USAE
THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS VOLUME 43, ISSUE 17
JUNE 23, 2025
SoCal Hotels Feel Whiplash Amid Inconsistent ICE Directives By Jordan Bradley
Paul Van Deventer, President & CEO, MPI (front row left); Rob Adams, CEO, Bishop-McCann, MPI Chair (front row, far left), and the association’s International Board of Directors at the World Education Congress in St. Louis. The event ran from June 18–20.
Destinations International Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees, Leadership Award Recipients By Jonathan Trager Destinations International (DI) announced on June 13 the recipients of its annual awards program, including the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, Spirit of Hospitality Award, Destination Organization Leadership Awards, and Destination Organization Leadership Award for Global Impact.
The recipients will be honored during the Recognition Celebration session at the 2025 DI Annual Convention in Chicago on July 9. “It is a true privilege to honor these extraordinary leaders whose dedication and achievements have shaped not only their individual destinations but the travel and tourism industry as a whole,” said Don Welsh, Presi-
Man Gets 18 Years for Hostage Incident at St. Louis Hotel By Jordan Bradley The man behind a several-hour standoff and hostage situation at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch was sentenced earlier this month to serve 18 years in prison. William John Gourley, 44, of Arnold, Missouri, was initially charged with three counts of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and five counts of armed criminal action for holding a woman and two children
hostage in the hotel, according to court documents. In the early morning hours of January 24, 2024, the St. Louis Police Department (SLDP) received a call at around 5:15 a.m. from a young boy who said he and his brother were locked inside a bathroom while a man with a weapon was fighting with their mother in the hotel room, according to local reports. Gourley held the two children for more than an hour before the SLPD could negotiate their release. He held the woman for more Please turn to page 3
dent & CEO of DI. “In a time of rapid change and evolving global dynamics, leadership rooted in vision, resilience and commitment is more vital than ever. Each of this year’s honorees embodies these qualities, leaving a profound impact on our industry’s growth and innovation. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Destinations International Awards Committee
Inside
Page 3 Page 2 Hyatt Completes Acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts Page 4 Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare Completes Renovation Page 5 Hotels Reportedly Pilot Paid Breakfast Page 6 Brittany Packnett Cunningham Explores Confidence During WEC Keynote
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Days after updating guidance exempting hotels from immigration raids, officials in President Donald Trump’s administration walked back the exemption, leaving hotel workers in Southern California with sustained fear and whiplash. In recent weeks, Trump directed federal immigration agents to focus deportation raids in California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and rural areas in an effort to reach increased arrest quotas. According to CBS News, so far this month, there have been an average of 1,300 arrests carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) each day, almost twice the number of arrests as Trump’s first 100 days in office. The increased frequency and heavy-handedness of ICE raids in L.A. led to protests. But at a recent White House event, the president appeared to reverse and curb some directives. “We can’t take farmers and take all their people and send them back because they don’t have, maybe, what Please turn to page 4
Magic Johnson Headlining ASAE Annual Meeting’s Speaking Lineup By Todd McElwee ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition will include a touch of magic—Earvin “Magic” Johnson, specifically. The Los Angeles Lakers’ legend will present the opening keynote on August 10. “When associations come together to Imagine the Possibilities, we unlock new potential to lead positive change — not just within our organizations, but across industries, communities, and the world,” said
ASAE President & CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “In times of rapid change, the association sector’s unique ability to convene, collaborate, and drive solutions has never been more essential.” A member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Johnson is a fivetime NBA champion, 12time All Star, three-time MVP and member of the 1992 Olympic Dream Team, which won the gold medal in Barcelona. Please turn to page 6