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THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWS OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

Steve Kolb Resigns from CFDA Following Runway Confrontation with PETA

Chicago Hotel Workers Vote to Authorize Strike By Jordan Bradley

By Todd McElwee Steve Kolb tendered his resignation on September 18 as CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), a position he held for 20 years. An Instagram video showed the 64-year-old physically confronting and restraining animal rights activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) during a runway show at New York Fashion Week. The New York Times, which includes the video from news site Fashionista, within its article, said Kolb is shown shoving and placing his hand over the mouth of Mason Melito, who described himself as a senior campaigner with PETA. “What happened was completely out of character for me, both personally and as a leader,” Kolb wrote in a statement printed by the Times. “Frankly, I don’t recognize that person.” He said he was “meeting with a professional” to ensure it would not Please turn to page 5

Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP, President & CEO, ASAE, speaks at the 2026 Summit Awards Dinner on September 22 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. During her remarks, she welcomed D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to the event.

Louisiana Approves Financing for New Orleans Convention Center Hotel By Jonathan Trager

A planned $600 million headquarters hotel next to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center cleared a major financing hurdle on September 17 when the Louisiana State Bond Commission unanimously approved key financial agreements for the project. The 27-story Omni hotel is planned for the former Sugar Mill site across from the convention center. The

project is expected to have about 1,000 rooms and could open in 2030. “State Bond Commission approval is a very significant win for Louisiana and moves the Omni Headquarters Hotel substantially closer to beginning construction,” said Jim Cook, President & CEO of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, according to Biz New Orleans. Under the agreements,

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Inside Page 3 Dallas Officials Review Financing for Convention Center Project Page 4 IMEX Debuts IMEX Masterclass Series Page 6 The Delight of Dining in Atlantic City Page 9 Scene at the 27th Annual Summit Awards Dinner

About 7,000 unionized hotel workers at more than 40 hotels in Chicago voted to authorize a strike amidst stalled contract negotiations. The union representing the workers, Unite Here Local 1, announced the strike authorization on September 21, noting that 85% of members voted in favor. Local 1 representatives say the union could call for a strike at any time. Workers are seeking wage increases, better healthcare benefits and pension plans, protection for civil rights, and safer workloads. More than 40 hotels, including hotels from every major brand portfolio, have been operating without contracts since August 31, the union said. “Tourism in Chicago is booming, all while inflation is increasing, and it’s affecting our hotel workers across the industry. They feel the weight anytime they go to the supermarket to buy food, or when they come home from work and are too tired to spend time with their family,” said Local 1 President Karen Kent. “Workers are ready to strike because they work too hard to live like this.” USAE reached out to the Illinois Please turn to page 3

AAHOA Heads to Capitol Hill for Annual Advocacy Day By Jordan Bradley Almost 200 staff and hotel members of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) traveled to Washington, D.C., on September 15–16 for an annual day of education and advocacy. The association’s 2026 National Leadership and Advocacy Conference “brought hotel owners from across the country” to Capitol Hill to advocate face-to-face with politicians for policies that directly affect hotels, AAHOA said.

During the advocacy portion on September 16, AAHOA members held almost 200 meetings with members of Congress, an association representative told USAE. AAHOA said the cohort of hoteliers focused on four legislative priorities, including increasing access to capital by increasing loan limits for small business loans, better protections from and reductions in “frivolous” lawsuits, establishing clear and consistent joint employer standards, and decreasing the monopoly on Please turn to page 4

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

HOTS A Matter of Inconvenience… A former 7-Eleven store in Seattle has a new schtick: it sells inconvenience. The store is actually a new interactive art experience, UPI reports, and features items such as pre-tangled USB cords, shoulder bags made of old chip bags, and a “landline iPhone” that only plays “Vertigo” by U2 when answered. According to the store’s organizers, the installation is “your favorite corner store, reimagined entirely by artists.” They added in a social media post: “Art is inherently inconvenient. In a society that reWEEKLY NEWS OF ASSOCIATIONS CVBs AND HOTELS

USAE

Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller

Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com Publisher James Heller james@usaenews.com Associate Publisher Todd McElwee todd@usaenews.com Managing Editor Jonathan Trager jon@usaenews.com Hotel Editor Jordan Bradley jordan@usaenews.com Creative Director Diane Nichols dkn@usaenews.com Marketing & Circulation Director Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com

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HOTS wards efficiency and mass production, artists do things the hard way.” The installation was created by artists Lilia Deering and Mary Anne Carter and was made possible by about 70 mostly-local artists and their contributions across 14 departments, UPI said. Items within the Inconvenience Store can be purchased for anywhere between $1 to $10,000. HOTS wonders how many passersby. Gogh into the installation in need of a real convenience store. g g g g g

HOTS Bandit Bootcamp… A Mississippi wildlife rescue is putting some of nature’s most notorious harassers—raccoons—through the ringer. In an effort to help orphaned baby raccoons, the woodside Wildlife Rescue has been putting its cohort of rescued raccoons through a literal bootcamp, the Associated Press reports, where participants learn to survive in the Mississippi wilderness. Raccoons that reach the rescue have often been orphaned by a storm or deadly encounter with traffic, so the boot camp—established by the rescue’s owner, Paula Woodside, in 2019—teaches the raccoon kits to dig

Earlier this month, Delta Air Lines’ Captain Mark Cokewell was joined on his final flight by daughter and flight attendant Bethany Wish. Cokewell has spent more than 40 years in commercial aviation. Here they are joined by his grandsons Jack and Finn.

for food, climb trees, swim, fish and hunt, skills that would have otherwise been taught to them by their mothers. Woodside told the outlet that she hopes the training helps kits released back into the wild to have a greater chance of survival. Woodside told AP that when a cohort of kits is ready to

“graduate” from the rescue, she and her team hold a ceremony, reading names off a scroll as “Pomp and Circumstance” play in the background. Which feels appropriate, as HOTS imagines there’s as much blood sweat in tears in the raccoon bootcamp as a senior year of high school.

Dallas Officials Review Financing for Convention Center Project

By Jonathan Trager

Officials in Dallas reviewed the financing plan for the $3.7 billion redevelopment of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, as new hotel development and hotel tax revenue emerged as key pieces of the project’s financial picture. The Dallas City Council’s Finance Committee on September 22 received an update on the master plan financing from Convention and Event Services Director Rosa Fleming, Assistant Director of Treasury Jenny Kerzman, and Hilltop Securities. The project-financing zone surrounding the convention center has generated $219 million to date, ac-

Strike

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Hotel and Lodging Association (IHLA) for comment but did not receive a response by press deadline. However, the association provided a statement to CBS News, noting that IHLA is “deeply concerned about the negative impact a work stoppage will have on employees, visitors, hotels, and the city as a whole.” In the statement, IHLA President and CEO Michael Jacobson said: “Chicago’s hotel industry supports tens of

cording to the information presented. Fleming told the committee collections are on track to exceed $100 million annually, enough to cover debt service on the convention center project. Twenty-one of 39 hotels under development in the zone are expected to open between 2027 and 2030. The revenue picture is becoming clearer as Dallas faces a major hotel room challenge. “Dallas needs 3,000 more hotel rooms adjacent to the new convention center,” said Visit Dallas President & CEO Craig Davis, according to news outlet WFAA. The Omni Dallas Hotel, which is adjacent to the convention center, has 1,001 rooms, making the additional

capacity roughly three times the size of the city-owned hotel. The convention center’s redevelopment is tied closely to hotel occupancy tax revenue, which can be used for tourism-related purposes under state law. Texas lawmakers were also examining the state’s hotel tax system on September 22, including whether communities should have greater flexibility in how the money is spent. The Finance Committee also reviewed a proposed short-term extension of the convention center’s management agreement with Global Spectrum. The City Council’s September 23 agenda calls for an extension through February 26, 2027, with compensation not to exceed $2.68 million.

thousands of jobs, welcomes millions of visitors each year, serves as an important economic driver for the city and state, and generates tax revenue that saves each Chicago household thousands of dollars. We are hopeful hotel operators and union representatives can reach a fair and mutually acceptable resolution that recognizes the important contributions of hotel employees while acknowledging the significant financial and operational pressures facing Chicago hotels.” The potential strike facing Chicago hotels dwarfs the last city-wide ho-

tel strike in 2018, which grew to 26 hotels, the union said. As a result of that strike, workers won year-round health care coverage for themselves and their families. According to CBS News, the 2018 strike saw customer complaints about dirty beds, long check-in lines and other issues at participating hotels. Jacobson noted in his statement that hoteliers at “the impacted hotels have robust contingency plans in place” and the 40-plus hotels currently “remain open for business and ready to welcome guests with open arms.”

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N E W S

SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

IMEX Debuts IMEX Masterclass Series By Todd McElwee The IMEX Masterclass series is a new pre-show program combining the expertise of IMEX’s senior sales and support teams with leading industry voices to help exhibitors attract buyers, more effectively employ tools and drive better, long-term business outcomes. The three-part, expert-led program has been designed in response to exhibitor feedback and sets to help maximize user’s investment in IMEX tradeshows (and others), including next month’s IMEX America, and achieve stronger results before, during and after events. “Exhibiting is a significant investment of time, budget and resources, so it’s understandable that exhibitors want to achieve the strongest possible return,” Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX

AAHOA

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credit card transaction routing. AAHOA members own 60% of hotels across the United States, according to AAHOA President and CEO Laure Lee Blake. “That gives our members a powerful voice in Washington, and this conference allows them to use it,” said Blake. “Our members came to share what they are seeing in their businesses, explain how federal policies affect their day-to-day operations, and make sure policymakers hear directly from the people running hotels on main streets across America.” As part of the event, attendees also heard from a slate of speakers on best approaches to advocacy and different policy initiatives on September 15, including: U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO), the lead sponsor of the Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity

Group. “Over many years, we’ve seen the exhibitors who gain the most value are those who understand how to leverage their trade show attendance to the max. That means making the most of our tools and systems, together with the advice of our friendly, highly experienced teams.” IMEX said the initiative combines bite-size practical guidance from members of its team with insights from respected experts in communication, sales, experience design and sustainability. Sharing their professional acumen are Mark Hunter, aka “The Sales Hunter”; communication expert Tracey Hirsch; experience design specialist Andrew Lacanienta; business strategist Meridith Eilliott Powell; and David Allison, a recognized authority in behavioral science. “From building visibility within the IMEX online platform and attracting for National Growth (STRONG) Act, which would double the maximum value threshold for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans; Teague Hunter, President and CEO of Hunter Advisors, who moderated a conversation on “Leading with Vision” with Mitch Patel, President and CEO of Vision Hospitality; and Chiling Tong, President and CEO of the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship, and Tine Wei Smith, former executive director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, who serve on the Congressional Commission on the National Asian Pacific American Museum. The evening ended with a Congressional reception, where attendees were able to speak with U.S. Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), and U.S. Rep. Derek Tran (D-CA).

U.S. Rep. Mark Aldford (R-MO) gave a keynote speech to AAHOA members on September 14 about the Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth (STRONG) Act.

the most relevant buyers, to creating memorable booth experiences and converting conversations into longterm business relationships, the series focuses on the skills and strategies that make the biggest difference to success,” IMEX said. The program is structured across three progressive levels. Level 1 shares essentials for helping exhibitors understand how IMEX’s buyer-led meetings model works. Users can learn how to optimize their online profile and prepare for the practicalities of exhibiting. Level 2 expands into broader communication and sales capabilities with established industry experts covering areas such as pre-show outreach, relationship building, sales conversations and lead conversion. IMEX said exhibitors can immediately apply what they’ve learned to IMEX America, and continue to do so at other events. Level 3 offers advanced learning focused on experience design and sustainability. It will explore how exhibitors can connect with attendees

in an engaging, accessible and memorable manner to deliver measurable business value. Bauer said: “The new IMEX Masterclass series is our way of sharing the knowledge, insights and best practices we’ve developed over 25 years. We want to help exhibitors approach the show with greater confidence, stand out in meaningful ways and ultimately achieve better business results that they can prove. With so many professionals having joined the industry in recent years, the series also reflects our commitment to lead the way by supporting exhibitors and exhibiting partners at every stage of their journey, helping them thrive and achieve long-term success.” IMEX noted the series forms part of its commitment to supporting exhibitors throughout the year. The new IMEX Masterclass series is self-serve and available to exhibitors through their IMEX account. IMEX America is October 13–15 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Find more information here.

New Orleans

significant private investment in our future and strengthens one of Louisiana’s most important economic engines,” Leger said. “New Orleans & Company strongly supports this project and the opportunity it creates to attract more business, more visitors and more economic opportunity to Louisiana.” Leger told USAE the Omni hotel would be the first of its magnitude to be developed in the city in more than 40 years. Other properties that have been essential to establishing New Orleans as a major meetings and conventions destination were built in the 1970s and 1980s, Leger noted. “This property is truly an evolution in the meetings, conference, and convention sector of our tourism economy,” Leger said to USAE. Leger added the commission’s approval was “really the final hurdle at the state level to this project moving forward successfully” and groundbreaking is expected to take place in the fall.

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the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority will commit up to $200 million toward the hotel. That includes an $80 million investment in the development, construction, and operation of the project and a guarantee of up to $120 million in tax incentives, according to the commission’s agenda and project documents. The commission also approved a 45-year agreement allowing certain taxes generated within the hotel subdistrict to be pledged to reimburse project costs and support hotel operations. The taxes include portions of hotel occupancy, food and beverage, and sales taxes. Walt Leger III, President & CEO of New Orleans & Company, called the approval “an important step forward for New Orleans and for Louisiana’s economy.” “The Omni project represents a

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Industry Movers

Ryan Gerace has joined Visit Atlantic City as its Marketing and Communications Manager. He brings more than eight years of experience and earned his Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from La Salle University. His new role at Visit Atlantic City is to be the key connector internally between marketing, communications, and sales departments. He will also be coordinating marketing support for meetings, conventions, and leisure initiatives.

Heidi Hallows is now Visit Loudoun’s Director of Sales. She will work alongside the CVB’s team and partners to grow meetings and group business throughout Loudoun County, Virginia. Hallows joins Visit Loudoun from Choose Chicago, where she served as director of sales for the eastern region. She also spent more than 17 years in the hotel industry, including senior sales roles with the Marriott St. Louis Grand.

AI-Native Hotel Management Company Launches Testing Agents at Three Hotels

By Jordan Bradley A new Dallas-based hospitality management company, AI Hospitality Group (AIHG), is looking to address industry gaps utilizing AI agents to handle back-office work in hotels. The hotel operating company manages hotels by combining more than 60 AI agents that run operations behind the scenes—such as recruiting, accounting, revenue management and marketing—alongside a human team managing front of house operations—such as front desk agents, housekeeping and food & beverage operations. AIHG self-describes as “AI-native,” meaning it was built with AI in the framework, instead of adding AI after the company was operational, something that sets it apart from many hotel management companies today, according to its founder. “AIHG isn’t another vendor selling a dashboard,” said Sloan Dean, founder and President of AIHG. “We sign the management agreement, take responsibility for the [profit and loss], and deliver the outcome. AI runs the back office so humans can run the guest experience.” The management company “uses its proprietary technology to improve hotel operations and expand margins,” which leads to increased gross operating profits and net operating income.

At the time of the launch announcement on September 21, AIHG had partnered with two hotel companies to pilot the program at three hotels: The Ameswell Hotel, a 255-room independent hotel in Mountain View, California, and two hotels in Parable Hospitality’s portfolio of hotels, which include more than 30 independent, lifestyle, soft-branded and branded hotels in California and Hawaii. AIHG said three agents will be tested on key performance indicators, including time-to-hire reduction, RFP response speed and revenue forecast accuracy, and that the testing will happen “in the two environments that matter most—a single independent hotel and an established multi-property, multi-brand operating company.” “What Sloan and the AIHG team are building is a refreshed operating model the industry has been waiting for,” said Simone Harms, Managing Director of the Ameswell Hotel and executive advisor for AIHG. “This is a real partnership between Management Company, Hotel and Technology—AI doing the work that doesn’t belong in front of a guest, so our team can be fully present for the work that does.” Scott Roby, President of Parable Hospitality, said the hospitality company was built “around performance, accountability and trust” and those principles mean the company is willing Please turn to page 8

Laura Alexander has been promoted to Vice President of Rupp Arena, Central Bank Center, Lexington Opera House and the OVG Concert Series at Gatton Park in Lexington, Kentucky, by Oak View Group (OVG). She’s currently Assistant General Manager and will oversee operations across the Lexington venue portfolio, including event management, sales and marketing, facility operations, guest experience, financial performance and booking activity. Her appointment is effective October 3.

Kolb Resigns

Joey Woofter has been named Managing Director of The Laylow Waikiki. Throughout his career, Woofter has held leadership roles across various luxury hotel brands. He began his career with Hyatt, gaining experience in front office and housekeeping at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. He held multiple leadership positions across several brands before joining Turtle Bay Resort, where he helped in the property’s transformation. He attended Hawai‘i Pacific University. See more Industry Movers

world. It showed a fashion executive pinning one supporter to the floor, wrapping a leg around her, and covercontinued from page 1 ing her mouth and nose as she called happen again. The incident took place at a Septem- out wool’s cruelty,” he said. “When ber 13 event for Cos, a contemporary I kept filming and speaking up for fashion brand owned by H&M. CFDA sheep, he shoved me, grabbed me, and placed Kolb on leave the following day, covered my face with his hand. The irony was impossible to miss: We came the Times said. “As the demonstrators began to expose violence against sheep, screaming to get sheep’s wool off and fashion answered with violence the runway, Kolb rose from his seat against the people defending them.” He also explained the rationale for by a wall of windows and physically restrained at least two of the activists, the Cos protest. “PETA Asia’s first-ever investigation wrestling one to the ground and covinto a NATIVA-certiering her mouth,” the Times said. “The farm sold wool fied wool operation found workers kick“Steven Kolb has through a broker that ing and stomping been a dedicated leader and tireless champion supplies H&M Group on sheep, dragging lambs by their legs, of American fashion with misleadingly and leaving sheep throughout his more labeled “responsibly” with gaping shearing than two decades at the CFDA, including fifteen sourced wool. COS is wounds,” he said. farm sold wool years as CEO,” CFDA owned by H&M Group.” “The through a broker said in an Instagram that supplies H&M post following Kolb’s resignation. “We respect Steven’s de- Group with misleadingly labeled cision to step down and are grateful “responsibly” sourced wool. COS is for his many years of leadership and owned by H&M Group.” “None of this would have happened service to the CFDA and our industry. He leaves the organization well posi- at the COS show if H&M had, as PETA tioned, with a clear mission and dedi- requested so many times, taken action cated team, to carry out the important to avoid extreme violence to animals work ahead as we look to the future of exploited for clothing,” a PETA spokesperson told USAE. “We will still be American fashion.” CFDA had not named an interim meeting with Mr. Kolb, and hopefully others in the industry will meet and CEO as of September 23. In a September 16 post on PETA’s take meaningful steps to stop this website entitled, “I Was Assaulted at epidemic of cruelty to animals for New York Fashion Week for Speaking nothing more than a look.” USAE’s requests for comment from Up for Sheep,” Melito said: “Video of the protest quickly spread around the CFDA were not met by press deadline.

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By Todd McElwee There are many reasons to visit Atlantic City. Perhaps you enjoy riding the waves, which I do. Perhaps you enjoy placing a wager on professional sports, which I also do (but never while riding the waves). Waves and wagering alone would bring me back to Atlantic City, but something else has added to the town’s allure—the food! It’s a warm, early September evening, and I’m sitting at Nobu at Caesars Palace Atlantic City staring at the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. A5 Wagyu, the latest course of an indescribably delicious meal, is on my plate. An ideally poured Kirin Light has just been placed at my seat. And that’s when hit me: Atlantic City is an amazing place to eat! I was in Atlantic City for a media experience hosted by Visit Atlantic City and Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events. I knew about the town’s premier meetings and hospitality portfolio, but the international variety of cuisine in Atlantic City came as a surprise. Imagine you’re on a life-sized Monopoly Board. You’re scooting around, not in a top hat or thimble, but in a Jitney, an often whimsically decorated shuttle bus, and instead of paying rent, you are having a meal befitting the regalness of Park Place or Boardwalk on every space you land. That was my Atlantic City dining experience.

Nobu features traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients. Cardinal is on the Orange Loop and offers New American fare. Sitar at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City showcases India’s culinary heritage with Nuso Cucina delivering a fresh take on Italian dining with coastal charm. Ocean Casino & Resort’s Chez Frites is a French bistro on the Jersey Shore, with Bar 32 Chocolate & Cocktails, a delectable beans to bar chocolatier and cocktail bar. Tropicana Atlantic City’s il Verdi has offered authentic Italian cuisine for more than 40 years, though we had breakfast there. That assorted global selection is

SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

The Delight of Dining in Atlantic City

available within a compact area. And, to use a cliché, no passport required. Originally, my goal was to create a journal of my meals, most of which would be penned in real time at the restaurant on my phone. Two problems. One, I cannot properly describe food; my descriptions are rudimentary and clumsy, neither sophisticated nor expansive nor insightful. Two, I was too busy eating to take notes. Thus, this became what you’re reading now and not a plate-by-plate memoir of my trip. Honestly, I cannot recall everything I ate, but select dishes from the trip illustrate the global diversity of Atlantic City dining. They include the grilled peach & prosciutto with stracciatella, arugula, honey and black pepper (Cardinal), cacio pepe (Nuso Cucina), goat curry (Sitar), mussels mariniéres (Chez Frites), small batch 40% milk chocolate bar (Bar 32) and an egg, feta, mushroom and spinach omelet at il Verdi. I also had a terrific blond beer at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, but cannot remember its name…I only had one, really. Again, I’m incapable of giving these dishes their proper due. Every meal was delicious, let’s leave it at that. The quality and variety of Atlantic City’s cuisine is augmented by the ambiance of its eateries. Nobu, Sitar and il Verdi sit on the ocean’s doorstep, and they are thoughtfully designed to showcase the sea. Sublime. Honestly, despite the food and the company, I found myself wanting to sneak off before dessert and wade into the surf. I did before dinner one evening, taking my boogie board, which is still in my car because you never know, for a few rides near Ocean Casino & Resort. And, while we’re on views, those of the ocean, city and wetlands as seen from the floor to ceiling windows of

my Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City’s Waterfront Tower suite were captivating and the perfect backdrop for a morning coffee or an afternoon beer. It was the type of room that led me to call my wife, Angela, and say, “you should see where I am.” Off the beach, Cardinal, Nuso Cucina, Sitar, Chez Frites, Bar 32 and Tennessee Beer Hall were all utterly charming and, akin to their respective cuisines, distinctly unique. Cardinal blends industrial and old fashioned décor, with lots of cardinals, into a vibe I imagine is as welcoming to someone in a three-piece suit as someone in a bathing suit. Nuso Cucina is pure laidback, coastal Italian charm and a place I’d enjoy on a breezy afternoon. Sitar features onyx marble, pearl-string chandeliers, Mughal arch alcoves, and art that transports guests to the subcontinent. Chez Frites combines Parisian flair with mega casino/resort energy with Bar 32 rich, atmospheric, and a showcase of music and art. Tennessee Beer Hall is what you want a sports bar at the beach to be with TVs everywhere and zero pretentiousness. My final meal of the trip was the Blue Zones Breakfast—prepared by

Chef Louis Heckel, Banquet Chef, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, and served in a handsomely-appointed 45th floor suite at the property. The breakfast was inspired by Blue Zones, a select few regions of the world where people live exceptionally longer and healthy lives, and featured fresh, nourishing local ingredients. My favorite course was the roasted eggplant and green onion frittata with Jersey tomatoes, garbanzo and tahini puree. Fine, you caught me in a lie, as actually my favorite selection was the chocolate chip cookies, made with sea salt and extra virgin olive oil. Thankfully, there were leftovers on the table and I brought some home for my family. Thank you to Visit Atlantic City and Caesars Entertainment for including me on this wonderful experience. Now that I’m finished writing, there’s Bar 32 bar calling my name.

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SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

N E W S By Jonathan Trager

Melanie Granado Named General Manager of Caney Pines Convention Center

Melanie Granado, CMP, CVP, has been appointed General Manager of the Caney Pines Convention Center in Texas, a more than 200,000-squarefoot facility scheduled to open in December. The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) and Oak View Group (OVG) announced Granado’s appointment on September 17. The facility is located in the Valley Ranch Entertainment District. “The convention center will be a true catalyst for connection and growth throughout the region,” Granado said. Granado is relocating to New Caney from the OVG-managed Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi, where she most recently served as assistant general manager. Granado previously served as OVG Hospitality general manager and vice president of convention center sales and operations. Before joining OVG, Granado was

SITE Southeast Hosting Sustainability with Sandals in St. Lucia… Looking at how events can create meaningful experiences through sustainability, SITE Southeast is hosting Sustainability with Sandals from October 1–4 at Sandals Grande St. Lucian in St. Lucia. “Designed for planners and suppliers alike, this immersive program explores how sustainability, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and memorable guest experiences can work together to create meaningful impact,” organizers said. “Through hands-on experiences, destination exploration,

AI-Native

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to test new technology in the pursuit of “what actually moves the needle for owners.” Roby added: “What interests us about AIHG is that they’re not asking us to change our systems or our teams. The agents do the back-office work, our people stay focused on the guest, and the results show up in the [profits and losses] where owners can see them.” Prior to launching AIHG, Dean served as CEO of Remington hospi-

sales manager for Visit Corpus Christi and director of sales at Ortiz Center. During her time at Hilliard Center, Granado led the hospitality team in creating the Community Incubator Program, an initiative designed to create opportunities and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs. “Melanie is an outstanding, results-driven professional with tremendous experience in convention sales, hospitality and strategic planning,” said Greg O’Dell, President of Venue Management for OVG. “She continues to demonstrate her ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive revenue growth and create meaningful opportunities for the communities she serves.” Frank McCrady, President & CEO of EMCID, said the district looks forward to working with Granado as preparations for the center’s opening continue. “This project is about building lasting opportunity for the community, and we’re grateful to partner with Oak

View Group as we prepare to welcome the world to New Caney and East Montgomery County,” McCrady said. The facility’s exhibition hall can

Around Associations

and conversations with local partners, you’ll gain practical insights and fresh perspectives that can be applied to future programs and partnerships.” SITE Southeast continued: “Along the way, you’ll experience the beauty, culture, and hospitality of St. Lucia while connecting with fellow SITE members and industry colleagues in a collaborative learning environment. This event is open to any SITE chapter or prospective SITE member.” Find more information here . Roger Whyte to Receive NBAA’s Doswell Award… The National B u s i n e s s Av i at i o n A s s o c i at i o n

tality for eight years. He is joined by co-founder and chief technology officer Kishan Dahya, “a third-generation hotelier who grew up watching his family run Marriott-, Hyatt-, and Hilton-branded properties,” AIHG said. Eve Moore takes the role of COO, overseeing general managers and on-property operations “that stay fully human under the model,” AIHG said. As part of the role, Moore is responsible for delegating work to AI agents and human employees. Prior to AIHG, Moore held the role of EVP of Operations at Magna Hospitality.

(NBAA) will honor business aviation leader, former industry executive and advocate Roger Whyte with the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award at the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), Las Vegas, October 20–22. Whyte held executive positions at Cessna Aircraft Company (now part of Textron Aviation) and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. He’s also served on the NBAA Board of Directors, including as Chairman of the NBAA Advisory Council, and Chair of the Nominating Committee. “Roger Whyte reflects the very best of business aviation, including vision, integrity, service and a deep commitment to advancing the global industry,” said Ed Bolen, President & CEO, NBAA. “Across decades of leadership, Roger has helped expand the reach of business aviation around the world, while also giving generously of his time and expertise to strengthen the organizations that support it.” Whyte was founding member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) and served as Chairman of the Board for the Central Europe Private Aviation Association (CEPA). He helped expand business aviation across China and the Asia-Pacific, including through the development

accommodate more than 6,000 attendees and can be divided into as many as seven smaller rooms. Event bookings for 2027 are underway.

of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) and served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Named for the former director of flight operations at FlightSafety International and Chair of NBAA’s Airspace/Air Traffic Committee, the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award honors lifelong individual achievement on behalf and in support of the aims, goals and objectives of business aviation. “Roger has been a trusted voice, a thoughtful leader and a passionate advocate for business aviation,” Bolen concluded. “We are pleased to honor his decades-long commitment, service and legacy with the Doswell Award.” PCMA Mix and Bowl Coming September 30…. The PCMA Gulf States Chapter’s Mix and Bowl is September 30 at Pinstack, Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. The chapter said: “This event is always a highlight of the year – so reserve a lane today then gather your team and get ready to strike up some fun! Be sure to visit the Silent Auction and place your bids on fabulous items. We’ll see you there but will spare you the bowling puns.” Find more information here .

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Scene at the 27th Annual Summit Awards Dinner

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Checking Inn The Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown is getting ready to host a spook-tacular event on October 29 at the luxury hotel’s courtyard: the 15th Annual Howl-O-Ween. The event includes doggie treats for all participating canines, Halloween-themed cocktails and tasty treats for humans and a menu of “puptails” for fourlegged guests, Fairmont officials said. As part of the festivities, a panel of local celebrity guests will judge costume contest competitors. The panel will crown winners in four main categories: most creative, most adorable, funniest and honorable mentions. Find registration and event details here. The Hilton Garden Inn Hartford South/Glastonbury in Connecticut announced on September 17 the debut of a comprehensive property renovation that encompassed the hotel’s 150 guest rooms, reimagined its public spaces, and upgraded its dining and meeting facilities. “This renovation marks an excit-

ing new chapter for our hotel,” said Krystal Rivera, General Manager of the hotel. “Every enhancement was thoughtfully designed to create a more comfortable, connected, and welcoming experience for our guests. Whether they’re visiting for business, a weekend getaway, or a special event, we want every stay to feel effortless from arrival through departure.” Find more information here. IHG Hotels & Resorts launched on September 21 a new partnership with content creator and red carpet host Amelia Dimoldenberg for a new campaign, “When the Host Needs Hosting.” The global, social-first campaign focuses on “the people who are always looking after everyone else” and aims to give them “the chance to sit back, switch off and be hosted for once,” IHG said. The campaign is the result

of a recent survey conducted by IHG that found that 67% of Americans “say they are often or always the person responsible for caring for others, organizing plans or making sure everyone is having a good time.” “I love being a host, but I equally as much enjoy being hosted!” Dimoldenberg said. “I know that I can always count on IHG for the perfect stay, one

where I can switch off and let someone else handle the planning for a change.” Find more information on the “Hosted Like a Host” campaign here. The Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton in Connecticut announced the completion of a renovation of its 128 guest suites on September 17. The property’s suites were “thoughtfully designed for longer stays,” operators said, and feature separate living and sleeping areas, fully-equipped kitchens, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and more. “Whether guests are visiting for business, an extended assignment, or a family vacation along Connecticut’s coastline, we wanted every space to feel warm, comfortable, and connected to the destination,” said Carmen Nunez, General Manager of Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic Groton. “This renovation allows us to deliver the comforts of home while creating an even better experience for guests exploring everything Mystic has to offer.” Find more here.

CVB Update The Atlanta CVB (ACVB) will recognize four individuals during the 27th annual Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame ceremony on November 19 at Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The event will honor Camille Russell Love, Jim Sprouse, Dexter Warrior and Mark Zimmerman. “The dedication and contributions

of these four inductees have helped shape Atlanta into a world-class city for both visitors and locals alike,” said William Pate, President & CEO, ACVB. “We are proud to recognize their achievements by welcoming them into the 2026 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame.” Love served as executive director

40+ years of industry expertise in every issue of

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of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office (SDTA) has debuted “Pick Your Perk,” of Cultural Affairs until her retire- a new initiative that invites meeting ment in 2024. Sprouse led Georgia professionals to host their first meetHotel & Lodging Association (GHLA) ings of 2027 in sunny San Diego. Hosting meetings in San Diego as president and CEO for more than two decades. Warrior served as chief guarantees that organizations start operating officer and managing part- 2027 in a positive, collaborative, and ner at commercial real estate firm T. inspired place. San Diego’s temperate Dallas Smith & Company since 2010. weather allows winter meetings to Zimmerman served as general shift traditional indoor agendas outside, with beachfront manager of Georgia brainstorming sesWorld Congress CenThrough “Pick Your sions, rooftop recepter (GWCC) from 2004 Perk,” participating tions, and wellness until his retirement in 2016. San Diego hotels are experiences to help attendees recharge. In addition to honoffering exclusive Through “Pick Your oring the 2026 Hosupgrades for meeting Perk,” participating pitality Hall of Fame San Diego hotels are inductees, ACVB will planners who book offering exclusive uppresent the Spurgeon a qualifying group grades for meeting Richardson Member planners who book of the Year Award to meeting between qualifying group Rocket Farm RestauJanuary and April 2027. ameeting between Janrants and the Volunteer of the Year Award More than 30 hotels are uary and April 2027. More than 30 hotels to Grier Donald, Presalready on board. are already on board. ident and founder, “Finding this level Spirited Event Group. Atlanta Business Chronicle, The of venue availability and competitive Coca-Cola Company, and Delta Air booking incentives at this time of year Lines serve as presenting sponsors is rare,” said Kavin Schieferdecker, for this year’s Hospitality Hall of Chief Sales Officer at the SDTA. “Starting 2027 in San Diego allows Fame. Purchase individual tickets or ta- organizations to leverage our inspiring spaces to set a positive tone for bles here. The San Diego Tourism Authority the entire year.”

BIG THINGS ARE

HAPPENING Expanded CHI HEALTH CENTER & AREna

Omaha is building an experience. CHI Health Center Omaha is making big moves, expanding to 420,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with sweeping views of the Missouri River and attendee-friendly amenities (like coffee that costs less than $50 a gallon). A billion-dollar airport expansion will elevate the passenger experience, just four miles from CHI Health Center Omaha, getting attendees from runway to meeting room in minutes. And Omaha keeps building: A modern streetcar will connect attendees to vibrant, walkable neighborhoods in 2028. These developments enhance an already impressive lineup, including the nation’s No. 1 zoo, a world-acclaimed art museum and 72 acres of riverfront parks in a safe, well-connected downtown – all within easy reach of the convention district.

Welcome to Omaha. A city built for meetings. Contact Visit Omaha and plan a site visit. Need to relax? Visit booth C4171 at IMEX America for a free massage and a look at Omaha’s $9B transformation.

VisitOmaha.com/Meetings

Visit us at IMEX America!

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Where Waterfront Meets World Class.

Elevate your next event at the Tampa Convention Center. Seamlessly connecting 600,000 square feet of flexible space with a vibrant, walkable district in Downtown Tampa, Florida. Where your receptions flow onto the Riverwalk and technology enhances authentic experiences. This is where business thrives, by design.

Plan your next event now:

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