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California Supreme Court Denies Request to Hear San Diego Hotel Tax Dispute

Controversial Ballot Initiative Would Expand Convention Center

By Jonathan Trager

The State Supreme Court in California has refused to weigh in on a measure that would in part pay for a major expansion of the San Diego Convention Center.

The court’s decision in late November is the latest turn in a legal dispute that has spanned more than three years. The court gave no explanation for denying to rule on the validity of Measure C, which appeared on the March 2020 city ballot and garnered 65% of the vote.

 

 

Photos of the Week

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Meet Boston partnered with the New England Patriots to activate the Patriots Haus in Frankfurt, Germany, in mid-November. Patriots Haus presented by Meet Boston was a free, three-day event at the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre. Former Patriots cornerback and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Butler (center) is pictured here with Meet Boston partners.

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The Meetings Industry Fund (MIF) held it first fundraising event on November 28, Giving Tuesday, at Pistone’s Italian Inn in Falls Church, Virginia. Shown here is David Giger, a MIF board member, giving remarks.

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On November 20, National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Steve Lykken (center) presented the National Thanksgiving Turkey named Liberty to President Joe Biden during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House.

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U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Geoff Freeman, right presented Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President & CEO, Destination DC Hall of Leaders with the 2023 award.

Fairmont Team at Horton's Nov. 17 - con Fairmont Team at Horton's Nov. 17 - con

Horton’s Kids held its 16th Annual Give Thanks and Give Back on November 17 at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. The event raised $226,174 for Horton’s Kids. Left to right: Carlton Carter, Director of Purchasing, Fairmont; Erica Ahdoot, Executive Director, Horton’s Kids; Patricia Carre, Hotel Manager, Fairmont; Mark Huntley, General Manager and Regional Vice President, Fairmont; Shawn Chaney, Director of Engineering, Fairmont; and William Anderson, Director of Security, Fairmont.

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Hundreds of community stakeholders and industry partners adorned in costumes and masks gathered at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on October 31 for the Visit Tampa Bay Annual Meeting. The meeting celebrated a record year in Tampa Bay tourism and included the appointment of new board chair, board members, and advisory board members.

Boston Germany GHHH 2023 Remrks turkey- 2col copy HOL_23_Release_2_Ferguson copy Fairmont Team at Horton's Nov. 17 - con Frpg-Tampa Bay Meeting-web

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Association NEWS

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National Restaurant Association Culinary Trends Report Predicts More TikTok Trends in 2024… The National Restaurant Association on November 15 published its “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast” predicting the biggest new food trends of 2024.

The number one new trend for the new year, according to the association, is a variety of soups from around the world. Think Mexican birria, Thai chicken tom kha and Malaysian laksa. Another continuing trend will be for restaurants to incorporate TikTok fads, such as the viral chopped Italian sandwich that flooded New York bodegas this year, into their menus.

Hotel NEWS

Checking Inn

Integrated resort operator Mohegan announced a plethora of New Year’s Eve celebrations across its seven U.S. properties.

Beginning December 29 until New Year’s Day, Mohegan kicks off its “Endless Midnight New Year’s Eve” celebration where guests can enjoy live entertainment, dining specials, casino promotions and more. The Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, is hosting the Cirque Dreams Celebration, three days of shows and entertainment at the Mohegan Sun Arena, a Great Gatsby Roaming Event, a Bon Jovi tribute show, and more; the Mohegan Casino Las Vegas is hosting the three-day, $100,000 Endless Midnight Slot Tournament; the Mohegan Pennsylvania is hosting Love Boat NYE Celebration in its Keystone Grand Ballroom; and there’s much more.

For more information, visit mohegangaming.com/endlessmidnight.

Convention Bureau/Center NEWS

CVB Update

VisitPITTSBURGH announced on November 28 the return of its annual 10 Days of #LovePGH Giveaways, a social media sweepstakes offering more than $20,000 in unique prizes, including a grand overnight prize and VIP passes for Pittsburgh’s First Night Celebration.

The giveaways are running from December 1–10. Each day will feature a new theme, VisitPITTSBURGH partners, and high-end prizes. From arts and culture experiences and local food and beverage favorites to sports-inspired prizes, featuring Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguins tickets, the campaign is designed to highlight the pillars of Pittsburgh and celebrate the businesses and attractions that bring the city to life for millions of visitors each year.

 “We’re thrilled to bring back our annual 10 Days of #LovePGH Giveaways campaign—and just in time for the season of giving,” said VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar. “Over the next several days, we will take our social media audiences on a tour of authentic Pittsburgh, while spotlighting local businesses and attractions that call Pittsburgh home. This campaign allows VisitPITTSBURGH to give back and support our local community, while ensuring all our offerings remain top of mind for visitors.”

There are nearly 100 total prizes up for grabs this year, including the campaign’s grand prize of an overnight stay for two at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh; a VIP experience for First Night presented by the Cultural Trust; and a Con Alma gift card for dining and entertainment. It’s free to enter, and winners will be selected and notified daily.

For more information, go to visitpittsburgh.com/giveaways.

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