Recent Stories

Hyatt Bans Hate Groups, Civil Rights Groups Praise Effort

Hyatt Hotels Corporation President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian recently announced that Hyatt will no longer allow hate groups to host meetings or events at its properties. The announcement came in the form of a memo to company employees, which Hyatt did not release.

Hawaii Convention Center Launches Conservation Program

The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu is launching the Hoʻomaluō Program, a comprehensive environmental sustainability initiative with the goal of enhancing the overall meetings experience. The Hoʻomaluō Program is kicking off in conjunction with the 2018 American Dental Association (ADA) – America’s Dental Meeting, held October 18-22, 2018.

Boston Marriott Workers Strike; Other Cities Imminent

Workers at seven downtown Boston hotels operated by Marriott International went on strike as of 5 a.m. October 3, 2018, with UNITE HERE union members set to expand strikes in other U.S. cities as soon as Thursday, October 4.

MPI Foundation Director Accused of Gross Misconduct at Previous CVB Job

The Broward Office of the Inspector General (OIG) published a report accusing former Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB VP of Convention Sales Christine Roberts, currently the executive director of the MPI Foundation, of steering over a quarter million in contracts to her boyfriend’s event company.

Mike Jackson, Senior Director, Group Sales, Discover The Palm Beaches

Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB) announced that Mike Jackson has been appointed as its new senior director, group sales. In this role, he will work to increase hotel room night production, as part of the organization’s group sales and destination services team. He will also take a leadership role in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Convention Center, “Boca-wide” events and hotel community partners to achieve more destination-wide bookings.

Brad Jones, Executive Director, Visit Bellevue

Visit Bellevue Washington announced the appointment of Brad Jones as executive director. In this new role, Jones will oversee the organization and its promotion of the city’s growing travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

MGM CEO Issues Vegas Shooting Anniversary Statement

MGM Resorts International Chairman & CEO Jim Murren released a statement to mark the first anniversary of Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting Oct. 1, 2017, in which 58 concert-goers were killed and more than 500 were injured from gunfire directed from Mandalay Bay Resort.

Omni Frisco Is a Dallas Cowboys Star Attraction

What do you get when you cross the world’s most valuable sports franchise with one of the world’s largest independently owned and operated hotel companies? The “star attraction” named the Omni Frisco Hotel, of course.

How to Cope With a Convention Center Renovation

On a recent tour of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Meetings Today spoke with John Page, general manager for SMG for the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC). Page shared his advice for navigating a convention center renovation or expansion.