As Milwaukee gears up for an event-packed 2020, VISIT Milwaukee announced that Peggy Williams-Smith will be its new president and CEO after a months-long national search. She is a local Milwaukeean and the first woman to lead the organization. Read more.

Hard Rock International is offering groups a new way to mix teambuilding and corporate social responsibility at its hotel and casino properties through its partnership with Clean the World. Read more.

The Central Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton opened in Memphis’ South Main District. The 123-room hotel transformed the city’s 105-year-old historic transportation hub and features architectural and design elements that honor the building’s—and neighborhood’s—history.

Sheraton Kaua’i Coconut Beach Resort debuted its property-wide transformation, including 314 redesigned guest rooms, a new arrival experience, oceanfront bar and restaurants, fully reinvented public spaces, a reenergized pool scene and new programming.

MGM Resorts International sells Circus Circus Las Vegas and Bellagio Las Vegas. In the same announcement, made Tuesday, October 16, the company also said there is a deal with Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust to lease back the Bellagio property. Read more.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa unveiled its $700 million expansion. The extensive renovation includes a new 14-story hotel tower, which add 562 guest rooms and three pools to the property. In total, the expanded Seminole Hard Rock Hotel offers approximately 800 guest rooms, including 86 suites.

Moxy Boston Downtown opened its doors in the heart of Boston’s Theater District. Guests are immediately greeted by the hotel’s food truck-inspired photo booth and tunes streaming from indie617, Boston’s indie rock radio station, which broadcasts its morning show live from Moxy Boston Downtown each day.

Meet AC President and CEO Jim Wood is stepping down as leader of the DMO at the end of 2019 to take care of his wife, who suffered a severe fall earlier this year. Meet AC’s Board of Directors will institute a nationwide search for a replacement.

C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton opened in Houston. Located at the western gateway of downtown, the 354-room property honors Charlotte Baldwin Allen, an instrumental figure in the early development of the city.

Not having a one-on-one conversation with a speaker may seem like a risky proposition, but following are five tips from experts on how to hire a speaker without actually talking to them, in order to save time and create efficiencies. Read more and tell us if you agree!