3.9.26-FINAL

Wyndham Appoints Amit Sripathi as CFO

By Jordan Bradley

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has appointed Amit Sripathi as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, the company announced on March 3. Sripathi moves to the role from the position of Chief Development Officer of North America and succeeds Kurt Albert, who served as Interim CFO since November last year.

Sripathi joined Wyndham in 2021. During his time with the compa -

ny, Sripathi has “helped Wyndham achieve 20 consecutive quarters of organic net room growth and oversaw the divestiture of the Company’s owned hotels,” Wyndham said.

Wyndham also said Sripathi brought “significant operation and finance experience” from previous roles throughout the hospitality sector when he joined Wyndham.

Prior to joining Wyndham, he held roles at RLJ Lodging Trust, where he was responsible for capital markets

Registration Opens for ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis

By Todd McElwee

Registration is now live for the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis.

ASAE’s signature event will take place August 15–18.

“This is a moment when association professionals aren’t just responding to change—they have the chance to shape what comes next,” said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE. “The 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting is built to help them do just

that, equipping them with the ideas, relationships, and momentum to steer the future of their organizations, and with our outstanding partners at Visit Indy, we’re committed to delivering an experience that truly moves the needle.”

ASAE said the 2026 theme, Driven by Purpose, reflects both the moment facing associations and the spirit of the host destination. In collaboration with Visit Indy and partners across the city, ASAE said it

and corporate finance, and Deutsche Bank, a real estate, lodging and gaming investment group.

“Wyndham is a truly unique company with an asset-light franchise business model that consistently delivers for its owners and shareholders,” said Sripathi.

Sripathi said he is looking forward to driving “enhanced value creation” at Wyndham and to build on the company’s “Count on Me” culture to benefit owners and shareholders.

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North Dakota’s Beulah CVB Has Gaming License Revoked

Attorney General Claims Unlawful Actions

By Jonathan Trager

The North Dakota Office of Attorney General Drew Wrigley has slapped a $50,000 fine on the Beulah CVB and revoked its gaming license after an investigation revealed multiple violations of state gaming laws and regulations.

CVBs in the state can conduct charitable gaming—legally run games of chance for charitable purposes—if they’re registered as nonprofits and hold a valid state gaming license.

The Attorney General’s Gaming Division announced on March 2 the Beulah CVB had engaged in practices that didn’t comply with North Dakota gaming requirements, including misrepresentation of financial distributions, improper transfers of net proceeds, and inaccurate reporting on official documents.

“Gaming organizations in North Dakota must follow strict rules, and it’s our responsibility to enforce them

Women Leading the Way: Meet Chicago Northwest’s

Heather Larson

By Jordan Bradley

Heather Larson, CDME, CMP, President and CEO of Meet Chicago Northwest—which encompasses the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, the site of a proposed new stadium home for the Chicago Bears—maintains a wide scope of vision for the organization and the region’s development. Still, she knows that headlines are sparking new strands of conversation re-

garding the project all year.

“I imagine you’re going to want to talk about the Chicago Bears,” Larson said when she sat down for this edition of USAE’s Women Leading the Way column. Yes, we do.

The Arlington Heights Chicago Bears Dome Stadium project has been in the works since the team bought a parcel of land in February 2023. But any decent sports fan knows that the public discourse around the team’s move

Because iconic venues inspire iconic events.

HOTS Movie Prop Auction… Fans of the zany—and frequently gross—Ace Ventura movie franchise starring Jim Carrey as a Hawaiian-print-shirt-wearing detective specializing in pets have a chance to bid on a piece of movie history: the butt birth rhino. According to PropstoreAuction, the auction house handling the prop, the mechanical rhino was used for exterior shots during an infamous scene where Carrey as Ace Ventura uses the mechanical prop to spy on another character, but the cooling fans inside the mechanism

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

Hotel Editor Jordan Bradley jordan@usaenews.com

Graphic Designer Danielle Erbe danielle@yespleasebrand.com

Marketing & Circulation Director Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com

Senior Vice President George Roman george@georgeromanmedia.com

HOTS HOTS

breakdown, prompting Ventura to exit from the rhino’s rear. PropstoreAuction expects the prop to go for top dollar, or up to $8,000. At press time, there had already been 16 bids on the item—which ends March 25—with the top bid at $7,500. “Aaaalrighty then!” says HOTS.

g g g g g

HOTS Maturing Macaque… A rejected baby monkey in Japan, named Punch, is outgrowing a stuffed plushie orangutan as he has grown to make friends, according to the Associated Press. Punch was abandoned by his mother after his birth, and zookeepers at a zoo east of Tokyo, the Ichikawa City Zoo, were tasked with raising the macaque. In order to provide Punch some comfort, the team gave him a stuffed orangutan. The tiny macaque became an instant internet sensation when the zoo shared videos of him with the plush orangutan on social media. Now that Punch is reaching for the stuffed animal for comfort less and less, fans are happy about his progress. “It’s good to see him grow, and I’m reassured,” Sanae Izumi, who drove from Osaka to see Punch, told the AP. “He is adorable!” For

Hyatt hosted the

zookeepers, Punch’s progress and development is a key part of their work, and his shifting reliance on the stuffed orangutan is a positive sign. “When he grows out of the plush toy that

encourages his independence, and that’s what we are hoping for,” said the zoo’s director, Shigekazu Mizushina, in an interview with AP. HOTS thinks this kind of monkeying around is A-OK.

Association Forum Hosting Women’s Executive Forum in Chicago

By Todd McElwee

Association Forum doesn’t regard legacy as only a reminder and reverberation from the past.

Staged March 13 at Convene Willis Tower under the banner of Legacy In Motion, the Women’s Executive Forum will honor the women who paved the way, celebrate contemporary leaders and uplift the next generation of change makers.

“At the 2026 Women’s Executive Forum, we’re redefining leadership as a living legacy—one shaped by intentional impact, courageous action, and collective momentum,” the organization said. “Every de-

cision we make and every step we take propels us forward, creating a more inclusive, equitable future for all.”

Explorations of leadership, AI, marketing, belonging, combating misinformation, and creating and managing legacies are on the agenda. Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum, and the Women’s Executive Forum Program Committee, will kick things off with in-depth discussions designed to make true connections between colleagues.

The session will also include Rebecca O’Brien, CAE, Executive Director, IREM Foundation, Institute of Real Estate Management,

facilitating Lessons From My Gen Z Boss. The five-minute Ignite talk shows lessons learned from working on a teenage son’s ice cream bike business.

Adrianne Haslet is a professional ballroom dancer who lost her leg during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. She will discuss resiliency, reinvention, and leading with purpose during her closing keynote.

Additional highlights include Denise LeDuc Froemming, CPA, CAE, President & CEO of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA), being honored as the 2026 Woman of Influence Please turn to page 6

W Atlanta to Become JW Marriott

By Jordan Bradley

The W Atlanta in downtown Atlanta will be rebranded as a luxury JW Marriott following a renovation.

The transition comes ahead of the2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to local reports, the transition will leave the city with no W Hotel properties; Atlanta previously boasted four. Both JW Marriott and W Hotels are Marriott International brands.

The JW Marriott Atlanta Downtown is expected to open later this spring. Operated by Denver-based Stonebridge Companies, the forthcoming hotel features 237 guest rooms and suites, including the United States debut of JW Marriott’s Mindful Floor, which includes 24 wellness rooms designed to foster relaxation and tranquility.

The hotel’s redesign will be led by Texas-based design firm, Looney & Associates, and include a 360-degree bar, an Executive Lounge, an

all-weather rooftop pool bar, an Italian-inspired restaurant, spa, fitness center, and a boardroom. The hotel will also have a JW Garden, which will supply herbs and garnishes for the hotel’s dining outlet.

Meeting spaces have recently been updated with fresh new finishes, and refreshed public areas and guest amenities as part of the changes to the hotel.

The JW Marriott Atlanta Downtown

Louisville Hotel Partnership Makes $75K Pledge to University

By Jonathan Trager

The Louisville Hotel Partnership (LHP) has pledged an additional $75,000 over two years to establish the Hospitality Management Program Fund within the University of Louisville College of Business.

This new investment builds on LHP’s previously announced threeyear, $550,000 commitment to the university, further strengthening the partnership between Louisville’s hospitality industry and the next generation of its workforce.

Formalized through a charitable gift agreement with the University of Louisville Foundation, the Hospitality Management Program Fund will primarily support students pursuing degrees in Hospitality Management through scholarships, student engagement initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and onsite industry experiences.

“This continued investment is about building Louisville’s talent pipeline,” said Eamon O’Brien, Chair of the LHP. “Our industry thrives when we

develop local leaders. By supporting [University of Louisville] students, we are strengthening hospitality, creating career pathways, and supporting the infrastructure that allows tourism and our local economy to grow.”

The LHP is funded through a modest assessment on overnight hotel guests. A portion of the funds may also be allocated toward curriculum development, industry collaboration, academic advising, and other programmatic initiatives designed to elevate and advance the Hospitality Management program and deepen connections between current students and the hospitality sector.

“We are grateful for the Louisville Hotel Partnership’s continued commitment to our students and to the future of Louisville’s hospitality industry,” said Amy Henley, Dean of University of Louisville College of Business. “This support strengthens our Hospitality Management minor by expanding experiential learning, industry engagement and programmatic support—ensuring our graduates are prepared to contribute immediately

to one of our region’s most vital economic drivers.”

As outlined in the agreement, the uni-

versity will provide annual stewardship reports detailing the use and impact of the funds supporting the program.

MPI and SDSU Reimagine CMM with New Structure and Curriculum

By Todd McElwee

MPI and San Diego State University (SDSU) have collaborated on reimagining the CMM credential.

Developers said the new 8 to 10week cohort structure is designed to foster deeper connection and peer learning with an immersive, two or three day in-person component meant to strengthen the cohort and create a mini community experience.

Launched in the mid 1990s, the CMM is MPI’s senior-level certificate program with more than 1,500 credentialed worldwide.

“Today’s event leaders are responsible for far more than logistics; they shape strategy, influence revenue,

By Todd McElwee

Smithbucklin announced its acquisition of McKinley Advisors, an association consultancy on March 4.

The combined organization has nearly 650 employees. McKinley Advisors will retain its name and brand and will be led by President Jay Younger and its senior leadership team. Smithbucklin said terms of the

mitigate risk, and help define organizational culture,” said Lori Pugh, Vice President of the MPI Academy. “The CMM aligns directly with where the industry is headed by developing the leadership capabilities required at the executive level.”

The alterations were made with input of three alumni-led committees tasked with driving changes in the curriculum in order to meet the needs of today’s professionals and create greater impact and support for future cohorts. MPI said the program will maintain its core strengths in leadership, strategy, and innovation while introducing new learning modules around conflict resolution and design thinking.

“The CMM represents the high -

est standard of leadership in the meeting industry, and we are proud that the Payne School at SDSU will help steward that legacy,” said Carl Winston, Ph.D., Founding Director, Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, SDSU. “Our role is not just to teach—it is to elevate the profession by developing leaders who influence strategy, create value, and drive organizational success.”

Data from industry surveys show the CMM is one of the highest-paying designations in the meetings and events sector, with CMM holders earning an average of $20,000 more per year than those with a CMP, and nearly $30,000 more per year than professionals with no industry cre -

Smithbucklin Acquires McKinley Advisors

deal will remain private.

“Contemporary associations increasingly need high-capability partners to help them successfully navigate new challenges and opportunities,” said Matt Sanderson, President and CEO of Smithbucklin. “McKinley is a highly respected, trusted advisor to the world’s leading associations and a natural extension of our current capabilities. We are excited to bring their talent and expertise into the fold

and tap our collective knowledge for insights that can strengthen associations.”

The announcement said the move, further supported by Smithbucklin’s event-focused agency 360 Live Media, creates a unique solution in the marketplace to accelerate association growth, innovation and mission impact.

“From our initial conversations, we saw incredibly strong alignment

dentials, MPI reported.

MPI said the CMM is designed for senior-level meeting professionals— those managing teams, overseeing budgets, and preparing to move from manager-level roles into director, executive, or vice president positions. Eligibility requirements include seven-years of industry experience, three-plus years in a management role and two-plus years with profit or loss or budget responsibility

The first CMM program is in spring 2026, with the in-person portion taking place April 12–15, 2026, and the virtual learning and capstone taking place between mid-April and June.

Find more information here

on the most important things –mission, vision and values,” said Jay Younger, President of McKinley Advisors. “Both firms share a deep, fundamental commitment to helping associations advance mission-driven work for the benefit of humanity. Given that starting point, I’m confident that we will unlock a host of impactful new solutions for our clients that wouldn’t have been possible independently.”

Kenyan Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Marriott

By Jordan Bradley

A court in Nairobi, Kenya, has dismissed a lawsuit brought against Marriott International by environmental activists, who sought to destroy a luxury safari camp along Kenya’s Serengeti migration route, alleging the camp disrupted the local environment.

Meitamei Olol Dapash, of the Institute for Maasai Education, Research and Conservation (MERC), filed a lawsuit in late August against Marriott, its Ritz-Carlton brand, Kenyan authorities in Narok County, and Lazizi Mara Limited, the developers of the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara Safari Camp.

According to Dapash, the luxury camp was interfering with a key route in the famous Serengeti migration— also called The Great Migration for the sheer enormity of the annual event— which sees more than 1.5 million wildebeest, approximately 200,000 zebras and hundreds of thousands of other plains animals annually as they seek water and grazing fields, according to immersive experience provider Asilia Africa.

The 20-suite luxury camp opened in August 2025 and includes a bar lounge, photo studio, fitness room,

plunge pools, a personalized butler service, and more. The camp sits near the Kenya-Tanzania border and room rates start at $3,300 per night.

Dapash and MERC sought to destroy the luxury safari camp to protect the integrity of the migration path.

However, according to local news outlet Citizen TV Kenya, Dapash withdrew his suit in December last year as his concerns regarding the impact of the luxury camp on the migration path had been sufficiently addressed.

“The Petitioner herein wishes to withdraw the entire suit instituted by way of petition dated 8th August 2025 with no orders as to costs,” Dapash’s lawyers said in a filing to the Environment and Land Court.

A post on MERC’s Facebook from December 17, 2025, said the organization “remains steadfast in its commitment to justice and unwavering support of Meitamei Olol Dapash as he and the Maasai community continue fighting for justice in the Mara. Please rest assured that Meitamei and MERC remain uncompromised in this fight and the integrity of our effort remain intact.”

The most recent legal action came as the Environment and Land Court dismissed an application from the

The Ritz-Carlton Maasai Mara Safari Camp Gema Watho Association to replace Dapash in the lawsuit, the Daily Nation reported. The group had sought to continue the legal proceedings, alleging the original petition was raised in the public’s interest and should not be abandoned.

Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Lazizi Mara, and Narok County stood against the petition from the Gema Watho Association, with the county positing that the association did not have a direct stake and could not be party to the lawsuit, the Daily Nation said.

Travel Associations Launch “Pay Federal Aviation Workers” Campaign

By Todd McElwee

U.S. Travel Association, Airlines for America (A4A), American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) have launched the Pay Federal Aviation Workers campaign.

On March 5, U.S. Travel stated federal transportation security workers were facing their first $0 paycheck of the current government shutdown.

“TSA officers screen nearly a billion passengers a year,” said Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “With an average

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is designing an Annual Meeting experience that blends strategic insight, practical learning, and meaningful connection.

Organizers added the event will feature more than 100 educational sessions spanning the spectrum of association leadership and an expo highlighting the innovation and partners shaping the future of the sector. An extensive networking slate is also on tap.

“Indy is proud to host ASAE in

salary of around $35,000, these are workers who simply cannot afford to miss a paycheck. Right now, Congress is allowing them to do that work without one. Every time Washington fails to fund the government, these essential workers pay the price. So do travelers. So does the economy. That is why America’s travel industry has come together, because this workforce is too important, and the stakes are too high, for this to keep happening.”

The group said the campaign will activate Americans to urge Congress to pass legislation ensuring essential federal aviation employees continue

2026 at a defining moment for our city,” said Leonard Hoops, President and CEO, Visit Indy. “We are nearing the completion of $3 billion in new tourism and convention infrastructure, from luxury hotel developments and expanded event spaces to a reimagined entertainment district and urban green spaces. ASAE attendees will see a destination on the rise. And like association executives, we have a collective commitment to purpose-driven collaboration. Our hospitality community, civic leaders, and industry partners are excited to deliver an experience that reflects

to receive pay during government shutdowns.

Christopher T. Sununu, President & CEO of Airlines for America, said: “At this time of record air travel, airlines have done their part to add flights and seats to their schedules to accommodate the record demand—it’s past time for the government to do its part and ensure that TSA and CBP employees are paid for the job they do day in and day out. Congress must get to the table and act with urgency to get a deal done that ensures frontline agencies can fully operate and employees can get the paychecks they earn for the important work they do

ASAE’s values and impact.”

Highlights include:

• Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, will deliver a keynote address. She’s a globally recognized management thinker whose work explores how organizations foster innovation, teaming, and learning in uncertain environments.

• Justin Patton, founder of The Trust Architect Group; Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE, CEO of Avenue M Group; and Anthony McClean, screenwriter and speaker, are scheduled as Catalyst Speakers.

to keep our skies secure.”

Leaders from the travel associations called on Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would ensure air traffic controllers are paid regardless of the government’s funding status, as well as the Keep America Flying Act, which would provide the same protections to TSA officers.

“For the third time in five months, TSA screeners are being asked to perform their jobs without pay because Washington can’t find a way to do its job,” Todd Hauptli, President & CEO,

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• The ASAE Research Foundation’s The Classic will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

• Experience Tours will include the Indy Gives Back: Pack with Purpose offering during which participants will join Teachers’ Treasures, a nonprofit dedicated to serving students and teachers across Marion County, in assembling hygiene kits to support students in need.

Nearly 5,100 association industry members gathered in Los Angeles last August for the 2025 ASAE Annual Meeting.

Find more information here.

Katy Zamesnik Named Interim Director of Austin Convention Center

By Jonathan Trager

Following the retirement of longtime leader Trisha Tatro on March 2, Katy Zamesnik has been appointed Interim Director of the Austin Convention Center.

Zamesnik, previously deputy director of the Austin Convention Center, will oversee day-to-day operations of the convention center and guide staff and event partners. She joined the convention center department in 2020.

City officials said Zamesnik’s appointment ensures continuity for the Texas facility.

“I am honored and proud to serve as interim director and look forward

to working with our talented team and partners through this exciting chapter in the Austin Convention Center’s history,” said Zamesnik.

In her interim role, Zamesnik will work with city leaders, staff, and stakeholders to maintain operations and support scheduled events while long-term leadership plans move forward. The department is expected to conduct a broader search for a permanent director in the coming months.

Zamesnik holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics and International Affairs from Florida State University and a Master’s of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin.

Groundbreaking for a major expan-

sion and modernization of the Austin Convention Center began in April 2025 and is scheduled to wrap up in spring 2029.

“This is a pivotal moment for our department, and I am confident we will continue delivering exceptional service and creating meaningful experiences that satisfy our visitors, support the convention and hospitality industry, and serve the Austin community,” Zamesnik said.

Rolando Fernandez Jr., who has 19 years of experience with the city, has taken over the position of Deputy Director of the Austin Convention Center. He’s tasked with overseeing contracts and Capital Improvement Program projects within the department.

D.C.’s Dupont Circle Hotel Hosting Irish Heritage Month

By Todd McElwee

A bit of the Emerald Isle has come to Washington, D.C.

The Dupont Circle Hotel—the sole American property of The Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned luxury hotel group—has launched a month-long celebration of Irish Heritage Month. Programming includes culinary takeovers, Irish spirit tastings, live music, a Waterford Crystal collaboration, and additional initiatives in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland.

“Irish Heritage Month is about celebrating a living, evolving culture that goes well beyond a single day of celebration,” said Mark Payne, General Manager of The Dupont Circle Hotel. “As the only U.S. property in The Doyle Collection portfolio, we are proud to present Irish culture in its most elevated form through culinary artistry, design, performances, and world-class spirits. March allows us to move beyond St. Patrick’s Day and instead offer an immersive, month-long expression of Irish heritage.”

Taking place on March 28, the inaugural Doyle Spirits Festival will offer a walk-around tasting experience featuring 15 Irish distillers, including

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AAAE. “That’s wrong, and dedicated screeners shouldn’t have to pay the price for continued Washington dysfunction. These are people who work hard, and who are being forced in some cases to fi nd second jobs or rely on donations to buy gas or

Redbreast, Dingle, Jameson, Teeling, Green Spot, Powers, Roe & Co, Slane, Tullamore D.E.W., Boatyard Gin, Wilde Irish Gin and Skellig, along with Irish-inspired bites.

In addition to learning about Irish whiskey, guests will be able to enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, including musical performances curated by the Embassy of Ireland. Guests can also participate in an interactive Irish language session led by Vivienne Sayers.

Throughout March, the property will collaborate with Waterford, Ireland’s world famous crystal producer, which was founded in 1783. Guests can enjoy the Crimson Quay, a blend of Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey, Fonseca Tawny Port, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters, in Waterford’s Lismore martini glass.

The hotel marked the beginning of Irish Heritage Month with a culinary takeover from March 6–7 at The Pembroke by Chef Ryan O’Sullivan, champion of “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 22. Born in Cork, O’Sullivan began his career at The Doyle Collection’s River Lee hotel before earning global working with Gordon Ramsay.

Find more information here

groceries or meet basic needs. AAAE calls on Congress to enact legislation to ensure that federal employees— whether it’s transportation security officers, FAA air traffic controllers, or other critical workers who keep our nation’s aviation system safe, secure, and efficient—are paid during any future shutdown so that they will never again miss a paycheck due to politics.”

Chef Ryan O’Sullivan

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Award honoree, a book swap and networking.

The Women’s Executive Forum will support Girls on the Run. Association Forum said the nonprofit offers transformative after school programs for third to eighth grade

girls to build confidence, stay active, and stand up for themselves and others. It combines running with life skills lessons and ends with a community impact project and celebratory 5K. Founded in Charlotte in 1996, it has worked with more than 2.7 million girls across the U.S. and Canada.

Find more information here .

ASAE Moves Into New D.C. Office

By Todd McElwee

ASAE has a new home.

On March 9, the association officially moved into its new digs at 1101 K St. NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20005. ASAE had called 1575 I Street, NW its home since 1980.

“Our new headquarters at 1101 K Street is designed first and foremost with our community in mind,” Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE, told USAE. “This space reflects who we are and where we’re headed. It’s designed as a global hub for association professionals to convene, collaborate, and tackle the challenges shaping our sector. It gives us the flexibility to host meaningful conversations, foster innovation, and create stronger connections among our members and partners. More than a new office, it’s an investment in how we serve and strengthen the association community for years to come.”

Located on the fifth floor, the new office is leased and will be 20,000

square feet versus 40,000 at the old building. ASAE said the move enables it to continue with a hybrid work schedule and finally have the entire staff on the same floor.

Mason noted one of the “top shelf” features she’s personally excited about is a new state-of-the-art production studio for podcasts, interviews and other recording needs.

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from Soldier Field in Chicago has been anything but linear in the last several months, with lobbying groups opposing the project in Arlington Heights, misinformation surrounding the project, and neighboring state officials vying to be the new home of the franchise.

Larson, however, isn’t shaken by the shift in narrative.

“We know that this 326-acre piece of land that the Chicago Bears purchased three years ago for $197 million is still the best piece of land for the Chicago Bears Dome Stadium—an expansion of their business close to their headquarters in nearby Lake County,” Larson told USAE. “And we know that the Bears’ executive team knows it. Many of the ownership folks live in the area and over 50% of the season ticket holders for the Chicago Bears live in the immediate area.”

In her capacity as leader of Meet Chicago Northwest, she’s well aware of her role under the circumstances: “to evaluate the broader economic impact and advocate for projects that enhance tourism events and overnight visitation.”

She continued: “Obviously, we are very excited about this project, however, we have framed the conversation around economic impact, jobs, tax revenue, tourism, growth. As tourism leaders, we have to elevate the dialog and really ground it in facts. There was a lot of misinformation out there about what the Chicago Bears were asking for, so we aim to clarify and bring folks to the table.”

From Larson’s perspective, projects such as the Chicago Bears Stadium Dome require tourism organizations and their leaders to “position ourselves as connectors, ensuring that

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“Our priority is to maintain our rigorous financial discipline and capital allocation strategy to ensure we achieve our long-term growth objectives and maximize shareholder returns,” Sripathi said.

Wyndham President and CEO Geoff Ballotti said that Sripathi’s experience—both within and without the company—have positioned him to handle the role of CFO well.

“Amit’s combination of deep finance and capital markets expertise coupled with firsthand operational leadership at Wyndham make him the ideal candidate to lead our finance organization,” said Ballotti. “Amit is uniquely qualified to deliver on our shareholder expectations

Women Leading the Way

the hospitality voice is part of the conversation.”

Part of her steadfastness can also be attributed to the overall marketability of her region as it stands today, she said.

The suburbs northwest of Chicago boast more than 70 hotels, encompassing more than 11,000 hotel rooms, proximity to O’Hare International Airport, and one of the largest retail districts in the country, “and certainly the largest outside of the city of Chicago in the state of Illinois,” Larson said, “so we have a lot to offer for the visitor already.” The region’s accessibility—from the established hospitality infrastructure to the ease of access in the region’s roadways—also contributes to Larson’s and Meet Chicago Northwest’s “bullish” commitment to the region.

“While one project may evolve, our long term growth strategy does not hinge on a single development,” Larson said. “We’ve got a lot going on here in the northwest suburbs that we’re really excited about.”

That includes several things: the $30 million renovation of the region’s largest hotel and convention center, the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel; and playing host to several large scale events like the Coimisiún le Rincí Taelacha’s World Irish Dancing Championship, esports tournaments, and the PGA Presidents Cup at the Medinah Country Club.

On top of that, Larson said the Meet Chicago Northwest sales team is “aggressively pursuing” corporate associations and SMERF (Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal groups) markets, as well as working on “expanding our footprint in sports tourism.”

“The northwest suburbs are well prepared to host large scale events, and that’s been our focus,” Larson said.

Larson was born and raised in a

and has proven himself a champion of owners, as evidenced by Wyndham’s record openings, executions and development pipelines both here in the U.S. and internationally. We are confident in his ability to build on our sustained successes and capture opportunities that will drive increased profitability for our franchisees, while returning excess capital to shareholders in a consistent and sustainable manner.”

David Wilner, “a 30-year franchise sales veteran” who has been with Wyndham for the last eight years, is succeeding Sripathi in the role of Chief Development Officer for North America.

Under Wilner’s leaderhip, “Wyndham created and launched ECHO Suites Extended Stay by Wyndham, the fastest growing extended stay brand in the industry,” Wyndham said.

small Wisconsin town, but Chicago has always had a treasured place in her life, having grown up going to Chicago Cubs games with her dad. When she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, “I moved straight away to Chicago,” she said.

While working in sales at the start of her career, Larson said she “absolutely fell in love with the big grand hotels in downtown Chicago” eventually working as a sales manager for several of them, including the Allegro, White Hall, Drake and Fairmont Hotels.

Larson and her husband moved out to the suburbs to start a family, landing the sales manager role at Meet Chicago Northwest in 2010 before she was quickly promoted to director of sales for the tourism org.

In June 2021, Larson was named President and CEO. When she stepped into the role, Covid-recovery was very much still a focus for the hospitality industry.

“Demand was still uncertain,” Larson said. “Staffing was strained at hotels and even here at the bureau, and planners were understandable cautious as well. So what I’ve learned most is that leadership in uncertain times requires clarity and consistency, and, really, optimism grounded in data.”

In the years since she stepped into the role, Larson said tourism and hospitality professionals have all been struck by the same observation: “Our industry is incredibly resilient. People fundamentally want to gather. They want to collaborate, celebrate and connect.”

For Larson, this observation offered some clarity about her role in recovery, and the role of Meet Chicago Northwest, she said.

“I have focused in the last five years on strengthening partnerships and ensuring that Meet Chicago Northwest is seen as a collaborative convener and problem-solver,” she said.

In order to do that, Larson said, “I definitely had to evolve myself. I had to look at my leadership team, my executive team, and really just trust that they knew what they were doing.”

When she hired her replacement in the role of director of sales, for example, Larson said “she did it a little bit differently than I did—turned out it was a lot better than the way that I did it.”

Larson said that a part of strong leadership is getting out of the way of her team, “because at this point, I’ve got a team that really knows what they’re doing and we’re really excited. We have a lot of trust from our community because they’ve seen the results—that we’ve been able to bring the economic impact, frankly.”

But ultimately, Larson said, “Optimism is a leadership responsibility— not blind optimism, but the kind rooted in strategy and confidence in your community’s assets and your team’s capabilities.”

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will be the second JW Marriott in the state, following the long-standing JW

The W Hotel Atlanta – Downtown initially debuted in 2009, and was most recently renovated in 2019.

Industry Movers

Corey J. Parker has been named CEO of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM). Parker has more than 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare, academic medicine, and national medical societies. Positions have included COO of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and executive director of Surgical Accreditation at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Parker is set to join AOSSM on April 6.

Beulah License

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fairly,” Wrigley said. “Unfortunately, some organizations and individuals do not take these obligations seriously, as we saw with BCVB. Given the scope and gravity of these violations and lack of cooperation with the investigators, I have no choice but to revoke BCVB’s license and require repayment of unlawfully distributed funds.”

Key findings of the investigation include the following:

• False Reporting: Investigators determined that Beulah CVB falsely reported the disbursement of $277,747 in net proceeds to a business when it disbursed net proceeds directly to itself. Investigators determined that Beulah CVB falsely reported the disbursement of $20,500 in net proceeds to a golf course when it directly disbursed the net proceeds to an individual.

•False Documentation: The CVB reported “donations” to entities such as the Pfennig Museum that were never actually made and also submitted misleading applications for gaming funds.

•Conflict of Interest: A CVB Board member, who also leases a site to CVB, improperly participated in and influenced the Board’s decision to distribute gaming net proceeds.

Dustin Lee has been named Executive Chef of Hotel Dax in Austin. Lee grew up in Texas and studied art at Stephen F. Austin University. Lee has studied cooking in more than 40 countries, including China, Argentina, Kazakhstan and India. Lee led the opening of the dining outlets in the Loews Arlington Hotel including The Bar, Tomar el Sol, and Farena, the award-winning signature Italian fine-dining concept.

•Unlawful Transactions: Over $100,000 of net proceeds were unlawfully used for ineligible purposes, including acquisition of debt and making direct disbursements to individuals.

Enforcement actions include the following:

• Revocation of Beulah CVB’s gaming license.

•CVB must return $398,287 in improperly expended net proceeds to its trust account and pay a $50,000 penalty to the state of North Dakota.

•Prohibition on several specified individuals from participating in gaming activities.

•A $2,500 fine against NumberWorks LLC, a consulting business involved in the unlawful transactions that led to violations.

•A 90-day suspension of gaming site authorization for Uncle Maddio’s Pizza.

• A $2,500 fine against Uncle Maddio’s Pizza owner Losson Leonard.

Wrigley emphasized these actions are intended to “uphold the integrity of charitable gaming and ensure compliance across North Dakota.”

“BCVB and the individuals involved will have the opportunity to respond and request a hearing if they wish,” he said.

The Beulah CVB didn’t respond to USAE requests for comment before press deadline.

Lance Hornecker, CMP, CMM , is now First Hospitality’s Managing Director - Global Sales. Hornecker brings more than 25 years of sales experience in the hospitality sector. Hornecker was president of the MPI Georgia Chapter and held volunteer roles with SITE Southeast. He holds a degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Hornecker is a former faculty member for continuing education programs at the University of Georgia.

Brian D. Banks has been appointed as CEO of the American Counseling Association (ACA). He has more than two decades of experience working with mental health access, professional standards, and shaping national legislation. He worked at ACA from 2019–2024, serving as the chief government affairs and public policy officer. Prior to re-joining ACA, Banks was executive director of the policy, advocacy & research in Counseling Center.