USAE
THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS VOLUME 43, ISSUE 23
AUGUST 18, 2025
Demand at Anchorage Hotels Skyrockets Ahead of Trump-Putin Summit By Jordan Bradley
Caesars Entertainment and Dry Creek Rancheria broke ground on a new project that will transform Dry Creek Rancheria into Caesars Republic Sonoma County in Northern California. Earlier this month, representatives from both companies and the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians joined to commemorate the groundbreaking with a ceremonial scoop of shovels. The new integrated resort casino will offer “a robust food and beverage line-up,” a new casino floor, and a new 100-room hotel with a luxury spa, pool and fitness center, Caesars said.
Omaha Hotels Involved in Alleged Human Trafficking Bust By Jordan Bradley Following a multi-year investigation, officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement divisions rescued 10 minors and 17 adults from an alleged human trafficking ring involving four hotels in Omaha, Nebraska. The operation was executed in the early morning hours of August 12. The hotels involved were The AmericInn on S. 13th Court in Omaha,
The Inn (formerly Super 8) on S. 145th Street in Omaha, The New Victorian on L Street in Omaha, and the Roadway Inn on Fort Crook Road S. in Bellevue, Nebraska. Five individuals who own, operate and manage the hotels involved were arrested during the operation. They are accused of crimes such as alleged sex and labor trafficking, fraudulent use of visas, money laundering and concealing undocumented immigrants, the FBI said.
Dr. Harry Schmidt Departing as Leader of RCMA By Todd McElwee A new chapter is commencing at the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA), with Dr. Harry Schmidt set to leave the organization he has guided for 13 years. An association spokesperson told USAE the association couldn’t provide a date that Schmidt would be leaving or when a new CEO might be identified. RCMA has begun the quest for its next leader, enlisting the services of SearchWide Global.
RCMA will celebrate Schmidt and his transformational accomplishments during EMERGE 2026 in Lexington this coming February. “It has been a remarkable joy to serve this association,” said Schmidt. “I’ve always believed that RCMA is more than an organization—it’s a community rooted in faith, service, and connection. I’m filled with gratitude as we enter this new season, and I’m confident that the values and relationships at the heart of RCMA will continPlease turn to page 6
The five hoteliers accused in alleged trafficking crimes, include: Kentakumar Chaudhari, 36, of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Rashmi Ajit Samani, 42, of Elkhorn; Amit Prahladbhai Chaudhari, 32, of Omaha; Amit (Matt) Babubhai Chaudhari, 33, of Omaha; and Maheshkumar Chaudhari, 38, of Norfolk, Nebraska. The children rescued from the properties were part of an alleged labor trafficking conspiracy “that involved
Inside
August marks the closing of tourism season in the Last Frontier State. Add in an international summit, and hotels are booked solid. What rooms were left in Anchorage, Alaska, at the time of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s August 15 summit to discuss the war in Ukraine were going for a premium at USAE press deadline. As of August 14, the Wildbirch Hotel, a boutique hotel in downtown Anchorage, had guest rooms available for a stay at the property on the night of August 15. Standard room rates for that night began at $1,215, but standard rates for the following Friday—exactly one week later—started at $478. “We don’t have massive room blocks going for the participants at the summit or anything like that,” Rachel Barinbaum, Vice President of the company that owns the Wildbirch Hotel in downtown Anchorage, told Anchorage Daily News. The property is not hosting any
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Jorge L. Pérez Tapped to Lead Discover Puerto Rico By Jonathan Trager
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Page 4 Conversation with Matt Johnson, Managing Director, Informa Connect Page 5 HSMAI Foundation Names Kristin Miodonski as Executive Director Page 6 Wholesaler-Distributors Association Sues Oregon for Recycling Mandate Page 7 Man on the Street Report: Jim Henderson Speaks about Anchorage Summit
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Jorge L. Pérez, CVE, MBA, who boasts more than 20 years of experience in management in the destination marketing, events, and entertainment industries, has been hired as the new CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, the organization announced on August 14. Pérez, CVE, MBA, will begin his role leading the marketing efforts for the island destination on September 15. Discover Puerto Rico will facilitate the transition over a three-month period, during which time Pérez will
also oversee collaboration between the destination organization and the management of properties intended for groups and conventions. “I welcome this challenge with great enthusiasm, recognizing the vital role of the DMO in developing the visitor economy and addressing the current challenges facing the industry,” said Pérez. “Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed a tourism renaissance, and Puerto Rico is uniquely positioned to solidify itself as a global-caliber destination. I am confident that, through Please turn to page 3