USAE
THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS VOLUME 42, ISSUE 35
DECEMBER 16, 2024
Healthcare Associations React to UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Murder By Todd McElwee
The California Hotel and Lodging Association (CHLA) hosted the 2024 Hotel All Stars luncheon, the association’s annual industry award ceremony recognizing exemplary hotel professionals throughout the Golden State, on December 6. More than 140 members of the hotel industry were recognized during this year’s awards. Pictured here is Cormac O’Modhrain (far right, back row in gray suit), Chair, CHLA; Deysa Salinas (middle row, second from right, white jacket), Corporate Director of Rooms, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, and first time honoree; and other hotel professionals during the luncheon at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
More than 100 Travel Industry Organizations Urge Immediate Disaster Relief By Todd McElwee
“Recovery cannot wait.” North of 100 destination leaders and small business operators across seven states affected by recent disasters shared that message in a letter Congressional leadership, urging lawmakers to pass immediate disaster relief. “Travelers and the travel industry are critical drivers of our economy,” the letter states. “The severity of
recent disaster events has resulted in steep losses in visitation to our destinations and our local small businesses who depend on the travel economy for their livelihood.” The correspondence, dispatched to leaders of both chambers, appeals for Congress to provide emergency supplemental funding for the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program and Economic Adjustment Assistance program, ensuring the hardest hit com-
Striking San Francisco Hotel Workers Urge J.P. Morgan to Cancel Healthcare Conference By Jordan Bradley San Francisco’s hotel union, Unite Here Local 2, is calling for JP Morgan Chase to cancel its annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference set to be held from January 13–16 at the Westin St. Francis, one of six hotels impacted by an ongoing strike instituted by the union. The call for cancellation comes as the union continues its months-long strike actions in an effort to gain better pay and healthcare
benefits, among other contract demands, from local hotels. Approximately 2,500 hotel workers have been on strike since September at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Palace Hotel, San Francisco Marriott Union Square, San Francisco Marriott Marquis, and the Westin St. Francis. The 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is invite-only and is expected to draw more than Please turn to page 6
munities, where travel has dropped to record lows in the aftermath of the storms, receive needed support. “Too many destinations in too many states are currently waiting on Congress to provide desperately needed relief from disasters that took place months ago,” said Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, U.S. Travel Association. “The holiday season is peak travel season and Main Street businesses are suffering. The time for Congress
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In the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder in New York City earlier this month, USAE conducted an e-mail, website, Google and social media search for reactions to the crime from healthcare industry associations. Numerous offerings of condolences were found, though the overwhelmingly majority of organizations USAE contacted directly declined to comment or did not respond to messages. Out of the 10 associations, which spanned a wide swath of the healthcare sector, USAE contacted directly only AHIP, an association for health insurers, responded with a comment: two LinkedIn posts from President & CEO Michael Tuffin. “The people in our industry are mission-driven professionals working to make coverage and care as affordable as possible and to help people navigate the complex medical system,” one post said. “They are conscientious, dedicated people from all walks of life
Megan Conway Tapped as Leader of Travel Portland By Jonathan Trager
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MPI Foundation Marks 40 Years in “Celebrating the Power of Good”
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CHLA Celebrates California Hoteliers with Hotel All Star Awards
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Destinations International Seeking Applications for 30 Under 30 Program
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Resorts World Las Vegas Appoints New CEO, Establishes Board
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Tr a v e l P o r t l a n d h a s named current Chief Strategy Officer Megan Conway as the Oregon organization’s next President & CEO effective January 1. Conway follows Jeff Miller, who’s retiring after nearly 19 years in the role. Her appointment was announced on December 9. “Being trusted to lead Travel Portland into our next chapter is an honor, and I look forward to continuing the good work of Jeff Miller, our amazing staff and all our partners as we build momen-
tum and return Portland to its rightful place among can’t-miss destinations in the U.S.,” said Conway. “As president and CEO, I will continue to prioritize innovative and inspirational initiatives that build up not only our tourism community, but our city as a whole.” Conway originally came to the organization in 2003, serving nearly five years as a communications and public relations manager. After leaving for a role with Adidas, Conway re-joined Travel Portland in 2010 as vice president, communicaPlease turn to page 8