Representatives from Hilton, the Savannah-Georgia Convention Center Authority (SGCCA), and Savannah city officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah hotel on October 8. The hotel is expected to open in mid-2028. Left to right: Mark Smith, Chairman, SGCCA; Joe Marinelli, SGCCA Board Member; Bert Brantley, SGCCA Board Member; Georgia State Rep. Ron Stephens; Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson II; Doug Songy, Chairman and Co-founder, Songy Highroads; Gary Steffen, Sr. Vice President & Global Category Head, Hilton; Doug Gehret, Sr. Vice President of U.S. and Canada Operations, Hilton; Kelvin Moore, General Manager, Savannah Convention Center; and Kevin Duvall, CEO, Georgia World Congress Center Authority. Photo credit: Gray Focus Media
Following String of Hotelier Murders, AAHOA Calls for National Response
By Jordan Bradley
Three hoteliers of Indian origin were killed within 72 hours earlier this month, prompting the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) to call for a national response.
“The Asian American Hotel Owners Association is highly alarmed and deeply impacted by a disturbing surge of deadly violence targeting hotel owners,” the association said.
On October 2, Pankaj Patel and
Anilkumar “Anil” Patel were shot and killed around 1:30 p.m. at the Lamplighter Inn in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to local authorities. Paramedics pronounced one of the victims dead at the scene, while the other was rushed to a local hospital, where he also died.
Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported that a suspect, Alvaro Luis Ozuna-Sierra, had been found and arrested in Port St. Lucie, Florida on October 3.
Representatives Introduce Legislation to Curb ADA Tester Lawsuits
Garners Support from Industry Stakeholders
By Jordan Bradley
The Asian American Hotel and Lodging Association (AAHOA) expressed its support of a bill introduced in the House of Represe tatives in late September that would curb Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “tester” lawsuits against hotels.
The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2025 would reform tort law and mandate sanctions for “frivolous” lawsuits, according to the bill’s co-sponsor, Rep.
Mike Collins (R-GA). Tester lawsuits are submitted by individuals with disabilities who do not intend to be patrons of a business but who seek to identify ADA violations.
In addition to mandated sanctions, the proposed legislation would remove the 21-day delay for filing sanctions if the challenged pleading is withdrawn or corrected, which would allow for immediate filing of a motion for sanctions;
Local outlet Wise News Network reported that officers with the CMPD said a contractor working at the motel argued with Pankaj before the incident. After the argument, the contractor left the scene, but returned and shot Pankaj seven times, and Anil, who had just arrived, twice.
In another incident on October 3 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rakesh Ehagaban, manager of the Pittsburgh Motel, was shot and killed. Pittsburgh Please turn to page 3
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Hilton Launches Its 25th Brand, Outset Collection
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PCMA’s Convening EMEA Coming to Rotterdam
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Judge Allows Computer & Communications Industry Association Lawsuit vs. Florida to Continue
OCTOBER 13, 2025
Houston Convention Center Workers Vote to Authorize Strike
By Jonathan Trager
Unionized workers at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston voted on October 8 to authorize a strike for higher wages and more consistent workloads.
As a result, Unite Here Local 23 could call for members to join the hundreds workers at the nearby Hilton Americas-Houston, the city’s largest hotel, who have been striking for more than a month. The union represents about 100 food service workers at the convention center employed by Levy Premium Food Service.
Workers have demanded a $23 minimum wage, which is $7 more than the lowest paid Levy worker at the convention center. Union leaders previously rejected Hilton’s counteroffer of a $17.50 wage with incremental increases over time, according to the Houston Chronicle
“By taking this vote today, the convention center workers are sending a clear message to Levy and Houston First that they are prepared to fight for livable wages,” said Franchesca Caraballo, Texas Chapter President of Unite Here Local 23. “Houston is
ASAE Research Foundation, MPI Foundation Studying Neurodiversity in Associations
By Todd McElwee
The ASAE Research Foundation in partnership with the MPI Foundation is pursuing a study on neurodiversity within the association community.
The work is being conducted in collaboration with Burson, a prominent research firm, and The Neu Project, a neurodivergent-owned and operated organization. Researchers said this work explores how associations are implementing neuroinclusive practices in their workplaces and
events, with the goal of helping leaders and event professionals better understand and support neurodivergent individuals.
“Associations are in the business of bringing people together to solve problems, share knowledge, and advance their missions,” said Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE. “Ensuring those experiences are inclusive of neurodivergent participants strengthens our entire community. This groundbreaking research with MPI will
Hilton Launches Its 25th Brand, Outset Collection
By Jordan Bradley
Hilton is getting ready to welcome guests who are “looking for soulful, independent hotel experiences” with an October 6 announcement of Outset Collection by Hilton.
The newest brand in Hilton’s lifestyle collection, Outset will provide guests with boutique hotels that prioritize their independent identities and offer unique experiences, Hilton said. Outset Collection hotels will begin accepting bookings for properties in the United States this November and will open later this year.
Part of the collection’s ethos is flexibility for owners. Food and beverage programs will be unique to each hotel and its respective market, thereby varying across the brand “based on market demand, guest sentiment or hotel experience, ranging from cafes with light bites to full lunch and din-
By Todd McElwee
ner concepts,” Hilton said.
“Independent hotels thrive when they can preserve their unique character while tapping into the power of a global hospitality leader,” said Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services for Hilton. “With Outset Collection, we are offering owners the flexibility they want without compromising on quality. By combining one-of-a-kind properties with Hilton’s powerful commercial engine and commitment to exceptional product, service, and technology, we’re elevating our value proposition across the board.”
Hilton said the Outset Collection will have more than 60 hotels in development, including “a basecamp for exploration in Moab and a boutique hotel in Chicago.”
The company also said it expects “long-term growth potential of more than 500 hotels across the United
States and Canada alone” for the Outset Collection brand.
“At Hilton, we continue to reimagine what’s next in hospitality, and today, we’re delivering it. Outset Collection is an expression of our commitment to growth, innoPvation and meeting the evolving needs of
travelers around the world,” said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton. “By expanding our Lifestyle portfolio, we are broadening the ways guests engage with Hilton and unlocking new possibilities for our owners, our teams and the communities we serve.”
PCMA Institute Introduced at IMEX America
Representing the association’s “enhanced focus on professional development,” the PCMA Institute was introduced on October 8 during IMEX America in Las Vegas.
Formerly the Event Leadership Institute, the PCMA Institute will offer two new educational initiatives in early 2026: Executive Leadership Fellowship and Business Events Strategist (BES) Certification.
Neil Brownlee, PCMA Chair and Visit Scotland’s Head of Business Events and Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA, unveiled the programs and also offered insights into the alignment of Destinaitor—the AI-powered platform developed in partnership with dFakto and supported by data partners Tempest and Simpleview—with destinations and venues.
“These programs reflect PCMA’s commitment to empower the global business events community with the
tools, insights, and recognition to lead with purpose, confidence, and strategic vision,” said Karamat. “We are investing in the leaders who will shape the future of business events and redefine what meaningful impact looks like across industries and societies.”
PCMA said the Executive Leadership Fellowship is a first-of-its-kind, mini-MBA style program designed for directors, vice presidents, and senior leaders with 10-plus years of experience and C-suite aspirations.
This six-month to nine-month program will focus on applied learning through case studies and collaborative working sessions, rather than through traditional lectures. Applications open at Convening Leaders 2026, with only 25 participants selected for the inaugural cohort.
The Business Events Strategist (BES) Certification represents the global business events community’s first designation recognizing strategic excellence beyond traditional CMP/ CMM credentials, organizers said.
This certification, designed for professionals with more than seven years of experience, recognizes advanced expertise, contribution, and impact, without a course component. It will also launch at Convening Leaders with a point-based qualification and capstone project.
Karamat also announced the forthcoming Volume 7 of the Professional Meetings Management (PMM) textbook, last updated in 2015. This edition will address the community’s transformation over the past decade and serves multiple audiences, from students and faculty to convention services managers and professionals seeking modern best practices. The PCMA Foundation made this update possible with the new edition available digitally and in print this December.
Brownlee delivered an update on Destinaitor, which is designed to transform how business events strategists identify and select destinations and venues worldwide.
Destinaitor integrates advanced large language models (LLMs) to curate, analyze, and match destination and venue information. Only participating entities can manage and update their respective data, and these verified partners are clearly labeled to assure users of accuracy and reliability.
“Business events strategists have long faced the challenge of navigating scattered, inconsistent information when planning future meetings and conferences,” said Brownlee. “With Destinaitor, PCMA is bringing clarity, accuracy, and efficiency to destination sourcing through AI and verified data partnerships.”
Introduced to the global events community within the last three months, six partners have subscribed to Destinaitor, including Alliant Energy Center (Madison, WI) Discover Kalamazoo, Visit Bellevue Washington, Visit Kansas City, Nashville’s Music City Center and Quebec City.
Find more information at pcma.org
U.S. Travel Projects Rise in Domestic Travel, Dip in International Visitation
By Todd McElwee
U.S. Travel Association is reporting its U.S. Travel Fall 2025 update forecasts slower growth for travel in 2025 but higher growth rates in 2026 and beyond.
For 2025, total U.S. travel spending is projected to grow 1.1% to $1.35 trillion and will reach $1.49 trillion by 2029. Inbound international visits
are projected to decrease 6.3% from 72.4 million in 2024 to 67.9 million in 2025.
Domestically, the continued strength of American consumers contributes by far the largest component of U.S. travel spending. Domestic leisure travel is forecasted to grow 1.9% to $895 billion in 2025. U.S. Travel noted consumer sentiment shows concern about inflation and
general economic conditions but added Americans continued to prioritize travel.
Travel to the nation is projected to fall to 85% of 2019 levels in 2025. Total inbound travel spending is forecast to fall 3.2% to $173 billion for the year. U.S. Travel said significantly fewer visits from Canada is the primary driver of this decrease, and the volume of visits from other countries
are expected to be flat. The travel trade deficit for 2025 is tracking to reach nearly $70 billion.
U.S. Travel noted mega events such as the FIFA 2026 World Cup, America’s 250th Anniversary, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and more on the horizon. International visits are forecast to resume growth in 2026 with 70.4 million visits and Please turn to page 6
HOTS Buffalo Beauty Pageant… Farmers and their water buffalo gathered in Chonburi, Thailand—a city about an hour outside Bangkok—for the annual water buffalo racing and beauty competition on October 6, the Associated Press reports. The competition was part of a festival held at the end of the 11th lunar month to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. The festival kicked off with a parade, which featured traditional dancers and water buffalos decorated with massive flower crowns pulling traditional wooden carriages. The event also included buffalo
USAE
Publisher & Executive Editor 1982 – 2021 Anne Daly Heller
Publisher-Emeritus Ross E. Heller ross@usaenews.com
Publisher James Heller james@usaenews.com
Creative Director Diane Nichols dkn@usaenews.com
Managing Editor Jonathan Trager jon@usaenews.com
Associate Publisher And Association Editor Todd McElwee todd@usaenews.com
Marketing & Circulation Director Christy Pumphrey christy@usaenews.com
Senior Vice President George Roman george@georgeromanmedia.com
HOTS HOTS
races, with their owners riding them in relay-style races. Water buffaloes, with their easy demeanors and strong bodies, held a significant place in Thailand’s agricultural history, according to AP, until farm machinery outpaced the gentle giants. “Although buffaloes can still work in the field, they cannot compete with machines,” said farmer Thawatchai Daeng-Ngam, whose buffalo Tod was competing in his first beauty pageant. “Buffaloes are still important to me. It’s like what they said: ‘People raise buffaloes, and buffaloes raise people.’ It’s like a family member.’” In recent years, water buffalo have gained more popularity, especially with the continuation of the annual harvesting festival, AP reports. HOTS wonders: How much blush it takes for a buffalo to win a beauty pageant?
HOTS Button Legacy… The son of a deceased South Carolina man known as the Button King has kept his father’s quirky legacy alive almost a decade after his death, the Associated Press reports. J.D. Stevens runs the S.C. Button Museum in Lee County, showcasing a truly wild collection of—you guessed it—buttons and upholding his father Dalton Stevens’ legacy as a folk artist and entertainer. Dalton first became fixated on buttons after
her retired in 1983, AP reports. In a bought of existential insomnia, Dalton began sewing buttons onto a denim suit, eventually attaching 16,333 of the findings. After he finished the suit—which was completely covered in buttons, except for the butt and back of the thighs—Dalton garnered some local media attention. Eventually, he caught the attention of talk show host
Johnny Carson, appearing on the show in 1987. After an impressive career as a folk artist, Dalton stored his pieces in a shed on family land, and opened it to the public 24/7. J.D. has kept the museum alive since his father died in 2016. Included in the collection are the original button suit, a piano, and even a Chevrolet Chevette. HOTS thinks this legacy is cute as a—well… you know…
Travel Associations Decry Government Shutdown
By Jordan Bradley
Ahead of the shutdown of the U.S. Government on October 1, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) released a statement calling on lawmakers to reach consensus in order to avoid unnecessary strain on the travel industry.
In a late evening post on social media platform X on September 30, the association said it “urges Congress to quickly come to an agreement to fund the government and restore the services that support the traveling public and the millions of people who work in
Hotelier Murders
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authorities said that security footage captured the shooting at the motel.
According to official reports, Ehagaban had heard commotion outside the motel around 1 p.m. and went to check on a guest, Stanley West. The man had reportedly just shot a woman who fled the scene and was making his way across the motel’s parking lot when Ehagaban approached and asked if he was all right.
West, who witnesses reportedly said was staying in room 19 at the motel, allegedly then shot Ehagaban in the
travel-related professions.”
In the plea to lawmakers, the AHLA said the hotel industry is “deeply concerned” about the impacts of a government shutdown, especially on the country’s workforce, the tourism sector and the national economy.
“Government shutdowns result in delayed travel operations and services, closed national parks, and weakened traveler confidence, leading to cancellations and postponements that threaten workers’ jobs and cost the sector and the broader economy billions,” AHLA said.
In an October 8 release, the U.S.
head before fleeing the scene.
According to the criminal complaint, West later opened fire on police officers at another scene, injuring a Pittsburgh police detective and sustaining a gunshot wound himself. West was last reported to be in critical condition.
Prior to that, in late September, a Dallas hotel manager named Chandra Nagamallaiah was brutally attacked and beheaded with a machete. The suspect, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, is in custody.
AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh Patel extended his and the association’s condolences to the families of the victims, and noted that the victims were “not just statistics—these are
Travel Association echoed the same sentiment, estimating the country’s travel economy was losing around $1 billion each week of the shutdown.
“This shutdown is doing real, irreversible damage,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of U.S. Travel.
“Travelers are facing longer TSA lines and flight delays. Airports are reducing flights and we’ve seen entire control towers go dark. The longer this drags on, the worse the cascade of damage will be—for local communities, for small businesses and for the country. Congress needs to act now and reopen the government.”
members of our community, our friends, and our colleagues.”
The increase in violence against Indian and Indian-American hoteliers has alarmed AAHOA and prompted the association to call for a stronger response from officials.
“These horrifying incidents are a critical wake-up call for law enforcement, policymakers, and the broader hospitality industry,” Kamalesh said. “AAHOA stands ready to collaborate with every level of government to confront this violence and protect the men and women who keep America’s hotels open and our communities thriving.”
Please turn to page 6
Al Hutchinson, Founder, AVH Enterprise, was inducted into the Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders on October 6 in a gala hosted by MGM Resorts International at the Bellagio Resort & Casino. Here, he is joined by Don Welsh, President & CEO, Destinations International, and Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE.
Photo by EIC
Michelle Fisher Reyes Named VP at VisitPittsburgh
By Jonathan Trager
Michelle Fisher Reyes has been named the new Vice President of Community and Government Affairs for VisitPittsburgh.
In her new role, the lifelong Pittsburgher will serve as a primary liaison for government, business and community stakeholders.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to support Pittsburgh as I join the team at VisitPittsburgh,” said Reyes. “Pittsburgh is a city known for its helpers. With its dedicated civic leaders, executives, and organizers, there are countless individuals prepared to rise
to the challenge of further developing the city’s tourism industry.”
Most recently, Reyes served as the Director of Advocacy and External Relations at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She played a vital role in securing funding for the region’s renowned cancer research and community-based treatment, as well as for support and resources for rural hospitals.
Prior to that, Reyes worked as an attorney in the Government Relations group at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney where she advocated on behalf of various clients, including prominent nonprofit institutions in Pittsburgh.
In 2024, Reyes was named among the state’s “40 in their 40s” leaders by City & State PA in 2024. She holds a JD degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law as well as a BA degree from Miami University.
“Michelle’s collaborative approach makes her an ideal fit for this new important role,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPittsburgh.
“As we continue to grow Pittsburgh’s tourism economy, her leadership will help us strengthen partnerships with civic, community and business leaders to ensure the benefits of tourism are felt across the region.”
PCMA’s Convening EMEA Coming to Rotterdam
By Todd McElwee
Convening EMEA, PCMA’s flagship event for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market, is steaming into Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam, Netherlands, from October 14–16.
Organizers said the event attracts more than 600 business event professionals from roughly 45 nations.
“As our world evolves, and we are challenged by uncertainty we need to navigate with agility and purpose,” PCMA said. “Our advantage is we are in the business of human connections which we do better than anyone else. Join us to build a more connected, integrated, and future-ready business events industry.”
Convening EMEA is designed around three themes: Future: Build-
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mandate payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, to parties harmed by the tester filings; and allow additional sanctions such as striking pleadings, dismissing cases or imposing financial penalties to be levied in an effort to “deter future violations,” according to Collins. ADA tester suits have gained some national attention in recent years, particularly in the case of Florida resident Deborah Laufer, who sued hundreds of hotels whose websites did not indicate whether they had ADA-compliant guest rooms, as required by the act, despite her lack of intention to actually stay at the hotels. Through the course of litigation, Laufer, a wheelchair user, would ask the hotels to admit they violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, fix the violation, and pay for her
ing Tomorrow Together; Connection: Unlocking Potential Through Meaningful Connection; and Integration by Design: Seamless, Strategic, and Sustainable.
Looking at the future, the event will explore how organizations and individuals can lead with purpose, empower teams to thrive amidst complexity, and create a future to serve all of us.
“This theme is about empowering leadership, fostering resilience, and creating hope for what lies ahead,” PCMA said.
In terms of connection, organizers shared: “In today’s hybrid world, fostering authentic relationships has never been more critical. We will delve into how to bridge the gap between digital and physical spaces, creating opportunities for cross-regional,
attorney fees.
One specific case of Laufer’s involving an ADA complaint against Acheson Hotels, which operated the Coast Village Inn and Cottages, a small hotel in Wells, Maine, rose through the courts, eventually landing in the Supreme Court, where a judge dismissed her case as moot.
“As the sheer number of lawsuits suggest, she does not focus her efforts on hotels where she has any thought of staying, much less booking a room,” Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote in the December 2023 ruling, “Instead, Laufer systematically searches the web to find hotels that fail to provide accessibility information and sues to force compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
From the AAHOA perspective, ADA tester lawsuits can cause harm to small business hoteliers, and the association is urging Congress to move the legislation forward. With almost
cross-sector, and cross-generational collaboration. For individuals, this is a chance to expand your network. For teams, it’s about strengthening bonds that drive collective growth. And for the industry, it’s a powerful opportunity to create long-lasting partnerships that drive shared success and innovation.”
The design track will emphasize creating ecosystems that “don’t just function but thrive—where technology and people work hand-in-hand to create sustainable and strategic solutions that generate measurable impact.”
A quartet of main stage speakers headline the learning agenda. Asma Shabab, Founder of 21P Consulting, Thimon de Jong, Founder Whetston; Joseph Oubelkas, bestselling author and speaker; Noreena Hertz, economist, bestselling author and honor-
20,000 hoteliers, the association’s membership represents 3.2 million hotel rooms, and more than one million jobs across the country.
“For small-business owners, a single frivolous lawsuit can imperil their livelihoods and unravel years of hard work,” said Kamalesh Patel, AAHOA Chairman. “This legislation gives hoteliers a fighting chance by ensuring those who weaponize the courts face real consequences. It’s about restoring fairness so our members can focus on what they do best: running their businesses and supporting their teams.”
Jake Steinman, Founder and CEO of the TravelAbility Summit, which aims to educate members of the tourism industry on accessibility, said while he understands why ADA tester suits have been used by disabled travelers, he is in support of the legislation.
“My opinion is really that I understand why [ADA tester suits] exist because they’re the only real recourse
ary professor at University College London. Connection, leadership, resiliency, innovation and more will be covered.
Highlighting social activities, PCMA said: “Experience Rotterdam through unforgettable networking opportunities designed to build lasting connections. Start with Festival of Flavours, an energetic welcome at Foodhallen, where vibrant tastes and street food culture meet the pulse of the city. Then, on Wednesday, step into a golden moment aboard the historic SS Rotterdam. Set Sail with Rotterdam: The Golden Era of Travel invites you to co-create an evening of elegance, conversation, and collective celebration—where every detail is crafted to bring people together.”
Find more information at conveningemea.org
that people with disabilities have,” said Steinman. “But I’ve watched this over time, and it really damages the perception of the disability community.”
Steinman also noted the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2025 would likely “discourage a lot of testers.”
“I think the disability community is accustomed to advocacy and activism, but when it comes to businesses, it doesn’t work,” Steinman told USAE From Steinman’s perspective, the tester suits encourage fear on the side of the hotels. Hoteliers, he said, “have a bad taste in their mouth working with accessibility. We’re putting on [the TravelAbility Summit] and I can’t get a hotel to even speak there.”
Steinman added he could see the disability community having more success with advancements in accessibility at hotels were they to make a business case for it.
“From what I understand with Please turn to page 6
Michelle Reyes
Kasey Summerville Tapped to Lead Visit Albany, GA
By Jonathan Trager
Kasey L. Summerville, CDME, who has more than 20 years of experience in destination marketing, has been appointed President & CEO of Visit Albany.
Summerville started in her new position with the southwest Georgia organization on October 1. She succeeds former executive director Rashelle Minix, who spent 16 years with the CVB before leaving for another opportunity.
“I am deeply honored to serve as President and CEO of Visit Albany,” said Summerville. “This city has so much to celebrate—rich history, cultural pride and genuine Southern hospitality. I’m excited to collaborate
with our local leaders, tourism partners and community stakeholders to build upon the momentum already happening here. Together, we’ll continue to share Albany’s story with the world and invite visitors to ‘Feel the Movement’.”
Summerville most recently led Summerville Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in strategic marketing development, event strategy and nonprofit advisement.
Previously, Summerville worked for the Little Rock CVB, where she held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement; Senior Director of Tax Revenue; and Director of National Accounts. Sum-
merville also served 15 years as an elected Tax Assessor in Clark County, Arkansas.
Summerville holds an MA degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a BA degree in Organizational Leadership from Philander Smith University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kasey to Albany,” said Johnny Seabrooks, Chair of Visit Albany. “Her extensive leadership experience, marketing expertise and passion for community connection make her the right choice to lead us forward. The Board was unanimous in its decision, and we believe she will continue building on the strong foundation that has made Albany a destination on the rise.”
Animal Rights Group Suspends Campaign Against Best Western Acknowledges
By Jordan Bradley
Animal rights group Open Wing Alliance (OWA) announced on October 7 it has paused its campaign against Best Western Hotels & Resorts after the hotel brand reached a significant milestone in its commitment to sourcing cage-free eggs for its hotels.
Best Western made a commitment in September 2019 to source all eggs for its global portfolio of hotel from vendors raising cage-free chickens by 2025. Several other hotel and hospitality companies made similar commitments around the same time, including Marriott International in 2018.
However, the company had not provided any updates or transparent reporting until recently.
The OWA, an organization under The Humane League, had been keeping a watch on progress from companies that made these commitments, according to Hannah Surowinski, Sr. Associate Director of Global Corporate Relations with The
Humane League.
Meaningful Growth in Cage-Free Commitment
Other hotel brands and Best Western competitors such as Hilton “didn’t just publish their global cage-free percentage,” Surowinski said, “they actually broke it down by region. Some even broke it down by country, by managed or franchised. And they were really granular with their transparency around reporting.”
But Best Western and a handful of other hotel companies were not, Surowinski said. The organization made several attempts to gather information from Best Western, but to no avail. This June, the Humane League and OWA launched a campaign against the company, calling out its lack of transparency and reporting.
Recently, Best Western released a report on its progress in its commitment to supply hotels with cage-free eggs, with 70% of its global properties using cage-free eggs.
“Although each of our hotels is independently owned and operated, we encourage all properties to adopt sustainable, eco-friendly practices
that reflect our organization’s values,” the hotel company said.
“Best Western’s public disclosure represents important movement from a company that has been silent on global cage-free egg progress for years,” said Brooke Fane, Sr. Global Campaigns Lead at the Open Wing Alliance. “We’re encouraged to see Best Western back on track, and we’re giving them space to follow through. If a value-focused brand like Best Western is willing to invest in cage-free credits, competitors such as Radisson, Marriott, and Choice Hotels have no excuse to delay.”
Best Western also reported that in Asia and Latin America, more than 70% of the chain’s properties have achieved cage-free sourcing.
As part of that commitment, Best Western has also agreed to participate in a pilot program that provides credits—or impact incentives—to egg producers as “a mechanism to accelerate the transition away from cages,” Surowinski said. Best Western will begin rolling this out in the first
quarter of 2026, the company said.
“This is a great system companies can adopt while helping build longterm infrastructure like cage-free egg infrastructure,” Surowinski said, which is most challenging in Asian countries.
As a result of these efforts, OWA and The Humane League have paused their campaign against Best Western.
“We wanted to recognize good faith and actions, and reward good behavior,” Surowinski told USAE. “But if progress stalls or these promises aren’t kept, we are very prepared to review and even escalate negative efforts against them.”
Best Western representatives did not return USAE request for comment by press deadline.
According to Surowinski, OWA and the Humane League are also monitoring the progress of other hospitality companies. Many hotel companies are making significant progress, she said, but chains such as Marriott International and Choice Hotels & Resorts as well as cruiseliner Norwegian Cruise Lines “are falling behind.”
Judge Allows Computer & Communications Industry Association Lawsuit vs. Florida to Continue
By Todd McElwee
U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on October 7 denied the second attempt by the State of Florida to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) to block parts of Florida HB3, which CCIA said restricts protected free speech in violation of the Constitution.
Along with co-Plaintiff NetChoice, CCIA filed the lawsuit in Tallahassee in October 2024, explaining it violates the First Amendment and other federal laws by blocking and restricting minors—and likely adults as well— from using certain websites to view lawful content.
“This Florida law deserves exacting review on several legal grounds,” said Stephanie Joyce, Sr. Vice President and
Chief of Staff, Director of CCIA’s Litigation Center. “The Court’s ruling today ensures it gets that review under not only the First Amendment but also for the ways it undercuts federal privacy law. Our full challenge will continue and we will keep fighting this unconstitutional, badly conceived statute.”
Florida Politics reports HB 3, which went into effect this year is one of the strictest social media bans in
the country. The new law prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental permission for those age 14 or 15. The bill also protects the ability of Floridians to remain anonymous online.
“The internet has become a dark alley for our children where predators target them and dangerous social media leads to higher rates of depres-
Please turn to page 6
Kasey Summerville
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U.S.
Travel
continued from page 2
surpass historic highs with 81.9 million in 2029. U.S. Travel forecasts a 6.3% decrease for inbound international visits in 2025 and 3.7% growth in 2026.
In addition, domestic business travel spending is forecast to grow 1.4% in 2025.
The forecast data is driven by Tourism Economics’ travel forecasting model and is presented in 2024 inflation-adjusted dollars.
ADA Lawsuits
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Steinman said. “And what the disability community, I think, should really be doing is what [TravelAbility is] trying to do, which is build the business case for hotels. If they’re completely [ADA] compliant, they can’t be sued.”
CCIA Lawsuit
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sion, self-harm, and even suicide,” said House Speaker Paul Renner in March 2024. “I am proud of the work of all our bill sponsors, Representatives Tyler Sirois, Fiona McFarland, Michele Rayner, Chase Tramont, and Toby Overdorf for delivering a legislative framework that prioritizes keeping our children safe. Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ signature, Florida leads the way in protecting children online as states across the country fight to address these dangers.”
Neurodiversity
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give association leaders and event organizers the tools they need to design meetings and events where every voice can be heard and every participant can thrive.”
The study is being conducted in four phases:
• Preliminary Landscape Review: Comprehensive analysis of existing literature and practices related to neurodiversity inclusion in associations.
• In-depth Interviews (IDIs): Conversations with neurodivergent individuals and association leaders to gather insights and lived experiences.
• Quantitative Survey: Broad data collection to measure the effectiveness of current inclusion practices and identify areas for improvement.
• Online Journals: Ongoing documentation of experiences and reflections from neurodivergent individuals within associations.
“Meetings and events are where our industries come to life, and inclusion must reflect the full diversity of our
Hotelier Murders
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In the wake of Nagamallaiah’s death, the association released a collection of safety information and articles published in AAHOA’s monthly Today’s Hotelier magazine for members, available here
AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake also said that it would work to provide further tools for hotel owners to protect their safety when
Strike
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often labeled as a world class city, meanwhile the people who make tourism possible are scraping to get by. Workers employed by a subsidiary of a multi-million-dollar company should not be worried about if they can afford to pay their bills.”
The union noted that Houston First Corp., which owns and operates the Hilton Americas-Houston and manages the convention center, has said visitors to the city in 2024 spent a record $11 billion. This is an 8.6% increase over the previous year.
In addition, the union points to billions of dollars expected to be generated over decades as a result of a planned expansion of the convention center. That expansion includes adding a 700,000-square-feet building with two exhibition halls by 2028.
“Houston First continues to respect
communities, including neurodivergent individuals,” said Paul Van Deventer, President & CEO of MPI. “This partnership with the ASAE Research Foundation allows us to move beyond awareness into action, creating tangible solutions that help event professionals design experiences where everyone can fully participate.”
Findings will provide actionable recommendations to help associations, including fostering a neuroinclusive culture to support and empower neurodivergent individuals and identifying and minimizing barriers to inclusion to ensure a more equitable environment across the association community.
This research is made possible through the support of Choose Chicago, Discover Puerto Rico, MGM Resorts International, Visit Kansas City, and the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
“The ASAE Research Foundation and MPI Foundation look forward to sharing research results with the association and meetings communities in the coming months, with final completion expected in Fiscal Year 2026,” the organizations said.
working on site.
“Hotel owners and operators are the backbone of America’s hospitality industry, and their safety must be an absolute priority,” Blake said. “AAHOA will immediately convene safety and security experts, coordinate with local authorities, and provide hotel owners with practical tools and resources to strengthen protection measures across their properties. Together, we will honor those we’ve lost by ensuring their tragedies lead to meaningful and lasting change.”
the rights of workers at our facilities to organize and advocate for themselves. We are confident that Levy and Unite Here will reach a fair and equitable agreement soon,” according to a Houston First statement provided to USAE
The Hilton strike was slated to end on October 12 (after USAE went to press) but union leaders said they were open to an extension.
In response, Levy provided the following statement to USAE : “We greatly appreciate and value our team members at George R. Brown Convention Center, and have communicated to the union how eager we are to agree to terms. While we’re disappointed the union has taken this action, and has not yet accepted the invitation to join us at the bargaining table, we remain optimistic we will reach a fair agreement soon. We do not anticipate any disruption to service at upcoming events and have plans in place to continue service should a strike occur.”
NEWS NEWS
OBITUARY
Rossi Ralenkotter, Former Leader of Las Vegas CVA, Dies
By Jonathan Trager
Rossi Ralenkotter, the former visionary leader of the Las Vegas CVA (LVCVA) behind the destination’s iconic “What Happens Here, Stays Here” campaign and a prominent figure in the state’s travel and tourism industry, died on October 10 at Nathan Adelson Hospice after a 16-year battle with cancer. He was 78.
After joining the LVCVA in 1973, Ralenkotter’s distinguished career with the organization spanned 45 years, including nearly 15 years as president & CEO. During this time, the destination reached record visitation of 42.9 million in 2016.
The LVCVA noted that Ralenkotter was part of the original group of community leaders that helped convince the National Finals Rodeo to move to Las Vegas in 1985. He also persuaded major conventions to hold their events in Las Vegas, propelling the city to the top trade show destination in North America.
“Rossi Ralenkotter is a giant of the meetings and conventions world,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces International CES. “Under his leadership as president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Rossi transformed Las Vegas as the world’s leading travel and convention destination. He raised the convention industry and made Las Vegas the global focal point for both entertainment and exhibitions. He not only catalyzed Las Vegas and CES success, he made the world better.”
Ralenkotter was a staunch advocate for policies that supported tourism and established a brand presence in international markets for Las Vegas. As Chair of the U.S. Travel Association, he established and presented to Congress a strategy of connecting America through travel.
“Rossi Ralenkotter changed the game. His audacious, data-driven marketing campaigns raised the bar for destinations around the globe,” said Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “His warmth and kindness made him a trusted partner not just to his colleagues in Las Vegas, but to travel professionals from coast to coast. The entire travel industry mourns his loss and is better off for every day we had together.”
Ralenkotter also established the Las Vegas Bowl, an annual post-season
Left Indelible Mark on Nevada Travel and Tourism Industry
college football bowl game, and was an instrumental figure in getting the Las Vegas ballparks built for both the Las Vegas Stars and Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate(s) of the Pacific Coast League.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley called Ralenkotter a “Las Vegas original” who had “contributed greatly to the growth of the meeting and convention business—and had the vision to expand the convention center—at a time when people thought it would never work in Las Vegas.”
Prestigious honors and awards Ralenkotter received in recent years include induction into the U.S. Travel Association Hall of Fame in 2014, the Professional Convention Management Association Leadership Award in 2016, the Nevada Broadcasters Association President’s Award in 2016, the Nevada Broadcasters Association President’s Award in 2018, and induction into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
Despite his illustrious career, Ralenkotter retired from his influential position in 2018 amid a police investigation tied to the misuse of airline gift cards bought by the LVCVA. In 2020, he pleaded no contest in court to a misdemeanor charge of violation by a public officer.
Ralenkotter is survived by his wife Mary Jo, five children, and 10 grandchildren. Services were to take place at St. Viator Catholic Church and Palm Mortuary at a date yet to be determined when USAE went to press last week.
Steve Hill President & CEO, Las Vegas CVA
“Rossi Ralenkotter helped shape Las Vegas into a premier global destination. His 45-year tenure at the LVCVA, including nearly 15 years as CEO, transformed the city’s tourism landscape through groundbreaking marketing and iconic events. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to our city, and we are honored to carry his vision forward.”
The following quotes about Rossi Ralenkotter were provided to USAE by the Las Vegas CVA: in beds’ and allowing us to reach the heights we have achieved. Thank you to Rossi and his wife Mary Jo who both made numerous sacrifices throughout his career. We have lost a dear friend and colleague.”
industry and was the visionary for what Las Vegas was and could become. We were honored to celebrate Rossi’s impact on Las Vegas and our industry in 2016, when he was the first recipient of the Destination Leadership Award and was inducted into our Hall of Fame.”
Catherine Cortez Masto Senior U.S. Senator from Nevada
Roger Dow (Past) President & CEO, U.S. Travel Association
President & CEO, Dow Global
“Rossi was a highly influential and nationally respected industry advocate, earning him indoctrination into its Travel Industry Hall of Leaders. He taught me so much about destination marketing over the years, while being extraordinarily humble about his phenomenal impact on Las Vegas and our industry. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed and will miss my mentor, confidant, trusted colleague, and cherished friend.”
Don Welsh President & CEO, Destinations International
“Clearly, Rossi was an icon in our
“[My husband] Paul and I are heartbroken by the loss of Rossi, a true Nevadan whose love of Las Vegas helped propel the city to the travel and tourism capital it is today. Rossi was a friend of my father’s, and it’s no exaggeration to say that their vision of Southern Nevada as a convention, hospitality, and sports destination truly put us on the map. My thoughts are with Rossi’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
Carolyn and Oscar Goodman (Former) Las Vegas Mayors
“No one worked harder than Rossi Ralenkotter to make us what we’ve become—the industry leader in tourism and the entertainment and sports capital of the world. Las Vegas thrived under the wise leadership of Rossi. We are indebted to him for ‘putting heads
Bill Hornbuckle President & CEO, MGM Resorts International Chairman of the Board, U.S. Travel Association
“Rossi and I knew each other for over three decades. In that time and throughout his career at the LVCVA, Rossi worked and advocated tirelessly for the benefit of Las Vegas, a city he loved passionately and was enormously proud to represent. A member of the original White House Conference on Tourism, past chairman of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and a former chairman of the U.S. Travel Association, Rossi’s dedicated leadership elevated the economic value of travel and tourism and led to the advancement of policies that remain important today. As we mourn his passing, our industry will celebrate his leadership and remember his legacy of service with gratitude. I—along with my
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NEWS NEWS
Rossi Ralenkotter
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colleagues at MGM Resorts and across the travel and tourism industry—offer the deepest condolences to Mary Jo and the Ralenkotter family.”
Virginia Valentin President & CEO, Nevada Resort Association
“Rossi Ralenkotter loved Las Vegas with every ounce of his being. Over his 45-year career with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, he shaped the destination’s global identity and helped Las Vegas’ tourism industry navigate some of its most challenging times. From launching the iconic ‘What Happens Here, Stays Here’ campaign and expanding Las Vegas’ international reach to securing our status as the ‘Trade Show Capital of North America,’ Rossi was devoted to ensuring everyone knew Las Vegas was the global epicenter for entertainment, business and leisure. Rossi was also at the forefront of Las Vegas’ transformation to becoming the ‘Sports Capital of the World.’ He helped lay the groundwork to bring all types of professional sports to Las Vegas and championed the benefits of having a world-class stadium that could attract major events and drive additional visitation. He was tireless in his dedication to ensuring Nevada’s No. 1 industry thrived.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mary Jo, his family and many friends. Rossi’s legacy lives on in every visitor who experiences the magic of Las Vegas—a destination he believed in and adored.”
Chris Brown (Former) Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Global Connections and Events, National Association of Broadcasters
“I had the privilege of working with Rossi for nearly all his tenure as the president of the LVCVA. From my perspective as a Las Vegas Convention Center customer, Rossi completely changed the culture of the organization. He transformed the LVCVA into a truly customer-centric and service-driven entity that created true partnerships with its customers and constituents, and he helped make the Las Vegas brand legendary. He also assembled a great team, bringing in strong talent that brought an entirely new level of professionalism to their work. It was a pleasure to work with the LVCVA under Rossi’s leadership.
“I got to know Rossi as a person over our time working together and I always saw him as a consummate
gentleman. He was genuine, warm, incredibly bright, and always willing to lend an ear or hand. He was a born leader and someone with whom I was happy to have as a business associate and friend.”
Billy Vassiliadis Chairman, R&R Partners
“Rossi’s passion for everything Las Vegas was unparalleled. He was globally recognized as a leader in tourism and convention marketing, branding and sales. Much of what Vegas is today—number one in conventions and sports capital of the world—was envisioned and launched by Rossi. He took our destination’s challenges personally, with all his heart of soul. His contributions are historic. Most importantly he was a great husband, father, grandfather and truly a wonderful friend.”
Sig RogichPresident, The Rogich Communications Group
Former U.S. Ambassador to Iceland
Former Assistant to President George H.W. Bus
“Over many years I had the privilege of working with Rossi Ralenkotter on building and re-building the brand of our hometown, Las Vegas, and we all have benefitted from his dedication, vision, and deep understanding of the destination. The foundation of our friendship grew from our mutual commitment to Las Vegas, not only in marketing it as the best place to visit and to do business, but also in making it a better place to live for current and future residents.
“His contributions to the expansion of the Convention Center, building the mid-week business visitor volume and bringing in large scale events laid the foundation for the expanded convention and trade business and professional sports teams now making Las Vegas home. We all owe him a debt of gratitude, and for me personally, I am thankful to have known such a dedicated and kindhearted man. I will miss him greatly.”
Michael Gaughan Owner, South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa
“More than anything, Rossi helped Las Vegas thrive during his 45-year career at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. He was a leader that organized the collective efforts to brand Las Vegas and helped create the iconic “What Happens Here, Stays Here” campaign. Today, the initiatives and programming used to market Las Vegas are the normal course of business and Rossi established or helped build many of those programs. I will miss him as a colleague and a friend, and
we all should be grateful for his work to market and brand Las Vegas.”
Don Logan President & COO, Las Vegas Aviator
“In my four plus decades in pro baseball and a lifetime of loving baseball, I have never met anyone who cared more about our game. Rossi loved the (Cincinnati) Reds and loved baseball. He was always supportive of the game and worked hard to bring it to Las Vegas—from the Stars to the 51s and the current evolution with the Aviators. Baseball was always special to him.
“Rossi also had the same passion for Las Vegas. He understood this town better than anyone. He started researching the Las Vegas consumers and knew what they wanted. It helped the properties market to their customers. No one has had as profound impact on Las Vegas—and at various levels—as him.”
Chris Powell (Retired) President & General Manager, Las Vegas Motor Speedway
“Rossi Ralenkotter’s innumerable contributions to our community—and indeed to the Las Vegas brand—will endure for generations to come. And those contributions weren’t limited simply to innovative ad campaigns, strategic partnerships, trade shows or his focused leadership of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
“Rossi ‘lived’ Las Vegas and never missed an opportunity to broaden its reach. On just a few hours’ notice, he once boarded a pre-dawn, cross-country flight to New York to help us convince NASCAR to bring its season-ending awards celebration— along with thousands of race fans, industry officials and a national television audience—to Las Vegas. With Rossi’s remarkable persuasiveness, that effort succeeded, and a year later Las Vegas became home to NASCAR Champions Week.
“Rossi Ralenkotter truly was a tireless champion of all things Las Vegas, and his passing is a profoundly sad day for our community.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Are you ready to lead one of the most iconic destinations in the Midwest? The Hocking Hills Tourism Association (HHTA) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to guide the future of Ohio’s premier outdoor adventure region With breathtaking landscapes, more than 5 million annual visitors, and a community deeply invested in sustainable tourism, this is a rare opportunity to shape the next chapter of a world-class, nature- based destination
About the Organization
HHTA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible tourism and balancing economic growth with preservation of the region’s natural and cultural treasures. The organization manages a $3 million annual budget, and the Executive Director leads a team of six full-time professionals across marketing, communications, visitor services, finance, and community engagement Signature initiatives include:
Qualifications
The Destination Investment Fund, powered by lodging tax revenue, allows HHTA to invest in projects that benefit both residents and visitors. Since 2021, this initiative has helped local nonprofits including renovation of a historic theater, launch of the Hocking Hills Children’s Museum, and expansion of local arts programming Tourism Impact Emergency Services (TIES) Grant, a first-of-its-kind program that reinvests lodging tax revenue into local fire, EMS, law enforcement, and rescue agencies to strengthen public safety in response to increased visitation
Key Responsibilities
Inspire and lead HHTA in advancing its mission of sustainable tourism and destination stewardship.
Serve as the face and voice of the organization locally, statewide, and nationally
Oversee operations, team leadership, and financial management with an entrepreneurial mindset
Design and deliver marketing and growth strategies that expand visitation and strengthen the Hocking Hills brand.
Cultivate strong partnerships with government leaders, community organizations, and industry stakeholders.
Champion innovative approaches to visitor management, community engagement, and destination sustainability
Compensation
Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience
To apply or learn more, contact:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, references, and résumé by November 13, 2025 to: hockinghills@winnerpartners.net
Proven leadership experience in destination marketing and management, economic development, or related sectors.
Experience leading teams, managing budgets, and navigating complex stakeholder relationships.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to inspire confidence and trust.
Knowledge of and experience in tourism, hospitality, or event management required.
A creative, collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of growth, stewardship, and community impact.
The Ideal Candidate
This is not just a leadership role - it’s a chance to make a lasting impact. The next Executive Director will bring fresh energy, bold ideas, and a collaborative spirit to grow HHTA’s reach while protecting what makes Hocking Hills extraordinary. If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for people and place, this role offers the platform to lead one of the nation’s most distinctive destinations.
