InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown recently announced that seasoned hospitality professional Sven Wiedenhaupt will be taking on the role of general manager.

New York City Tourism + Conventions formerly known as “NYC & Company” recently announced that Christopher Thompson would join the organization as the new director, of sports and big events. 

Impact XM, a global full-service event and experiential marketing agency, announced that Robynne Weaver will become vice president of strategic accounts. Weaver has over 20 years of experience in the industry and will work with Impact XM’s client service team to take on some of the agency’s largest client accounts, along with expanding its B2B and B2C client portfolios. 

Destination DC (DDC) announced Shelby Luzzi has been promoted to senior manager, sustainability. This is the first role of its kind for an urban DMO and will focus on developing and implementing DDC’s sustainability strategy to meet the need for more sustainable travel practices across meetings, conventions and events. 

Heather Willett has been named the new assistant general manager of The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett hotel, and Julie Bilecky has been named the hotel’s new director of catering. Both Bilecky and Willett bring with them a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and energy to the Westin Atlanta Gwinnett team.   

The Philadelphia CVB announced that Jennifer Nagle would take on the role of vice president of special projects. Nagle has over 20 years of experience in the fields of marketing, tourism, and hospitality and will play a key role in leading strategic initiatives in the PBLCVB’s upcoming plans. These plans include hosting citywide conventions, sporting events (such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2026 MLB All-Star Game) and international tourism. 

Simpleview’s Christine “Shimo” Shimasaki announced her upcoming retirement as managing director of 2Synergize, a Simpleview consulting company, and will pass the role to Simpleview’s newest strategic hire, Vail Ross. 

The Innov8 Meetings + Events team recently welcomed Lilly Gonzalez to the sales team as its new manager of global accounts. The full-service strategic meetings management company specializes in sourcing, contracting and connecting meeting planners with meeting locations and destinations. 

Marriott Bonvoy’s Renaissance Hotels brand made its debut in Portugal with the opening of Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel, located in Lapa, one of the most historic neighborhoods in Porto. The new hotel offers an urban getaway situated near the iconic Lapa Church and city landmarks like Casa da Música and Clérigos Tower.

Nestled on South Padre Island’s shoreline along the Gulf Coast is the first Texas beachfront resort in the Margaritaville portfolio, Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island. The property officially opened its doors in mid-June and offers all ocean view rooms reflecting the quintessential “laidback lifestyle” of Margaritaville resorts.