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Asheville, N.C., Struggles to Recover After Hurricane Helene Devastation
By Jonathan Trager
The city of Asheville in Buncombe County, North Carolina, is in urgent recovery mode after Hurricane Helene’s destructive sweep through the western part of the state on September 27.
On October 3 prior to USAE press deadline, Explore Asheville said that while the city’s downtown, lodging, and much of its hospitality infrastructure “fared well,” most areas are still without power and water service, and early stages of recovery are ongoing.
“Traditionally, fall is the most vibrant time of year for us, both visually across the Blue Ridge Mountains and for our economic vitality,” according to Vic Isley, President & CEO of Explore Asheville. “This is definitely going to hurt. Our hearts and minds are focused on supporting our community right now and starting to lay the foundation for recovery in the days and months ahead.”
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Industry Movers
Matt Skaletsky
Matt Skaletsky is now Alila Ventana Big Sur’s General Manager. Skaletsky’s career spans a variety of roles within the hospitality industry, including contributions to brands such as Montage and Ritz-Carlton. Most recently, Skaletsky was the General Manager of The Islamorada Collection, a collection of four hotels in the Florida Keys managed by Davidson Hospitality. His career journey features positions in locations, including Washington, D.C., and San Diego.
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.
Rob Rain
Rob Rain, previously the President of the Industrial Division at Johnson Development Associates, has joined OTO Development as CEO. OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, develops, owns, and operates hotels in the Continental United States. A veteran of the Marine Corps, Rain spent four years as an infantry officer. During tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, his leadership and heroism in combat merited a Bronze Star with Valor.
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.
Andressa Gomes
Andressa Gomes has joined Discover Santa Clara as Sales Manager. She will be responsible for presenting Santa Clara as Northern California’s destination of choice for meetings, business, and conventions. She’ll focus on the sale of citywide events. Gomes was a sales and marketing manager with Visit Walnut Creek in California. Gomes led sales initiatives as the liaison between meeting planners, travel trade professionals, and local hospitality services.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
CTA Opens CES Registration… The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has opened registration for CES 2025. The show is January 7–10 in Las Vegas.
“CES is where you can expect the unexpected, and expect answers to your most pressing challenges,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO, CTA. “Register now to see the innovations everyone will talk about next, first. With thought-provoking conference sessions, attendees can discover game-changing solutions and bring fresh ideas back to their organizations.”
In March, CTA announced its final attendance data for CES 2024, revealing 15% growth in the number of senior-level executives attending the show compared to the previous year. CTA said 138,739 participants from across the globe converged in Las Vegas, with a record 1,442 companies exhibiting on the show’s startup floor.
Find more information at cta.tech.
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.”
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) has hired Steven Okuley as the association’s new Sr. Vice President for Conferences and Events.
Prior to joining AHLA, Okuley served as the Director of B2B Customer Engagement & Communications, and as Director of Global Meetings and Events for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. While at American Airlines, Okuley oversaw all global sales and distribution trade shows, internal meetings, customer events, sales incentives and advisory boards, the association said.
“As the leading organization representing every segment of the hotel industry, AHLA serves an important role in convening hoteliers, vendors, and other stakeholders to network, learn, and make deals that create jobs and prosperity,” said Kevin Carey, AHLA Interim President. “Steven’s track record of planning and executing industry-leading experiences will help us continue to grow and improve our amazing lineup of conferences and events, which are key to our membership value proposition and help drive the revenue and contributions that support our advocacy and charitable work.”
Okuley began his tenure with AHLA on September 30, which will include leading “a seasoned team responsible for creating and executing high-value events for the association and the AHLA Foundation that drive member engagement and deliver value for sponsors and contributors,” AHLA said.
Convention Bureau/Center NEWS
CVB Update
This October, a family of four can save up to $1,000 by taking advantage of Kids Free deals from attractions to hotels to restaurants, the San Diego Tourism Authority has announced.
The 13th annual “Kids Free San Diego” provides parents an opportunity to stretch their smile and wallet with a variety of unique deals for kids, ranging from complimentary admission at local attractions to free meals at restaurants to welcome amenities and experiences at area hotels and much more.
With world-class family attractions, endless activities on land and water, a rich arts and culture scene, and delicious cuisine, San Diego is consistently rated one of the top family destinations in the United States. In October, after the summer crowds diminish and the warm weather lingers, families can enjoy numerous fun-filled activities at reduced prices.
“October is the best time to be a kid in San Diego, and parents love it, too,” said Julie Coker, President & CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. “As families look for ways to make the most of their hard-earned dollars, San Diego Kids Free is a great way to create lasting memories without breaking the bank.”
Below are highlights of the 13th annual “Kids Free San Diego” month for an affordable family getaway.
A complete listing of “Kids Free San Diego” participants and their special offers is available at SanDiego.org/KidsFree. All offers are valid Oct. 1–31 and age limits and other restrictions vary by venue and activity.
