Raleigh Convention Center’s Ashley Auman promoted to director of sales
April 24, 2025
The Raleigh Convention Center, as part of Raleigh’s Complex of venues, has promoted Ashley Auman, CEM-AP, to director of sales, effective May 3.
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Kimpton Angler launches new program for groups, along with new meeting and event spaces
April 22, 2025
Kimpton Angler’s has launched two new meeting spaces, the indoor SoBe Room and the outdoor SoBe Terrace. In addition to new spaces, the hotel has also rolled out a new program for groups and planners with inspired group experiences and Miami-inspired menus.
First Louisville Tourism Impact Award given to Equip Exposition leader
April 21, 2025
Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Equip Exposition, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), and TurfMutt Foundation, was honored as the first recipient of the Louisville Tourism Impact Award. The award recognizes outstanding dedication to the city of Louisville.
Kimpton partners with Tiny Zaps for exclusive ‘tattourism’ pop-up series
April 17, 2025
Select Kimpton hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury tier, have teamed with Tiny Zaps, an emerging tattoo studio specializing in tiny tattoos, to bring “tattourism” directly to Kimpton hotel guests. Tattourism is a trend commemorating travel with meaningful tattoos.
Hot Markets for SMERF Meetings
April 16, 2025
The meetings may be small in scope, but make no mistake: The SMERF market is robust. According to the Hospitality Group Performance Index, the SMERF market accounted for 16.5 percent of meetings and events in Q1 2024.
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel appoints new general manager
April 15, 2025
Historic property The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel has welcomed Amy Ruffner, CRME, as general manager.
Orange County Convention Center’s $560-million expansion project
April 11, 2025
Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) has received approval for a second phase of its planned $560 million Grand Concourse expansion project.
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and CVB names Matthew Pivarnik as president and CEO
April 9, 2025
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has appointed Matthew “Matt” Pivarnik, IOM, CCE, as the organization’s new president and CEO, following a rigorous search.
Talking Points: Emergency Drill Tests Event Safety & Security Response
April 8, 2025
As the nation’s third-largest convention facility, with more than 2.1 million square feet of flexible exhibit space, OCCC welcomes approximately 1.5 million attendees annually. Mark Tester, OCCC executive director, shares how the facility partnered with Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on the emergency drill and what it revealed about the facility’s emergency preparedness and response.
Michelin Guide to launch American South edition
April 8, 2025
The Michelin Guide is launching in the Southern region, expanding beyond urban cities to uncover food culture in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
