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The Hospitality Show wins Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award for best new launch

The Hospitality Show, the groundbreaking event designed to empower the hospitality industry produced by Questex and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), has been awarded the prestigious Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Grand Award for Best New Event Launch 2023. This recognition underscores the show's success in bringing together the diverse facets of the hospitality industry through an innovative and impactful format.

Peachtree Group Launches Fifth Delaware Statutory Trust, Providing Prime Opportunity for 1031 Exchange Investors

Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”), a leading commercial real estate investment firm with a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of equity and debt investments, has announced the launch of its fifth hotel property structured as a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) following the completed acquisition of the 128-key Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel in the greater Tampa, Fla., area. This follows Peachtree’s successful closing of its Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Sugarloaf DST in August.

Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Completes Multi-million Dollar Renovation

The Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown, an iconic property owned by Dreamscape Companies and Centerbridge Partners standing in the heart of Music City, today announced the completion of a comprehensive property renovation. The project marks the beginning of the property's next chapter as part of Sheraton Hotels' worldwide transformation of its guest experience. Managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, a leading, global hotel management company and the world's largest third-party hotel operator, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown builds upon Sheraton Hotels' global mission to become the world's gathering place, and serves as a community hub for guests and locals, offering spaces to connect and collaborate, find inspiration, and foster productivity.

Surf Parks Industry Growth and Trends 2024

Surfing is rapidly gaining traction, emerging as one of the fastest-growing water sports globally. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation in surfing surged by 28.5% in the United States in 2023, with one in every 100 Americans engaging in the sport (SFIA, 2023). The sport’s global appeal is further bolstered by its inclusion in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and its confirmed presence in the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Games. The Olympic spotlight has significantly increased surfing’s visibility. For example, Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira, who won the gold medal in Tokyo, saw his social media following grow by 1.3 million, showcasing how elite performances can elevate the sport’s profile and attract new enthusiasts.

NEWH, Inc. Launches Second Annual Martha’s Mentors Program

NEWH, Inc. (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality), a premier association committed to advancing education, mentorship, and networking in the hospitality industry, is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for its second annual Martha’s Mentors Program. This transformative 10-month initiative aims to connect emerging hospitality professionals with seasoned industry leaders, fostering meaningful relationships that inspire growth.

HSMAI Announces the Passing of President and CEO Bob Gilbert

It is with profound sadness that the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Americas, HSMAI Foundation and HSMAI Global, announce that President and CEO, Bob Gilbert passed away on September 19, 2024). In July 2024, the organization announced that Gilbert had accelerated his retirement plan as a result of a serious health issue following 30 years of executive leadership for HSMAI.

Margarita Solis has been appointed as Associate Director of Sales at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort

Marriott Lincolnshire Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Margarita Solis as Associate Director of Sales. With over 20 years of sales experience in the hospitality industry, Margarita returns to the resort with a proven track record of sales leadership and customer service. Margarita first joined Marriott International in 2008, rising swiftly from Business Development Manager to a key role on the Marriott International Mid-America Sales Team. In 2016, she joined Marriott Lincolnshire Resort as a Senior Sales Manager, earning a promotion to Associate Director of Sales within a year. Her impressive career includes leading sales efforts for the newly opened Curacao Marriott Beach Resort and earning accolades such as Leader of the Quarter for 2024 at Lake Lawn Resort.

The St. Regis New York unveils Dramatic Renovation

The St. Regis New York celebrates its 120th year this fall with the debut of an extensive redesign and renovation, marking a new chapter of glamour and sophistication. With revamped public spaces including the lobby, King Cole Bar, and two new dining locations, The St. Regis New York unveils a striking new era at Manhattan's best address. The renovation reflects the hotel's enduring legacy reborn for today's global traveler with a modern aesthetic led by renowned design firm Champalimaud Design.

The AC Hotel Sacramento, designed by AXIS Architecture + Design, welcomes guests

AXIS Architecture + Design, the noted and award-winning West Coast hospitality design, hotel renovation, multi-family residential design, and affordable housing architectural design firm, is pleased to announce the completion of their latest new-build hospitality design project: the AC Hotel Sacramento. Following its soft-opening this summer, the property recently officially started welcoming guests.

Kevin Bryant has been appointed as Complex Director of Sales & Marketing at Maison Métier and The Barnett

With 28+ years of experience in hospitality and luxury resorts throughout Florida, Kevin is highly skilled, tactical, analytical and strategic in his efforts, bringing a bountiful amount of experience to the properties and their teams. Bryant joins The Barnett and Maison Métier after spending the last year developing his own consulting firm for independent resort properties, KB Hospitality Consulting. Prior to that he was Vice President of Sales at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where he spent many years leading all sales and commercial revenue generation efforts for the 1,504 room, 4 Diamond luxury hotel property. Bryant also has experience working in the cruise sector, where he held the role of Associate Vice President, Revenue Management at Celebrity Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd in 2016.

Shawn McWhorter has been appointed as Complex General Manager at The Barnett and Maison Métier

With 30 years of experience as a people-first hotelier, Shawn is a leader in creating, leading and inspiring teams of hospitality professionals and brings an impressive abundance of experience to the properties and their teams. McWhorter joins The Barnett and Maison Métier from the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City Downtown where he served as Director of Operations and Area Director of Food & Beverage. Prior to that, McWhorter held multiple management positions across properties including General Manager at Radisson Salt Lake City Downtown and Hilton Salt Lake City Center, where he worked his way up across 16 years from various sales and marketing positions to Director of Operations.

Brian Kent has been appointed as General Manager at Caption by Hyatt Nashville

Kent brings over fifteen years of hospitality experience to his new role as general manager of Caption by Hyatt Nashville. Kent joins the Nashville property from The Dream Hotel by Hyatt where he most recently served as director of front office. Prior to that, he held managerial positions at Hyatt House Nashville at Vanderbilt and Hyatt Place Nashville/Hendersonville serving as general manager at both properties and overseeing daily operations.

Abigail Seanez has been appointed as Director of Sales at Caption by Hyatt Nashville

Seanez brings more than eight years of expertise in sales, revenue management and strategic leadership in the hospitality industry. Previously the director of sales at Hotel Nashville Brentwood, Seanez was responsible for meeting and exceeding revenue goals, managing key relationships and identifying new target markets. Previously, she held the role of market sales executive at Drury Hotels and senior sales manager at Hotel Indigo.

Brian Koenitzer has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Richmond Downtown

Koenitzer brings over ten years of managerial experience to his new role. He joins Hilton Richmond Downtown from the Embassy Suites Hampton Roads Convention Hotel & Spa where he served as general manager. Prior to that, Koenitzer held the position of general manager with Remington Hotels, overseeing a diverse portfolio of brands including Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Near the Galleria and Courtyard by Marriott Wichita. Koenitzer possesses deep expertise in sales and financial management, complemented by a robust background in food, beverage and operations.

Rob Levin has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at Hotel Verdant

Hotel Verdant, Racine, Wisconsin's newest boutique hotel with historic and sustainable roots, announces the appointment of Rob Levin as Director of Food & Beverage. In this role, Levin is responsible for leading and directing operations of hearth-fired Italian restaurant, Marguerite and rooftop bar Eave along with catering services requiring keen strategic planning, financial oversight, and team leadership, balancing the art of culinary excellence with the science of business management.