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California Hotels Respond to Wildfires with Discounted Rates, Donations
William Randolph Hearst’s Topanga Ranch Motel Destroyed
By Jordan Bradley
Spurred on by high winds throughout the week, wildfires broke out around Los Angeles and Southern California on January 7, causing approximately 153,000 people to evacuate their homes and devastating thousands of acres of land.
As of January 10, at least 11 people had died as a result of the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. Officials estimate that the death toll will likely be higher. The cause is still under investigation, and the Palisades, Hurst, Eaton, Lidia and Sunset fires were still burning at press time.
Hotels are responding with discounted room rates—many waiving resort fees—and donations of products and bedding to temporary shelters.
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Photos of the Week
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Industry Movers
Alex Gnafakis
Alex Gnafakis is now Destination DC’s Sr. Creative Director. Gnafakis has led the CVB in-house creative team in the development of award-winning visual content. Over the past eight years, her creative assets have reached domestic and international audiences as well as meeting planners and members. Gnafakis’ strategic leadership and branding work guided the visitors bureau through the development of the award-winning “There’s Only One DC” campaign.
Michael Nahat
Michael Nahat is now Director of Food and Beverage at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa in Texas. He comes to the property from Omni Tucson National Resort, where he held the same position. Before working at the Omni Tucson National Resort, the Texas native was assistant director of food and beverage at Omni La Mansion Del Rio and Mokara Hotel and Spa in San Antonio.
Matthew Strawn
Matthew Strawn has been named General Manager of the Flamingo Resort & Spa in California’s Sonoma Wine Country. Pyramid Global Hospitality and Palm House Hospitality made the announcement. He has more than 20 years of hospitality industry experience. Strawn joined the Flamingo Resort & Spa earlier this year as assistant general manager after serving as the general manager at the Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North.
Chef John Beriker
Chef John Beriker is the new Executive Chef of BALEEN Naples, which is located at the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Florida. Beriker brings more than 30 years of experience refined through formal training at the Epicurean Cooking School in Los Angeles. He has held executive chef roles at various five-star resorts in Australia, Guam and Germany. He’s the author of “The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe Cookbook.”
Liana Waechter
Liana Waechter has been appointed L7 CHICAGO by LOTTE’s Director of Sales & Marketing. Waechter was corporate director of sales and marketing for Rebel Hospitality, where she spearheaded the launch of the Dana Hotel and Spa in Chicago. Waechter was also DOSM for The Emily Hotel in Chicago’s West Loop. L7 CHICAGO BY LOTTE is the first US property of the brand and opened in 2024.
Jennifer Lombard Knight
Jennifer Lombard Knight is the new General Manager at Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection, the hotel at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar, Florida. She has more than 18 years of experience at hotels—from large-scale properties to private member clubs. While working on her bachelor’s degree in Switzerland, Lombard Knight completed internships at various Michelin-starred properties. Lombard Knight spent 15 years with IHG.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
Registration Open for Specialty Coffee Association’s Expo… The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced it flagship North American Specialty Coffee Expo will take place in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center from April 25–27.
More than 17,000 attendees from 85 countries are expected with the exhibit hall housing north of 600 companies.
“Specialty Coffee Expo is more than an event—it’s where the global coffee industry comes together to tackle today’s challenges and celebrate its future,” said Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association. “In 2025, resilience will be key as we navigate the impacts of climate change, rising costs, and evolving consumer demands. Expo 2025 will showcase innovative solutions, from advanced brewing technologies to sustainable products, and foster meaningful connections across the coffee value chain. It’s the premier North American event for innovation, collaboration, and business in specialty coffee.”
Additional details can be found at sca.coffee.
MPI New England Hosting Educational Institute… MPI New England is returning to Newport, Rhode Island, February 10–11, for its Educational Institute (EI).
“Are you ready to advance your professional and personal development?” the chapter said. “At EI, you will hear engaging speakers and participate in innovative educational sessions, all designed to advance your professional and personal development. Make meaningful connections, network with your peers and create opportunities to partner with other industry professionals and suppliers from across the region.”
Find more at mpi.org/chapters/new-england
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
Keisha Smith
Four Seasons announced the appointment of Keisha Smith to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer effective January 6.
Smith will report directly to the luxury hospitality company’s President and CEO Alejandro Reynal and will be based out of the Four Seasons’ Miami offices. As Chief People and Culture Officer, Smith will oversee the strategy and execution of the company’s global people and culture, internal communications, and environmental, science and governance initiatives.
“I am honored to join Four Seasons, a company with a renowned culture that has been at the bedrock of its success for more than 60 years,” said Smith. “It is a privilege to join this iconic company at such an exciting time of growth, and to be able to play such a pivotal role in rallying our more than 50,000 global employees around our shared culture and vision for the future.”
In honor of the Biltmore’s 130th anniversary, the historic Asheville, North Carolina, hotel will host the “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures” exhibit beginning March 21 through January 4, 2026.
The traveling exhibit explores ancient Egyptian culture and the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun (more commonly referred to as King Tut), a pharaoh who ruled between 1333–1324 BC, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
The Biltmore will also unveil the results of a two-year redesign of the property’s 250 guest rooms and the hotel’s corridors in the spring. The redesign was done in collaboration with ROAM Interior Design and “blends classical European style with modern luxury,” according to the property.
Tutankhamun: His Tomb & His Treasures is
an exhibition on display at Biltmore
March 21, 2025 through Jan. 4, 2026.
Convention Bureau/Center NEWS
CVB Update
Visit SLO CAL, which serves San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL), announced on January 2 the launch of its 2025 SLO CAL Official Visitor Magazine, produced in partnership with a new publisher, Wanderlust Content Studio.
Available now, the magazine features Cambria’s iconic Covell Ranch on its cover and showcases SLO CAL’s diverse region, charming towns, and renowned farm-to-table cuisine. The magazine will be distributed to more than 200 locations, both inside and outside of SLO CAL.
“The transformation of this year’s magazine is thanks in part to our collaboration with Wanderlust Content Studio,” said Visit SLO CAL President & CEO Cathy Cartier. “The publication captures the essence of our region and highlights SLO CAL’s commitment to wellness, sustainability and local businesses. This edition continues to showcase the incredible experiences and offerings that make this region so special for both locals and visitors alike.”
The 2025 Visitor Magazine embraces a fresh new design, featuring custom illustrated maps and expanded feature stories, with a total of 120 glossy pages—double the size of previous issues, according to the organization.
The magazine is available digitally online and can be shipped for free upon request via slocal.com/plan-your-trip/visitors-magazine.
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