Smith was promoted due to her demonstrated ability, exceptional skills, dedication and unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of growth and success for her teams.

The former head of Indianapolis’ CVB, Bill McGowan, died December 18, 2024, at the age of 89. McGowan was a lifelong advocate for the city and its tourism industry.

Check out our most popular stories published in 2024 and learn what topics captured the attention of meeting and event planners this year.

From alluring international destinations to tours of some up-and-coming U.S. locales, Meetings Today editors were lucky enough to experience some of the best of what the industry has to offer through their travels.

Visit Tampa Bay’s new “Treasured Savings” program covers the initital deposit for planners booking the Tampa Convention Center.

The new five-story, 45,000-square-foot Coastal Convention Center-connected Fontainebleau Miami Beach is set to expand meeting and convention offerings in South Florida.

Travel Portland named its current chief strategy officer, Megan Conway, as the organization’s new president and CEO, effective January 1.

MPI announced the approved slate for its 2025 International Board of Directors, which will take office effective January 1 for a one-year term through December 31, 2025. 

Downtown Chicago has a new private event space, the historic Hotel at Old Town in Wichita, Kansas debuted a new renovation and Visit Quad Cities announced its partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.

New Jersey’s Pendry Natirar is centered around a restored 1912 Tudor-style mansion, the Four Seasons Hotel New York reopened in Billionaire’s Row, The St. Regis New York celebrated its 120th anniversary and Washington, D.C.’s new Le Méridien pays homage to Jackie Kennedy Onassis.