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THE COMMUNITY NEWS OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs and HOTELS

Photos of the Week

Attendees of the ASAE Research Foundation’s The Classic were able to take a Hot Lap around Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 17 in a Toyota Camry. The ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition was in Indy from August 15—18.

Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP, President & CEO, ASAE, presented a check to Leonard Hoops, President & CEO, Visit Indy, during the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition’s press conference on August 17 in Indianapolis. As part of ASAE’s Meeting Community Needs initiative, funds were raised through the 5K Fun Run/Walk and tours for Visit Indy’s Tourism Tomorrow Scholarship and Grant Program.

For the last two years, Visit Indy has brought together more than 50 community leaders on a monthly basis as part of its ASAE Local Organizing Committee. The group met inside the Indiana Convention Center on August 6 for the final time ahead of hosting the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition.

Brand USA has launched its first out-of-home advertising campaign in Japan. As part of its global America the Beautiful campaign, the initiative has rolled out across key locations in Tokyo. The launch comes as Japan is projected to become the No. 2 overseas source market for the U.S. in 2026, according to a Tourism Economics forecast.

Editor’s Pick

Chicago Auto Show’s Chris Konecki to Lead McCormick Place

Chicago Auto Show’s Chris Konecki to Lead
McCormick Place

Visit Baton Rouge Proposed as Interim Manager of
River Center

Meals on Wheels America, Caesars Entertainment and
The Just One Project Partner for Food Relief

Heather Lisagor

Heather Lisagor has been hired as Aven Hospitality’s Vice President, Innovation and Product Excellence. Lisagor joins Aven with more than 20 years of experience leading product and innovation at companies including American Express Global Business Travel, Egencia and Expedia. In her position, she’ll help accelerate Aven’s vision of empowering modern hoteliers to harness AI and deliver more personalized guest experiences that drive conversion and increase revenue.

Russell Davis

Russell Davis has been named as the American Bankers Association’s Chief Member Engagement Officer. He’ll lead ABA’s Office of Member Engagement, ABA said Davis joined the association in 2022 and served as the EVP of Member Experience. Prior to joining ABA, Davis held senior leadership positions at Optum (formerly Advisory Board Company) for 12 years. Davis earned an MBA from Loyola College of Maryland.

Dr. Vishakha K. Kumar

Dr. Kumar

Dr. Vishakha K. Kumar is the new Executive Director/CEO of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). Kumar brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning the nonprofit medical associations, healthcare, corporate and philanthropic sectors. Kumar was vice president of the department of research and quality at the Society of Critical Care Medicine. She earned her medical degree from Ryazan State Medical University in Russia.

Lisa Ares

Lisa Ares has been named General Manager of InterContinental San Diego. Ares was recently appointed a board member for the San Diego County Lodging Association. Ares joins the property following a tenure as general manager of the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago. Previous experience at InterContinental properties include InterContinental Boston and InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile.

Marie Browne

Marie Browne has joined ReedPop as Sr. Vice President, Head of ReedPop. Since joining RX nearly 25 years ago, Browne has held a number of senior leadership roles spanning strategy, portfolio growth and business development. As the senior vice president, she helped shape RX US’s growth strategy by expanding the Functional Fabric Fair portfolio, supporting the evolution of PGA into a global brand and leading other development.

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Kurt Schwan

Kurt Schwan is now The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta’s Director of Sales & Marketing. Schwan rejoins The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta after serving as the director of sales & marketing for InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, where he led sales, catering and conference services as a member of the Executive Committee. From 2017–2024, he served as the director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. He oversaw the group, catering and transient markets.

Chris Schimek

Chris Schimek’s been promoted to President of Freeman Events & Exhibits by the Freeman Company (TFC). He has 30 years on experience. Schimek has spent the majority of his career with TFC and recently was COO of Freeman Events & Exhibits. He has led teams responsible for planning, producing, and executing thousands of live events annually. As President of Freeman Events & Exhibits, he’ll continue leading event operations.

Ray Mannon

Ray Mannon is now General Manager of Kimpton Ashbel New York–Park Avenue, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Mannon brings nearly two decades of experience to Kimpton Ashbel New York–Park Avenue, returning to the Kimpton family where he began his career and spent more than 15 years across properties including Kimpton Hotel Marlowe, The Muse New York, and Ink 48 Hotel.