While Cvent is the leading industry data and RFP platform for planners and suppliers, it is also a major producer of meetings. According to Rachel Andrews, director of meetings and events at Cvent, planning for the event tech giant is a source of constant change, whether stitching together its annual Cvent CONNECT conference, integrating staffs and resources after one of its many acquisitions or any number of other internal or client events.

Southwest Airlines will soon begin low-cost service to Hawaii from California March 17, 2019, after receiving FAA approval to operate long overwater flights.

Marriott International opened its first newly built property that combines three brands under one roof. The 21-story, $140 million Nashville property includes an AC Hotel, Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites. The property was developed by North Point Hospitality and is located across from the Music City Convention Center.

Positive Impact, a global not-for-profit providing education and collaboration opportunities to create a sustainable event industry, is giving event professionals the opportunity to shine the light on female peers ahead of International Women’s Day March 8.

The 301-room Hyatt Regency Deerfield, which has 20,000 square feet of meeting/event space, and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago North Shore Deerfield, which has more than 7,000 square feet of function space, are both undergoing renovations that at press time were scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2019

Orlando hotelier Harris Rosen donated $12 million to the University of Florida and UF Health to launch a brain tumor research initiative. Given through The Harris Rosen Foundation, the gift is described as the cornerstone of a $100 million fundraising commitment to support the ReMission Alliance Against Brain Tumors. The UF Health-led initiative unites top neuro-oncology physicians and scientists in research and clinical trials.

Hilton launched Signia Hilton, a new brand focused on meetings and events. According to Hilton, the hotels will incorporate technology and design into every aspect of the guest experience. The global brand will include a portfolio of hotels in popular urban and resort locales. The first Signia Hilton properties will include Signia Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Signia Hilton Atlanta and Signia Hilton Indianapolis.

The U.S. Travel Association announced that Destination DC President & CEO Elliott L. Ferguson II will be its new national chair, succeeding Wyndham Hotels and Resorts’ President & CEO Geoff Ballotti.

Virgin Hotels unveiled its second property, Virgin Hotels San Francisco. The hotel, located in South of Market (SoMa) near Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center, features 194 guest accommodations, multiple dining and drinking outlets and 7,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel is also near the new Central Subway Station, which, upon opening later this year will connect South of Market with Union Square and Chinatown.

Omni Houston Hotel reopened in November 2018 following a property-wide $30 million renovation. The inspiration drew from an authentic local aesthetic that includes leathers, bronze, brass and lush greens, providing a new take on a “modern Texas.” The urban oasis now has natural light throughout with floor-to-ceiling windows, open communal spaces and the idea of bringing the outdoors inside.