WJHG that, per his employment contract, Rowe will still receive three months’ salary,
property for a living. The economic impacts of what is happening in our state is not just about the business or the business owner… These are real people and real needs that are being sacrificed for protests.”
Whitcomb said that the association is doing its best to educate people about the separation between individual hotels and big hotel brands.
“We are sharing that message, and, unfortunately, more often than not, it’s met with the argument: ‘Oh, so you’re putting profits over people.’ It’s not what this is. It’s not that simple,” Whitcomb explained. “The people that are hearing this message already know the message.”
Whitcomb said she believes that federal activity currently seen in the Twin Cities region will continue throughout the country.
“The scary thing is, I think we will see this in other states,” she said. “We’ve already seen it. We’re not the first. I think we’re the most intense.”
three months of his $500 car allowance, and more than 700 hours of paid vacation time. On January 30, WMBB, which acquired a copy of Rowe’s contract, reported he would be paid about $85,000 of his roughly $340,000 contract.
Questions about his 700 hours of vacation were raised by a board member, but CVB officials said they were accrued during his 18-plus year tenure.
Stephen Bailey, 53, who served as vice president of sales and marketing was charged with grand theft and 22
The association is also holding regular calls to inform members of their rights and obligations.
“When this first happened and the protests got disruptive and violent, we immediately convened a call with the Department of Public Safety, and within two hours of announcing the call we had 200 attendees,” Whitcomb said. “We’re coordinating resources, convening resources, bringing the right professionals to our members at the right moment to offer them guidance, whether that’s legal guidance, I9 requirements, just helping them understand in the midst of fear and panic: what are your rights? What are your obligations? How do you tell the difference between a judicial and an administrative warrant? Because in the moment, when confronted with immigration activity, it’s scary. So, we’re trying to provide them with as much fact and detail, and try to cut through all of the fear-mongering
counts of illegal use of a credit card, an American Express card issued by the Bay County Tourist Development Council. Investigators say Bailey used his company credit card to pay for meals and drinks for himself and his wife during out-of-state work trips. Former Vice President of Administration Aaron Lee was arrested on similar charges in early January. He stands accused of making unauthorized purchases of luxury items and experiences totaling nearly $1 million. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has been investigating the matter.
and rumor mill so they’re prepared.”
The hospitality industry is heavily populated by legal immigrants who support hotel operations – something not lost on the community within the Twin Cities, Whitcomb said. With reports of ICE agents detaining U.S. citizens and legal immigrants, fear is ever-present in the region.
“Our members have been amazing in meeting this moment,” she said. “One thing that has been so overwhelming is the way this industry cares for one another and is coming together to make sure those employees who are too afraid to come to work have food getting to their house, have their medications, have safe rides – and these are people who are legal to be here. They’re immigrants and their scared to leave their homes. This industry –here in Minneapolis and Minnesota statewide – really has just shown incredible resilience and love for one another, and I think that’s what gets us through most days.”
A guest room in the newly renovated Tropicana Atlantic City.
Welsh
continued from page 1
“I am exceptionally proud of the team we have built at DI and what we have accomplished in recent years, and I could not be more energized to continue to lead our important work through 2027,” he said.
Prior to DI, Welsh was the President & CEO of Choose Chicago and also occupied the CEO position at the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association and Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau. He’s worked for various hoteliers and served on a variety of industry boards including the Events Industry Council.
“I have loved the travel and hospitality industry since my earliest jobs with United Airlines and Westin Hotels and have been blessed with a succession of industry roles in the decades since. There is something special about travel and hospitality – the experiences, the impact, the people – that is hard to find elsewhere.
“During the last 10 years as President & CEO of Destinations International (DI), I have seen the demands and expectations of destination organizations around the world grow and become more complex by the day. DI continues
to prove itself as a valuable partner to our members by delivering the resources and best practices to help them succeed and navigate the greatest challenges.
“Along with challenges are also tremendous opportunities – including global expansion of our work – that are profoundly exciting for me and our incredible team. This industry offers so much, including the guarantee we will never be bored. Why would anyone ever want to leave it?”
Hard Rock
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partnerships focused on community empowerment, economic opportunity, and supporting initiatives that showcase Puerto Rico’s rich culture,” the company said.
“We welcome Hard Rock International’s first hotel project in Puerto Rico as a significant milestone for our tourism industry, strengthening our lodging portfolio through the addition of new hotel room inventory, supporting job creation, and enhancing the island’s visitor experience while elevating a strategically located area near the cruise ports and historic Old San Juan, and supporting the island’s long-term destination growth,” said Willianette Robles Cancel, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Around Associations
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The event is set for October 10 – 11.
“The Great American Beer Festival has always reflected where American craft beer is headed,” said Ann Obenchain, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of the Brewers Asso-
ciation. “Taking the festival outdoors lets us reimagine what’s possible and we’re excited to bring fresh energy to the festival and provide an experience that feels uniquely Colorado.”
Located in Denver’s Ruby Hill neighborhood, Levitt Pavilion is a nonprofit music venue offering green space, panoramic city views, and a built-in amphitheater.
“Levitt Pavilion is proud to be the new host venue for the Great American Beer Festival, and to welcome the festival’s many brewers, partners, and attendees to Ruby Hill Park this fall,” said Meghan McNamara, Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion Denver. “Our founding purpose is to build community through music and shared experiences, and partnering with the Brewers Association expands that vision for both our organizations.”
For more information, click here
PCMA Southeast Hosting Educational Meeting and Reception… On February 19, PCMA’s Southeast Chapter will hold its Educational Meeting and Reception on February 19, at Resurgens Center in Atlanta.
Todd Harris, Founder & CEO of Resurgens Gaming, a gaming media company that includes Skillshot Media, Ghost Gaming, Ghost Launchpad and other properties, will facilitate.
For more information, click here
Don Welsh
Angie Whitcomb Remains Inspired by the Hospitality Industry
By Jordan Bradley
Angie Whitcomb, IOM, President and CEO of Hospitality Minnesota, loves hospitality.
Whitcomb – “a lifelong Minnesota girl” who grew up in southern Minnesota before moving to Minneapolis for college in the mid-1980s – told USAE that she “learned everything I needed to know about life working behind a bar or waiting tables.”
While pursuing her undergrad degree in family social sciences, Whitcomb took a job at a restaurant across the street from the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis, serving and bartending. Due to the restaurant’s proximity to the sports arena, Whitcomb said that she and her coworkers would have “thousands of people riflin’ through the bar on game day.”
During her tenure there, Whitcomb said that her boss had a significant impact on her.
“He would bus and wipe tables,” Whitcomb recalled. “He was the kind of boss that truly led by example. He showed up to work with us, and was just part of the team… That’s a guy I would go work for anytime, anywhere, because he’s not above doing what he’s asking all of us to do. As an owner, he put his heart and soul into it.”
After college, Whitcomb took a role recruiting in the accounting and finance industry, where she spent her time “getting to help employers flesh out what they really needed in human capital, and then I’d get to go find people who were the right fit, and help fill a need in their life.”
Her time in the industry gave her “a strong appreciation for the human side of business operations,” Whitcomb said, and it gave her a clearer understanding of what makes good leadership.
“I understand the real mechanics of hiring, the cost of a bad fit. All of those years as a recruiter really taught me that good leadership is about talent development,” Whitcomb said.
She also had a unique view into a wide variety of leadership styles, she said.
From the recruiting industry, Whitcomb took a leap into a new industry, joining the Shakopee Chamber & Visitors Bureau, where she was “in a position to learn so much from so many,” she recalled, and eventually went on to join Hospitality Minnesota in April 2023.
Whitcomb’s career – and perhaps her deep love for the hospitality
industry – prepared her to respond to the challenge she is presently facing at the helm of Hospitality Minnesota.
“These are unprecedented times our industry, our city has weathered – pandemic labor shortages, the murder of George Floyd and the civil unrest that followed it. This is just another gut punch to our industry in our state,” Whitcomb said.
“There are lots of layers of how we’re responding to it. How do we get them immediate resources? Whether that’s information or funding, how do we be present and responsive? Our members are scared. They need to know their association is working for them.”
To accomplish that, Whitcomb said that Hospitality Minnesota has been communicating with members constantly – “but sometimes information is not enough,” so the association is in the process of “trying to mobilize tangible support.”
“We’ve established a $100,000 workforce stabilization grant program by the generous nature of one of our national partners, and we’re trying to figure out who needs it the most, and who we can save until the larger funds start to disperse grants and aid,” Whitcomb said.
Whitcomb said the association is also connecting members with legal resources, engaging officials at every level “to make sure that our industry’s voice is part of the conversation.”
Unlike previous unprecedented moments in the Twin Cities region, the current circumstances surrounding the hospitality industry has been putting Minnesota hotels front and center, Whitcomb said.
“Our industry is being, I would say, hit the hardest in Minnesota right now,” she said. “You see the hotels being protested. Restaurants are empty. Their staffing levels are at 20% of what they should be. They’re cutting hours or cutting menus. And the thing that, if you pull back a little bit, gets even more disheartening is when you start to put the faces to the story and the other businesses impacted by that one restaurant’s misfortune. Every restaurant has a vendor list of 50 to 100 companies that rely on this restaurant being open and successful to supply them with their goods. And every one of those vendors has staff that maybe their hours are being cut. These are real people, real bills, real needs that are not being met. And that’s the heartbreak.”
As part of her role as president
and CEO, Whitcomb is aware that a legislative session is on the horizon and approaching quickly; and that she will need to have her finger on the pulse of her members’ needs in the face of so many challenges so that she can advocate for appropriate resources.
“I’m hearing from restaurants every day that they’ve got one, maybe two payroll cycles left before the lights are out for good,” Whitcomb said. “Our hotels are reporting millions of dollars of lost revenue so far this year, and then you add the reputational damage. We try really hard to stay nonpartisan, but not silent, but that’s getting even harder right now.”
According to local news outlet ABC 5 KSTP, the Minneapolis City Council’s Committee of the Whole convened on February 3. During the meeting, the committee approved more than 100 liquor licenses, but delayed action on the Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis-Mill District and the Depot Minneapolis hotels until the committee’s next meeting on February 17.
A representative on the committee, Aisha Chughtai, noted that the two hotels have contracts with Homeland Security that allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to stay in their guest rooms, KSTP reported.
“On top of everything, [the committee is] going to publicly shame and open a forum for protesters to show up and shame our industry,” Whitcomb said. “That’s reputational damage that goes far and wide, and Minnesota is going to have a very difficult time, I believe, for a very long time getting people to come to our state.”
Still, Whitcomb and Hospitality Minnesota have a job to do. It’s key for her and her colleagues to be “present and responsive,” she said.
“One of the things that we’ve done well is to really try to separate fact from fiction,” Whitcomb said. “There are so many communication channels right now, whether it’s social media or different news stations reporting on the situation at hand, and rumor or misinformation can spread like wildfire, so trying to stay ahead of that as our team relay trusted information to our members to inform their decisions.”
Whitcomb is asking herself: “What does today look like? Where can my staff get help? Where can we offer help?”
To association leaders who could face a similar challenge or unprec-
edented circumstances, Whitcomb advises against waiting “for perfect information to act in a crisis.”
“Our members need to see us showing up – even if all you can say is, ‘We’re working on it. Here’s what we know so far.’ That presence matters, and your relationships with your board, peer organizations, and elected officials – when you built those relationships over time – in a crisis is when those relationships really pay off. Don’t hesitate until you’ve got the solution or you’ve got the perfect answer to show up and be honest.”
For Whitcomb, the hospitality industry is constantly reminding her that its beating heart is service.
“This industry that’s being hit so hard – they’re the ones showing up and feeding families who are afraid to leave their house, and providing them with emergency funds, starting GoFundMe’s so they can feed their kids and pay their rent and not have to leave their houses. It’s amazing,” Whitcomb said. “I just feel incredibly fortunate to be able to serve them however I can.”
Angie Whitcomb
We’ll meet you in Virginia’s Richmond Region
When you connect with Casey Armstrong on the tradeshow floor or over a coffee she’ll have a lot to tell you about the Richmond Region.
“When it comes to meetings and conventions, there’s no better place to meet than our region,” says Armstrong, Visit Richmond, VA’s National Destination Sales Manager. “We’re centrally located with an incredible mix of art, food, history and hospitality, buoyed by a relentless commitment to making your event a success.”
Armstrong was recently named to the role this fall after three years at the organization and a career in hospitality. She and her team are some of the region’s biggest fans.
Offering urban, suburban and rural experiences in a strategic location that’s accessible to half the country’s population, the Richmond Region in Virginia gives meeting planners and attendees endless opportunities to connect and learn, while having fun –lots of it – in the process.
CNN named Richmond the No. 1 town to visit last year thanks to rich arts, culture and history, and dynamic food and beverage scene. In addition to a rolling list of accolades, the area has also been dubbed one of the country’s “Top 25 convention cities.”
It’s a place worth checking out – and meeting in.
The Richmond Region is comprised of seven unique jurisdictions with a variety of settings and meeting spaces and venues. The combination gives the region an opportunity to accommodate groups of all sizes and types.
In Richmond’s downtown is the state’s largest meeting facility, the Greater Richmond Convention Center. With more than 700,000 square feet of multi-purpose meeting space, that includes 178,158 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, a 30,550 square-foot Grand Ballroom and 50,000 square feet of additional meeting/banquet space, it’s a place that can host everything from small meetings to large trade shows.
Approximately 3,600 hotel rooms are within a mile of the GRCC, in addition to two full-service hotels directly adjacent to the facility. More than 18,000 rooms are available throughout the region.
The GRCC recently went through technological and cosmetic improvements including new LED lighting and LED RGB color lighting, new monitors, new digital signage, and a new digital sound system. Its interior spaces were updated with new tile, accents, and paint scheme, in addition to new pub-style tables and seating. The facility also features a new executive lounge and a renovated food court and
service desk.
It’s been a busy and exciting year for the GRCC. In the spring, the GRCC hosted 4,500 members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for its Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. Another 4,000 people from around the world met at the space for the AKKA World Kannada Conference. And that’s just a snapshot of the hundreds of events that choose the facility every year.
Visit Richmond, VA puts a significant focus on regional accessibility as it works alongside partners. Its team has extensive experience with citywide and regionwide conventions, with close connections to hotel, facility, restaurant and transportation partners to create seamless experiences for guests.
In 2026, the region will host more than 7,000 high school students, along with their families and teachers from across the country, for the National Speech and Debate Tournament. Competitors will compete at schools across the region.
For planners focused on environmental sustainability, Visit Richmond, VA provides a Net Zero Emissions conference program, which offsets carbon emissions from car, train and plane rides utilized by attendees, as well as the environmental impact of meals and the hotel and meeting space. The Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation recently received the program’s largest carbon offset with 791 metric tons during its November conference.
An ongoing collaboration with VisitAble to provide free disability inclusion trainings to hospitality partners helps ensure people of all abilities can better experience the region’s hotels and attractions. Approximately 1,800 hospitality employees have completed the training so far.
More than two years ago, the Richmond Region proudly approved the state’s first-ever Tourism Improvement District. The TID gives the region more opportunities to partner with planners for meetings and conventions, and sports tournaments.
And then there’s the abundance of entertainment and experiences.
The region has many new and upcoming developments to experience, including CarMax Park and the Diamond District, a growing 43-mile biking and pedestrian path called the Fall Line Trail and the Allianz Amphitheater, an outdoor music venue overlooking the James River.
Historical attractions are becoming even more top of mind as the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. From Patrick Henry’s fiery “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech at St. John’s Church to the
Richmond Region is built on access and
by
just the space that counts—it’s the people in it. With a world-class river at its heart, premier venues, award-winning dining, storied culture, and a thriving business hub, the Richmond Region is easy to reach and even easier to work with
elegant estates, colonial churches and historic parks that shaped early America, the region is a go-to destination for historical gems and revolutionary stories.
Visitors have a variety of exciting and award-winning food options to try while here too. The region boasts hundreds of culinary options and restaurants, which are often named on “best of” lists like the oyster-focused Beaucoup, Mexican-inspired Cochiloco or Southern and soul staple Mama J’s Kitchen. Several establishments offer group dining and restaurant buyouts as well.
“A win for us is not just booking the meeting,” Armstrong says. “It is knowing a planner feels inspired by our region and confident that their event will contribute to something bigger.”
Visit Richmond, VA’s Destination Services team helps make sure part-
Meet Casey Armstrong, National Destination Sales Manager at Visit Richmond, VA
With more than 15 years of industry experience, Armstrong understands the modern needs of meting planners. Her team is committed to your success.
“Every group deserves thoughtful, attentive service. We want planners to feel valued, understood and confident that their event will thrive here,” said Armstrong.
Outside of work, Armstrong brings the same curiosity and passion for discovery to her life that she brings to her planner relationships. She has visited 26 countries, including a transformative solo trip to Thailand and Cambodia. These experience shape her ability to connect with diverse groups and inspire creative thinking.
ners experience all of it. The team is fully equipped to help with on-site event logistics, provide connections with in-market service providers, activate corporate social responsibility initiatives and share local resources to achieve event objectives. More than anything, the event professionals serve as a go-to resource for all things the Richmond Region to help groups curate an authentic and memorable destination experience.
When it comes to collaboration and partners that follow through every time, the Richmond Region has your back while inspiring your group to come back. As planners consider meeting options, make sure the Richmond Region is on your to-do list.
To connect with the Visit Richmond, VA team, visit https://meetingsinrichmondva.com
Meet Casey Armstrong, National Destination Sales Manager. A thoughtful, responsive partner, Casey specializes in citywide meetings that demand precision and personalization. Grounded in inclusion and purpose, she connects planners to the Richmond Region with clarity, confidence, and meaningful local insight—creating collaborative experiences that truly reflect the community.
The
driven
relationships. Because it’s not
VP of Marketing
Visit Huntington Beach | Surf City USA®
Visit Huntington Beach (VHB) is seeking a Vice President of Marketing to lead brand strategy, performance-driven marketing, and team development for one of the most iconic destination brands in the world.
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this senior leader will oversee destination marketing strategy, agency and vendor relationships, digital transformation, and a talented in-house marketing team. The role is central to advancing Surf City USA® as a globally competitive destination while delivering measurable economic impact for hotel partners, the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), and the broader community.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity during a period of momentum and visibility, with immediate priorities including a major website rebuild, execution of the three-year strategic plan, and positioning the destination for LA 2028–related opportunities.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• 8–10+ years of senior marketing leadership experience
• Tourism, destination marketing, hospitality, or closely related industry preferred
• Proven experience leading teams and managing agencies
• Demonstrated success managing marketing budgets of at least $2M and teams of 4 or more
• Data-driven, digitally fluent, and comfortable with innovation and AI-enabled tools
• Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and resilience in a high-visibility environment
• Collaborative leader with the ability to balance creativity and discipline
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and execute VHB’s destination marketing and brand strategy across paid, owned, and earned channels
• Serve as steward of the Surf City USA® brand, ensuring consistency, relevance, and innovation
• Own agency and vendor relationships, ensuring alignment with strategy and ROI discipline
• Oversee a major website rebuild and digital modernization initiative
• Strengthen marketing measurement, research, and performance insights
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Communications, and Tourism Development to support demand generation and need periods
• Mentor, develop, and lead a highperforming marketing team of four professionals
&
Base salary $175K - $200K plus incentive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
Visit Huntington Beach has engaged Winner Partners, a national executive search firm specializing in senior leadership placements for destination, tourism, and economic development organizations.
