With a new wave of restaurants and properties featuring food-forward venues, San Diego is getting serious about its dining scene, which has changed drastically in recent years. Locals and tourists still love the hometown favorites like fish tacos and California burritos, but a sudden wave of high-end restaurants and elevated food has everyone trying new things.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa debuted an experiential meeting program that incorporates local culture. Its new group experience package offers a choice of three cultural activities.

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa completed its extensive renovation and unveiled a new look. The resort’s transformation included upgrades to all 447 ocean-facing guest rooms and suites. Club 91, located on the 14th floor, was also renovated and the resort’s event technology was upgraded.

AEG Facilities and SMG owner Onex announced they will merge to create ASM Global. The new company will be headquartered in Los Angeles and will operate over 300 venues across five continents that include arenas, stadiums, convention centers and performing arts centers.

2019 brings a new wave of luxury international properties that can also accommodate meetings and events. Here are a some that made Forbes Travel Guide’s "Most Anticipated Hotel Openings of 2019."

Benchmark released its "Top 10 Meeting Trends for 2019.” The annual list is compiled from guest observation and feedback from the company’s portfolio of 80 hotels, resorts and conference centers.

SmithBucklin, an association management company, released its annual publication, Circuit. The report, now in its 16th year of publication, includes the company’s “20 for 2019,” a series of articles about key trends, issues and developments that will impact associations in the coming year and beyond.

Across Kansas, art galleries, museums, theaters and public art displays are putting the state on the map as a cultural hot spot.

The Washington Hospitality Association (WHA) voiced its approval for Senate Bill 5258. According to the Washington State Legislature, this bill will help prevent “the sexual harassment and sexual assault of certain isolated workers.” Senate Bill 5258 was introduced following the Washington State Court of Appeals’ blocking of Seattle Initiative Measure 124, which included broader protections.

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins announced Michael Pace as the hotel’s new General Manager. Pace was previously area general manager for Sonesta Hotels, based at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, San Francisco.