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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.
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Association NEWS
Around Associations
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.