USAE
THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS VOLUME 43, ISSUE 2
JANUARY 20, 2025
Industry Associations, Hotels Launch Relief Efforts for Wildfire Recovery By Jonathan Trager, Todd McElwee, and Jordan Bradley
sasters, nonprofits serve critical roles in the daily lives of every American.” Caldeira added eroding the financial foundation of organizations will have wide ranging and potentially dangerous economic ripple effects throughout the economy, calling it “an existential threat to the tax-exempt sector and the vital services it provides.” With Republicans assuming control of the White House and Congress, GOP leaders have signaled they will priori-
In the wake of the destruction caused by the deadly California wildfires this month, industry associations and hotels have stepped up to provide crucial aid to those most impacted by the disaster. On January 14, Destinations International (DI) launched the Destinations International LA Wildfire Recovery Fund. The response from members was fast, with more than $100,000 raised in the first 72 hours, including $10,000 from the association and an equal amount from the DI Foundation. “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from Destinations International members and partners, as well as the broader tourism industry,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of DI. “This recovery fund underscores the strength of our community and our shared commitment to standing with Los Angeles in its time of need.” Other initial donations included the following: Visit Baltimore:
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Visit Anaheim set up a synthetic ice rink in Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center during PCMA’s Convening Leaders. Attendees were able to skate and play other hockey-related games such as puck stacking. Photo by Jules Clifford, Event Photography of North America Corporation (EPNAC)
ASAE Launches Community Impact Coalition to Champion Tax-Exempt Sector
By Todd McElwee
Preparing for significant tax legislation in 2025, ASAE launched the Community Impact Coalition on January 15. ASAE said the unified initiative is dedicated to educating the 119th Congress about the social and economic benefits of associations, charities, and other tax-exempt organizations. “Associations and other nonprofit organizations are granted tax-exempt status by the IRS to encourage and support activities that benefit the
public good and promote societal well-being,” said Steve Caldeira, President & CEO, Household & Commercial Products Association, past Chair of ASAE and Co-Chair of the Community Impact Coalition. “Their tax-exempt status strengthens lives by providing services and responding in countless ways where the government and for-profit businesses cannot. Through volunteerism, creating industry standards, advancing medical research, supporting veteran’s-related groups, and providing aid following natural di-
D.C. Hotels More than 80% Booked Ahead of Inauguration By Jordan Bradley Hote l s i n d o w n to w n Washington, D.C., are seeing an influx of guests and spikes in room rates ahead of the January 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. As of January 16, hotels in the district are approximately 81% booked ahead, according to Booking.com. A search through the hotel booking site for stays on January 17–21 shows many hotels with a low number of rooms available at the advertised price. The Moxy Washington DC Downtown
near the White House, for example, had only two rooms left at the rate of $553 per night. Overall, hotel occupancy was up for the inauguration weekend, according to data analytics firm Smith Travel Research (STR). Last year, the same week saw a 31% occupancy rate. Trump’s first inauguration saw a 94% occupancy rate in January 2017, the firm said, marking an expected decline in occupancy this year. The firm added that first-term presidents tend to have larger inaugurations. Please turn to page 6
Inside
Brad Dean Tapped to Lead Explore St. Louis By Jonathan Trager
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Robyn Camino Appointed as Head of Visit Stockton
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Meetings Industry Members’ Hopes for 2025
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New Asheville TV Spot Urges Visitors to Return Following Hurricane Helene
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Fire Fighters Association Assisting in California Wildfire Relief Efforts
Longtime destination leader Brad Dean has been appointed President & CEO of Explore St. Louis, taking the helm of the organization on February 17. Since 2018, Dean has served as CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. Prior to that, he enjoyed a 20-year tenure as President & CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area CVB. Dean said he’s “deeply honored to join Explore St. Louis and eager to embark on this next chapter.” “I am energized by the momentum building and
inspired by limitless opportunities to elevate St. Louis as a premier destination for visitors while strengthening the sense of community that makes this region so special,” he said. “Together, we celebrate what sets St. Louis apart, cultivate strategic partnerships to realize our shared vision, and ensure the visitor economy serves as a catalyst for economic growth and quality of life.” During his time as head of Discover Puerto Rico, Dean led efforts to boost the island’s tourism industry Please turn to page 6