Baltimore-based law firm Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, along with co-counsel Morgan & Morgan, announced on November 30, 2018, it had filed a class action lawsuit against Marriott International “on behalf of over 500 million customers whose personal information, including their names, birthdates, addresses, locations, gender information email addresses, payment card information, and passport information were stolen.”

Following the discovery and public announcement of a massive data breach at Marriott's Starwood-branded hotels that compromised sensitive personal information, including some passport numbers, of hundreds of millions of guests, Marriott International announced the company will pay for passport replacements if it finds customers have been victims of fraud, according to The Washington Post.

Meeting Planners Unite, an association of independent meeting planners that was formed in the wake of the Marriott International commission cuts in early 2018, announced it is offering a healthcare plan for members.

UNITE HERE Local 2 hotel union workers ratified an agreement with Marriott International to end its 63-day strike in San Francisco, the last city to settle after a series of strikes at Marriott properties across the U.S. Strikes were held and later resolved in Boston, Detroit, Oakland (California), San Diego, San Jose, Seattle, Oakland and locations in on Oahu and Maui (Hawaii).

When I first saw Sugar Cubes by Symmetry Labs, I saw more than a pretty light show. I saw backdrops that turned into art installations, lights that turned into dance and amazed looks. “Woah, that is cool!” was the typical exclamation I overheard from event participants.

Matthias Schultze, managing director of the German Convention Bureau, was named the recipient of the Joint Meetings Industry Council’s 2018 JMIC Profile and Power Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing the meetings industry forward.

Meetings Today Chief Content Director Tyler Davidson shares his personal stories and fond memories of California's the Cow Palace—a quirky and sometimes smelly venue for conventions and other major events—that also serves long-running home of the Grand National Rodeo.

Marriott International is taking a $126 million hit to pay for the massive data breach discovered in its Starwood Hotels division in November 2018. The news reinforces the need for meeting planners to protect the data security of their attendees who book or stay at hotels.

Loews Hotels is increasing its third-party meeting planner commissions to 13 percent at select hotels in 2019. The luxury hotel company is maintaining its current 10 percent commission structure at its other properties.

Meetings Today Content Engagement Director Christoph Trappe spoke with VOBE Managing Director—and Conference Consultant, Crisis Manager and Event Manager—Steff Berger following her session on "Practical Anti-Terror Strategies for Conferences and Events" at IBTM World 2018.