Raleigh Convention Center receives 2025 Venue Excellence Award
August 7, 2025
The Raleigh Convention Center has been selected for the 2025 Venue Excellence Award from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
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Fla. Governor Ron DeSantis recommends Bryan Griffin to lead VISIT FLORIDA
August 2, 2025
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recommended Bryan Griffin as the next VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO. Currently, Griffin serves as the communications director in the State of Florida’s Executive Office of the Governor. In his new role, Griffin will oversee VISIT FLORIDA’s mission to market the state to Visitors nationally and internationally.
Graduate by Hilton opens brand’s first Texas hotel in Dallas
July 31, 2025
Graduate by Hilton has officially opened in Dallas, marking the brand’s first hotel in Texas. Graduate Dallas, located in Highland Park, directly across from Southern Methodist University (SMU), is a restoration of the former Lumen Hotel.
James Beard Award-winning chef opens steakhouse at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
July 28, 2025
Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Michael Mina has opened Bourbon Steak Orlando, an expansion of his celebrated Bourbon Steak brand, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.
CVBs face crossroads in 2025 Destinations International Futures study
July 25, 2025
Destinations International (DI) reports key global challenges and shifts facing destination marketing organizations (DMO) as part of its 2025 DestinationNEXT Futures Study, released at its annual convention, held July 9–11 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
New Origin Hotel provides more meeting space options in Atlanta
July 24, 2025
Origin Hotel Atlanta, from the Wyndam Hotel brand, has opened in south downtown Atlanta. Owned by The Thrash Group and operated by Tandem Hospitality Group, the 122-room, pet-friendly boutique hotel features an onsite restaurant and bar, a retail storefront selling ATL-themed gear and souvenirs, and a fitness center.
Grand Hyatt DFW Airport begins $34 million transformation
July 23, 2025
Grand Hyatt DFW Airport, inside Terminal D at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), will begin a full hotel renovation in July 2025. Completion is estimated for late 2025.
Anthony Cordo begins as new president/CEO of Greensboro/Guilford County Tourism Development Authority
July 15, 2025
Anthony Cordo stepped into his role as president and CEO of the Greensboro/Guilford County Tourism Development Authority on July 14, taking over for Henri Fourrier, who retired on June 30 after 28 years at the organization.
Hilton Richmond Downtown appoints new executive chef
July 14, 2025
Richmond local Tia Wood will be joining the Hilton Richmond Downtown team as its new executive chef. She brings more than a decade of experience to the hotel’s dining program and cocktail bar and lounge, Gather & Hem.
Raleigh’s Kerry Painter to receive IAVM Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award
July 11, 2025
Kerry Painter, CVE, CMP, CEM, and executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
