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ASAE, Destinations International and NCBMP React to Brand USA Board Firings
By Todd McElwee
ASAE, Destinations International (DI) and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) have each offered comment on the surprising late April dismissal of five members of the Brand USA Board. Brand USA directed questions to the Depart of Commerce.
Allen Orr, Founder, Orr Immigration Law Firm PC, who served as board secretary, confirmed his dismissal to USAE. When asked about potential resignations from remaining board members, he shared he hoped they would not as it is an “important board for the nation.” Orr was the lone past or current board member to offer comment.
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Photos of the Week
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Industry Movers
Kevin Harmon
Kevin Harmon, who has over a decade of experience and two years with Visit Indy, has been promoted to area sales leader—a new leadership role empowering senior staff to mentor sales managers and oversee specific markets. Harmon will oversee the Western region for groups ranging from 601 to 1,500 peak rooms. He manages groups with 601 peak rooms and citywide events across select Midwest states.
Stasha King Irby
Stasha King Irby is now the Little Rock CVB’s Vice President of Sales & Services. Irby brings more than two decades of industry experience to Arkansas’ capital. Most recently, Irby served as a global account manager at Choice Hotels International, where she was named a 2024 President’s Club Winner. Prior stops have included Visit Spokane, Royal Sonesta Houston, Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, and Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
Nele Breitbart
Nele Breitbart’s been named Executive Vice President & Head of Asset Management of Waramaug Hospitality. She’ll lead the asset management oversight of Waramaug’s hospitality portfolio. Prior to Waramaug, Breitbart was sr. vice president of asset management of BRE Hotels & Resorts, where she oversaw a national portfolio. She’s a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and a board member of the Hotel Asset Management Association.
Anthony Leitz
Anthony Leitz is now the Sr. Vice President of Premium Select Hotels at First Hospitality. He has been with the firm for 15 years and was the vice president of operations. He was also a general manager. Leitz will fine-tune processes, enhance brand recognition, and oversee the growth of the segment. First Hospitality is a development, investment, and operating company with a portfolio of branded and independent properties.
Alaina Sweeney
Alaina Sweeney has been appointed General Manager of The St. Regis Washington, D.C. Sweeney previously served as interim general manager since last May. Sweeney’s career spans multiple roles at properties across the St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International portfolio. Before joining the team at The St. Regis Washington, D.C., Sweeney held leadership positions at The St. Regis Aspen Resort and The St. Regis New York.
Randy Morton
Randy Morton has been appointed General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas. He was president & COO of Bellagio Resort & Casino. Morton served as vice president of hotel operations of Bellagio, president of OVG Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and Co-CEO of Foley Entertainment Group and the Vegas Golden Knights. His career also included general manager and resident manager roles at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.
Association NEWS
Around Associations
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Announces Winners of Next Generation Leadership Grant… The recipients of the 2025 Next Generation Leadership (NGL) grant have been announced by UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
The 2025 honorees include the following:
- Anida D’Costa, Sr. Conference Producer, Informa Markets (UAE)
- Diana Maria Salman, Sr. Sales Manager, FEXPOCRUZ (Bolivia)
- Ilaria Basile, Event Operations Manager, Clarion Events (UK)
- Sarah Jung, Sales Manager, Messe München (Germany)
- Taher Hakami, Riyadh Business Events Manager, SCEGA (Saudi Arabia)
Now in its ninth edition, the NGL grant aims to recognize and support emerging talent within the exhibition industry. Eligible candidates must have fewer than 10 years of industry experience and demonstrate a strong commitment to driving innovation and positive change in their respective fields.
“The UFI Next Generation Leadership grant continues to shine a spotlight on bold ideas and the emerging talent shaping the future of our industry,” said UFI President Hugh Jones. “I extend my warmest congratulations to this year’s recipients. Your drive, creativity, and dedication to pushing boundaries are truly inspiring and reflect the dynamic, ever-evolving spirit of the exhibition industry. I look forward to witnessing the meaningful impact your work will have in the years to come.”
More information is available at ufi.org.
Hotel NEWS
Checking Inn
La Galerie on K is a free art exhibition located in the lobby of Capital Hilton.
The Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C., announced the opening of the its La Galerie on K, a new lobby art exhibition space at the property on April 24. The exhibition will feature works from emerging artists from the D.C. area.
“This new initiative reinforces the hotel’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity, community, and the unique cultural landscape of the nation’s capital,” the hotel said. The gallery is free and open to guests and the public daily.
“Our lobby has always been a gathering place for connection and conversation,” said Paolo Pedrazzini, General Manager of the Capital Hilton. “With this new exhibition space, we’re thrilled to create a platform for the city’s up-and-coming artists and offer guests an unexpected and inspiring encounter with local creativity.”
The first artist to be featured is Karen Renae, an abstract and impressionist artist exploring themes of perception and emotion. Her work will be on display and available through mid-summer.
For more information, visit capitalhilton.com.
Chef Pati Jinich
Marriott International announced on April 28 a multi-year partnership with its Marriott Bonvoy rewards program and Pati Jinich, a James Beard award-winning Mexican chef and New York Times best-selling author.
The collaboration will provide Marriott Bonvoy members with immersive gastronomic experiences led by Jinich, including an “Marriott Bonvoy Moment” later this year, during which she will create a culinary experience surrounding the culinary heritage of Mexico.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Pati Jinich to the Marriott Bonvoy family,” said Brian King, President for Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America. “Her deep expertise in Mexican cuisine and her dedication to sharing the rich cultural heritage of her homeland align perfectly with our belief that travel opens a world of exploration and authentic human connections.”
CVB Updates
The City of Miami Beach has renewed its contract with Oak View Group (OVG) to continue managing the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC).
OVG has managed the MBCC for the past 12 years (formerly as Spectra until 2022). The MBCC was named “Best Convention Center in the U.S.” by Skift Meetings in 2024.
“The Miami Beach Convention Center plays a vital role in driving our tourism economy and is recognized globally as a premier destination for major events,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “Oak View Group’s professionalism and operational excellence give us great confidence in the future of this iconic city asset.”
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