USAE
THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS VOLUME 43, ISSUE 20
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ASAE Honoring Six Groups with 2025 Power of Associations Summit Awards By Todd McElwee
Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria New York hotel, the flagship property for the Waldorf Astoria brand, opened to guests on July 15. Chris Nassetta, (center in black suit with blue tie) President and CEO of Hilton, celebrated the property’s opening with Waldorf Astoria New York team members. Credit: Hilton
Marriott to Operate New Cincinnati Convention Center HQ Hotel
By Jonathan Trager
A $536 million hotel being developed across from the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati will bear the Marriott name, developer Portman Holdings announced on July 15. The 700-room hotel will be connected to the renovated convention center via skybridge. It will include
62,000 square feet of meeting space, a 17,000-square-foot terrace overlooking Fifth Street, multiple ballrooms, and ground floor retail space. “Marriott Hotels is an iconic brand that brings global recognition, bestin-class service, and a strong customer loyalty network,” said Kaunteya Chitnis, Managing Director of Hospitality for Portman Holdings. “Marriott’s involvement will help deliver a
Waldorf Astoria New York Finally Opens Following Delayed Renovations By Jordan Bradley
Following several delays spanning more than eight years, the Waldorf Astoria New York has wrapped restoration efforts and finally opened its doors to guests earlier than anticipated, Hilton announced on July 15. Most recently, the property was expected to open to guests in September, according to the Hilton hotel’s website. The reopening debuts extensive and “unprecedented” restoration efforts, Hilton said.
According to the company, the property is “open to guests,” and will be begin accepting group and event bookings on September 1 for the property’s 43,000 square feet of meetings and event spaces. The property’s 372 branded residences are also open, according to the July 15 announcement. The property’s sauna, steam room, and Guerlain Wellness Spa “will debut later this year,” the hotel’s website said. As part of the renovation, the Waldorf Astoria New Please turn to page 5
world-class hospitality experience in the heart of Cincinnati’s Convention District.” The hotel is being funded through a public-private partnership with financial support from the city of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the state of Ohio. Construction on the project is set to begin later this year, with an opening
Inside
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Six associations have been recognized by ASAE with a Power of Associations Summit Award, the top recognition for associations making a meaningful impact globally. Honorees will be highlighted during the Summit Awards Dinner on September 25 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The 2025 Summit Award Recipients are the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), American Society of Hematology (ASH), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Greater Los Angeles, Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (FAFCC), and National Adoption Association (NAA). “This year’s Summit Award recipients are tackling some of the most urgent challenges of our time—from global health equity and wildfire recovery to mental health access and family well-being,” said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President &
Destinations International, TravelAbility Launch Enhanced “Accessibility Playbook” By Jonathan Trager
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Page 2 The Upside of Not Venturing Up in St. Louis’ Gateway Arch Page 4 Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Launches Scholarship Program for Employees Page 5 Marriott CFO Leeny Oberg to Retire in 2026 Page 6 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Supports DIGNITY Act
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Destinations International (DI) and TravelAbility, the leading conference and media organization dedicated to accessible travel, have released an updated and expanded edition of the Accessibility Playbook for 2025. First introduced in 2023, the comprehensive toolkit now includes curated resources, technology and service provider recommendations, actionable strategies, and an accompanying AI companion to help desti-
nations move from awareness to implementation in serving travelers with disabilities and the older population. “Accessibility is a critical and growing focus for our members,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of DI. “The expanded Playbook reflects our continued commitment to supporting our members and partners in building welcoming communities for all. We’re delighted to have TravelAbility as our trusted partner in developing this invaluable resource to help Please turn to page 3