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Tampa Prepared for Expected Onslaught of Hurricane Milton
Florida’s Third-Largest City Ultimately Spared Direct Hit
By Jonathan Trager
Prior to the expected arrival of Hur-ricane Milton on the coast of central Florida last week, Tampa was bracing itself for devastation.
Before Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on the evening of October 9, Visit Tampa Bay was in constant communication with Hillsborough County and City of Tampa officials. Representatives were involved in meetings with each respective Emergency Operations Center.
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Industry Movers
Kinsey Robb
Kinsey Robb has been appointed Executive Director of the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA). With more than 15 years of experience in the visual arts industry, Robb joins ADAA from her previous role as executive director of Art Center Sarasota. During her tenure, Robb spearheaded the expansion of the cultural organization’s program offerings and established a free youth arts program. She held positions at ADAA member galleries.
Stephon Alexander
Stephon Alexander has been promoted by Oak View Group (OVG), managers of the VSU Multi-Purpose Center, from Operations Manager to General Manager. The facility is located in Petersburg, Virginia, at Virginia State University. Alexander was an event manager at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, and as an event manager and assistant box office manager at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Maurice Tax
Maurice Tax is now Director of Food & Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Tax brings more than 15 years of experience in hospitality, with extensive knowledge in food & beverage. He comes to Half Moon Bay from The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, where he served as director of food & beverage. He is well acquainted with the brand, starting his tenure in 2007 in Barcelona.
Eric Gavin
Eric Gavin has been appointed Makeready’s President of Operations. The hospitality company is based in Dallas. In his new role, he’ll focus on managing performance throughout Makeready’s portfolio, overseeing all operational aspects of the company. Gavin most recently served as COO for Benchmark, Pyramid Global Hospitality’s Independent, luxury & lifestyle division. He has been involved with Loews Hotels, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, and Salamander Hotels & Resorts.
Tamika Weiss
Tamika Weiss is now serving as Director of Sales & Marketing at The Elizabeth Hotel—a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Elizabeth is home to the Magic Rat Live Music venue. Weiss joins The Elizabeth from the Embassy Suites Loveland by Hilton Conference Center. She served as a conference services manager at the Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center in Breckenridge.
Nathanael Harris
Nathanael Harris has been named General Manager at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC). Oak View Group (OVG) made the announcement. Harris brings more than 15 years of experience in venue management, marketing, and business development to the GRCC. Prior to joining the GRCC, Harris was OVG’s General Manager of the Virginia State University (VSU) Multi-Purpose Center in Ettrick, Virginia. Before VSU, Harris worked in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
NYSAE’s Meet NY Coming in February… NYSAE’s Meet NY, the largest hosted buyer hospitality event in the northeast, will be staged on February 27 at the Marriott Marquis. More than 500 association executives, nonprofit leaders, convention, corporate and meetings professionals are expected.
The Meet NY musical for 2025 is Gypsy, starring Audra McDonald, the most awarded performer in Tony history.
More than 50% of the exhibitor floor is already committed for Meet NY. Hosts include Marriott International, Higgins Hotel, Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Hilton Seattle Airport, Signia by Hilton, Travel Portland, Providence Warwick CVB, Hilton San Diego Bay, Hilton Atlanta, ATL Airport District, Memphis Travel, Greater Miami CVB, Discover Newport, Visit Cenver, Mohonk Mountain House, Discover Phila, Visit Atlantic City, Business Events Montreal, Visit Fort Worth, Hyatt Global Sales, SF Travel Association, Visit Baltimore, Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, Visit Charlotte, Visit KC, Meet Hawaii, New York State DMO, Experience Scottsdale, Visit Pittsburgh, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Louisville Tourism, San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau, National Harbor Convention & Visitors Association, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, Travel Portland.
More information on Meet NY is available at nysaenet.org.
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
Hard Rock International launched its 25th Annual Pinktober Campaign in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign is intended to raise funds for breast cancer research through activations at Hard Rock properties across the globe and online.
The campaign raised $1.3 million last year, and to kick off Pinktober in 2024, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation—the giving arm of the casino hotel behemoth—has donated $100,000 to the American Cancer Society. The donation will support advocacy, research and patient support initiatives, Hard Rock said.
“For the past 25 years, Hard Rock has proudly supported researchers at incredible organizations across the globe working toward a cure for breast cancer,” said Stephanie Piimauna, Sr. Vice President of People & Inclusion and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Seminole Hard Rock Support Services. “Through the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, we’re honored to do our part and are deeply grateful to our partners, loyal guests, and team members who help us make a meaningful impact in raising awareness and funds for this vital cause each year.”
Photo credit: Norther Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront in Covington, Kentucky—owned by Corporex and Commonwealth Hotels—completed a $2.5 million renovation, marking the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand reopening celebration.
“We are thrilled to unveil our newly renovated hotel to our valued guests and Covington community,” said General Manager Beth Wuestefeld. “These updates will significantly elevate the guest experience, providing a more modern, comfortable, and welcoming environment. We are proud to continue offering exceptional service with a fresh new look.”
The property’s renovation included “upgrades to all soft goods,” including the carpeting, mattresses and window treatments. Guest bathrooms throughout were also renovated, and the public spaces were enhanced with new furniture.
Convention Bureau/Center NEWS
CVB Update
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by ASM Global, announced on October 9 it has achieved LEED v4.1 O+M: Existing Buildings Gold certification for a fourth consecutive time.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable.
The LACC has maintained its LEED Gold Level certification status since 2010, consistently demonstrating leadership in sustainability through significant investments in energy conservation, water efficiency, waste reduction, and enhanced indoor environmental quality. The achievement of the V4.1 Gold recertification represents the center’s latest effort to exceed the industry’s evolving green building standards and further minimize its environmental impact.
“Achieving LEED Gold recertification under the rigorous v4.1 guidelines is a testament to the Los Angeles Convention Center’s continued leadership in advancing sustainable building operations,” said Kimberly Weedmark, General Manager of the Los Angeles Convention Center. “Our commitment to sustainability continues to define our role as a leading destination for events that prioritize environmental responsibility.”
