USAEXtra
CONVENTION CENTER FOCUS
V O L U M E 4 | ISSUE 5
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On April 30, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting was held to celebrate the opening of the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center in Georgia. The expansion doubled the size of the convention center to 600,000 square feet. Pictured here is Visit Savannah President & CEO Joe Marinelli (third from right, blue jacket) along with state and local officials and community leaders. See interview on page 5
ASAE, Destinations International and NCBMP React to Brand USA Board Firings
By Todd McElwee
ASAE, Destinations International (DI) and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) have each offered comment on the surprising late April dismissal of five members of the Brand USA Board. Brand USA directed questions to the Depart of Commerce. Allen Orr, Founder, Orr Immigration Law Firm PC, who served as board secretary, confirmed his dismissal to USAE. When asked about potential resignations from remaining board members, he shared he hoped they would not as it is an “important board for the nation.” Orr was the lone past or current board member to offer comment. The five board members included Chair Elliott Ferguson, CEO, Destination DC; Vice Chair Lauren Bailey, CEO, Upward Projects; Kristen Esposito, Principal, Esposito Global Partners;
Orr; and Tim Mapes, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Delta Air Lines. Skift reported the news. A Department of Commerce spokesperson said: “Pursuant to the Brand USA bylaws, the service of five members of the Board of Directors has ended. The Department of Commerce thanks them for their service and looks forward to bringing the best and brightest leaders to the Brand USA Board to grow travel and tourism across the United States.” USAE received the following comments from ASAE, DI and NCBMP, respectively: “The association community has a vested interest in policies that strengthen—not disrupt—efforts to attract international visitors, and we urge continued support for Brand USA’s critical work during this time of uncertainty,” said ASAE President & CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “International visitation drives eco-
nomic growth, supports jobs across sectors, and fosters global collaboration and understanding.” Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International, said: “Like many, we were surprised by the unexpected termination of the five executive board members at Brand USA last week, and most notably our good friend Elliott Ferguson. Clearly, this is a decision within the purview of the U.S. Department of Commerce that they opted to exercise. “Since its establishment over a decade ago, Brand USA has performed exceptionally to support destinations across the United States. Its marketing efforts in 2024 alone generated 1.6 million incremental international visitors who spent $6 billion, delivered nearly $13 billion in total economic impact and helped sustain nearly 80,000 U.S. jobs. “I know I speak on behalf of destiPlease turn to page 5
Inside Page 3 Hotel Fees Transparency Act Passes House Page 4 Marriott to Acquire citizenM Brand for $355M Page 5 Conversation with Joe Marinelli, President & CEO, Visit Savannah Page 6 Brandy Tomhave Leads with a People-First Mentality Page 7 PCMA Award Winner Elliott Ferguson Delivers Powerful Speech Page 10 Events Industry Council Opens Nominations for Hall of Leaders