REGIONAL NEWS

VENUE NEWS» Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Pocono Mountains Convention Center Expands

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is more than doubling the size of the convention center offerings at its Pocono Mountains location. It is scheduled to open in late 2019. This is the second expansion since the resort opened in July 2015.

THE NEW ADDITIONS WILL INCLUDE:

» 105,000-square-foot addition to the convention center, bringing the grand total to 205,000 square feet » 18 new meeting rooms for a total of 33 meeting spaces » 38,000-square-foot new main ballroom/exhibit space, in addition to the current 25,000-square-foot ballroom

» 12,000-square-foot new junior ballroom of in addition to the current 9,000-square-foot junior ballroom

» Exclusive Executive Conference Center for up to 400 guests » Sun-drenched prefunction spaces » Substantial registration and client office areas

» Enhanced load in and load out capabilities Kalahari features 977 rooms; complimentary Wi-Fi, free parking, world-class dining and catering, Spa Kalahari and Salon and familyfriendly amenities.

Clockwise from top left: Zebulon Grace and Mamuyan Jones; participants painted together; Courtney Winn, Samantha Seroka, Hollie Flynn and Vanessa Robertson.

GIVING BACK»

Pittsburgh ESPA Celebrate Services Day

Pittsburgh event managers gathered at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to celebrate Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA) Celebrate Services Day as part of National Celebrate Services Week July 29-Aug. 2, 2019. VisitPITTSBURGH hosted a reception and painting party and organized a clothing drive in partnership with Dress for Success, an organization that helps empower women with professional attire. “Everyone in the event and convention service profession works hard to ensure our work has the kind of positive impact that brings repeat business,” says Jamie Huckleberry, ESPA president and director of event services at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. “It’s nice to have the opportunity to take the time to appreciate one another and the work we do collectively. It is important that we recognize our impact on successful events and being true partners to meeting planners.” espaonline.org

Hotel Pennsylvania

HOTEL NEWS»

Hotel Pennsylvania Completes Phase Two of Transformation

The 1,705-room Hotel Pennsylvania, a marvel of innovation at its 1919 opening, is reinventing itself at 100 years with a redesign that represents an evolution of its history, balancing the best of its original features with modern comforts and a fresh new aesthetic.

The second phase of Hotel Pennsylvania’s transformation has introduced 230 fully modernized, expansive guest rooms on the 14th and 16th floors of the 22-story hotel and follows the April 2019 completion of 430 rooms. The renovation continues with a third phase, encompassing the hotel’s expansive suites, including the addition of a new Executive floor, public spaces and event spaces, that is slated for completion in early 2021.

The new rooms are known as the Penn Plaza Collection and feature brand-new fittings, carpeting, oversized wall-mounted HD televisions, and rejuvenated bathrooms that have retained their original subway tiles and cast-iron bathtubs. The Servidors, innovative valet doors pioneered at Hotel Pennsylvania that allowed access both from the hallway and inside the guest room, have been preserved in these redesigned guest rooms.

Elevator landings on select guest floors have also been reimagined as combined lounge and co-working spaces, which have been fitted with communal tables crafted from reclaimed materials. In addition, an original Pantry Room on the 12th floor has been transformed into a historical display area that guests can view through a glass wall. Inside are artifacts from the hotel’s heyday, including a laundry “mangle” that was used to squeeze water out of linens before pressing, an original room service phone, a space with pneumatic tubs to place the orders, the hotel industry’s first-ever refrigerator, and a Smithsonian-worthy allcopper fire extinguisher.

Pestana Park Avenue Portuguese Hotel Group to Open its First New York City Location

Pestana Hotel Group, a multinational hotel group based in Portugal, is opening its first property in New York. Pestana Park Avenue is expected to open January 2020 and boasts 27 floors and 95 rooms. It is located in Manhattan on 39th Street between Madison and Park avenues.

“As we continue expanding the Pestana brand internationally, New York’s vibrant and dynamic setting will be the perfect location for our 100th opening,” says José Theotónio, CEO of Pestana Hotel Group. “The hotel embraces everything Pestana Hotel Group has to offer with its modern design and focus on delivering outstanding Portuguese hospitality, allowing guests to create and cherish each moment of their stay.”

The hotel was designed with the intention of evoking a sense of staying in a Portuguese home. Each floor consists of only three or four rooms, which feature elements that serve a specific purpose, such as full-length rotating mirrors with hangers attached for multifunctionality. The digital television frames doubly function as an electronic display for Pestana’s custom photographs and artwork.

TOURISM»

Philadelphia Breaks Visitor Record

Nearly 700,000 overseas visitors came to the Greater Philadelphia region in 2018, according to a report from the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Tourism Economics. In 2018, 697,000 overseas visitors—a 7.5 percent year-over-year (YoY) increase—came to the Greater Philadelphia region, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. Overseas visitors also contributed $723 million in direct visitor spending, generating $1.2 billion in economic impact, both modern-day records.

“Hospitality is one of the largest and fastest growing employment sectors in Philadelphia because we continue to see visitation rise across all sectors. Overseas visitors are incredibly important as they account for 57 percent of all international visitation and 79 percent of all international visitor spending,” says PHLCVB President and CEO Julie Coker Graham. “Every day our team is focused on telling Philadelphia’s story globally. In 2018, our team hosted 96 influential global media and 334 travel trade professionals in-market. By doing so, we’re able to reinforce positive perceptions of the city and encourage and inspire future visitation.”

Overseas visitation is expected to grow 13.4 percent over the next five years, despite softened projections for the first half of 2019.

The PHLCVB also works in concert with local industry partners like the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, Visit Philadelphia and the Philadelphia International Airport. “In 2018, we launched three new overseas routes, including additional service from Ireland, which saw visitation increase to Philadelphia by over 40 percent,” says PHL International Airport CEO Rochelle Cameron. “Also in 2018, we had 4.2 million international passengers touch down on our runways, a 6 percent increase from 2017 and a 17.1 percent increase since 2004. It’s a trend made possible through the hard work of our staff and partners across the entire industry.”

BUCKS COUNTY ATTRACTS RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF VISITORS IN 2018

More than 8 million visitors traveled to Bucks County in 2018, generating more than $1 billion in economic impact. According to Econsult Solutions, Inc., visitation increased, but most significantly, increases in visitor spending and economic impact were seen, indicating an increase in per visitor spending.

2018 BUCKS COUNTY VISITOR SPENDING IMPACT:

» Bucks County saw 8.15 million visitors in 2018. » Visitors directly spent $660 million—that’s 6.9 percent more than in 2017. Visitor spending includes food and beverage, lodging, transportation, retail and recreation. » Tourism generated a total of $1.1 billion in economic impact, a 6.2 percent increase over 2017.

» There were 28,700 leisure and hospitality jobs in Bucks County, a 2.9 percent increase over 2017.

“The travel industry is a leading contributor to Bucks County’s economic growth and prosperity,” says Paul Bencivengo, president/COO of Visit Bucks County, “Our county’s tourism and hospitality industry continued to break records in 2018 with the total number of visitors, and visitor spending, fueling the local economy. Travel matters to every community and makes Bucks County a great place to live, work and play.”

NYC & Company Partners with visitBerlin

NYC & Company and visitBerlin signed a first-ever official city-to-city tourism collaboration agreement in September 2019. It marks the first time New York City has partnered with a city in Germany for tourism development and management purposes.

“New York City and Berlin are world-class destinations that share so much in common—from outstanding culture, attractions, entertainment, nightlife and events to beautiful, multicultural neighborhoods to navigate and explore, the two cities have extraordinary appeal. We’re so pleased to formalize our partnership with our friends at visitBerlin after many years of conversation and informal collaboration,” says Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company.

The city-to-city partnership includes the sharing of best practices in tourism marketing and destination management, including strategy around neighborhood promotion, sustainability and responsible tourism management.

“We are excited to sign this first-ever tourism cooperation agreement between Berlin and New York City, both outstanding destinations that have unique appeal and showcase the best of what each country has to offer. We are eager to exchange experiences, learn from each other, and develop intensive out-ofthebox ideas with the TestLab students to develop new opportunities that benefit both visitors and residents alike,” says Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin.

Left to right: Fred Dixon, NYC & Company President and CEO; Ramona Pop, Deputy Mayor/Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises of Berlin; and Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin.

PEOPLE NEWS»

New Hires at Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel

Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel has announced the appointments of Chris Rynkar as general manager

and Yelithza Gonzales as director of sales and marketing. The hotel officially opened its doors this past fall in Manhattan’s Flower District. “Chris and Yelithza bring extensive industry experience and a passion for hospitality,” says John Parker, COO of Real Hospitality Group. “We could not be more excited to have them lead the launch of this highly anticipated property and key opening for the Renaissance Hotels brand and Real Hospitality Group.”

Rynkar will oversee and lead all operations and management at the property. With more than 15 years of hospitality experience in New York City, Detroit, Boston and San Diego, Rynkar has held various managerial and operational positions at brands including Hyatt, Marriott and Real Hospitality. He was awarded General Manager of the Year by Real Hospitality Group and was named Manager of the Year during his career at Hyatt. Along with a strong operational background, Rynkar also gained revenue management experience during his time as the director of revenue management at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge Hotel in Boston.

Gonzales will supervise the overall sales efforts of the hotel, including developing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts, managing rate and inventory, managing TPI, supervising sales-related personnel, and implementing sales and marketing strategies to maximize hotel profits while maintaining guest and associate satisfaction. Gonzales has served as the director of sales at Hotel Indigo Brooklyn and most recently opened the city’s first Hyatt House as director of sales and marketing. In 2017, Real Hospitality Group named Hyatt House Chelsea their Hotel of the Year and Gonzales was awarded Director of Sales of the Year for her efforts.

Jim Wood Leaves Meet AC

Jim Wood, president and CEO of Meet AC, recently announced his departure from the organization (effective at the end of 2019). Wood became the first CEO for Meet AC in 2014 when the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority

(CRDA) hired a consulting group to form the new sales and marketing organization, now known as Meet AC. In 2015, Wood formed the Atlantic City Sports Commission as a department within Meet AC.

Meet AC was successful in attracting the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) 2016 World Education Congress (WEC), the 2016 TEAMS Conference & Expo as well as other prominent industry shows that helped Atlantic City position itself as a meeting and convention destination. The TEAMS Conference & Expo is set to return to Atlantic City in 2021.

“Jim has been a driving force in continuing to position Atlantic City as a top destination for the meetings and conventions market,” says Matt Doherty, executive director, CRDA and board chairman, Meet AC. “We wish Jim and his family the best in the future.”

During Wood’s tenure, Meet AC has seen year-over-year growth in the meetings and conventions industry, booking over 1.8 million room nights, which has brought in nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact into Atlantic City.

“It has been my pleasure to lead a great staff,” says Wood. “The organization is in great shape for the future.”

MMBC Appoints Fred Dixon as Co-Chair

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) has selected Fred Dixon, president and chief executive officer of NYC & Company, as its next cochair. Dixon will join Trina Camacho-London, vice president of global group sales at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, in leading the coalition and advancing its mission of promoting and protecting the value of faceto-face meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibitions and incentive travel.

“Meetings generate incredible value for businesses and communities while contributing meaningfully to the U.S. economy,” Dixon says. “In my new role as Meetings Mean Business co-chair, I’m pleased to elevate the importance of this crucial industry segment while also spotlighting New York City’s prowess as one of the leading U.S. destinations for meetings and conventions.”

Dixon is the second CEO of a convention and visitors bureau elected to lead the coalition and brings nearly three decades of experience to the role. “Fred is an industry powerhouse who brings expertise and connections in major U.S. markets as well as top meeting destinations globally,” says Camacho-London. “The coalition continues to grow year-over-year, and Fred brings a valuable perspective on market expansion and strategy development. I am greatly looking forward to working with him.”

Under the leadership of Dixon and Camacho-London, MMBC plans to intensify efforts to advocate the industry’s value to key decisionmakers in business and government. This includes strengthening the international presence of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), which in 2019 included 275 registered events across 53 countries.

Dixon will begin his term on Jan. 2, 2020 and assume the leadership position currently held by Julie Coker Graham, president and chief executive officer of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). Coker Graham will remain on MMBC’s Executive Committee and work closely with Dixon and Camacho-London this fall to ensure a smooth transition and strategic planning process in 2020.

Frank Nolan Retires

After 23 loyal years with the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), Senior Convention Sales

Manager Frank Nolan has announced his retirement.

An esteemed colleague and respected mentor and leader in the VFTCB office, Nolan is well-known as a true tourism sales professional in representing the Valley Forge and Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, destination by bringing meeting and convention business to the hotel community.

“Frank has been such a valued member of this team,” says Lisa Karl, vice president of sales and strategic partnerships for the VFTCB. “We so appreciate all of his hard work, persistence, dedication, and commitment. He’s made a tremendous positive impact on our organization and throughout the hospitality community. Frank will be missed, but we wish him the best, and a happy, muchdeserved retirement!”

Nolan’s positive and persistent demeanor, and enthusiastic sales approach to cultivating new business opportunities with corporate and state association event planners is highly regarded by both clients and hoteliers.

“This is a relationship business, that’s what I always liked about it,” says Nolan. “I always tried to keep that in mind because that’s what we’re all about.

F&B

Nigel Boschetti is the new executive chef at New York Marriott Marquis. The award-winning chef now directs all culinary operations for the roughly 1.8 millionsquare-foot hotel, which includes overseeing the sous chefs at each of the property’s four dining outlets; bringing to life signature, flavorful dishes; handling all aspects of food and beverage for groups and events; and ensuring a high-quality service for which New York Marriott Marquis is known.

“We’re thrilled to welcome chef Boschetti to the New York Marriott Marquis team, as he makes his U.S. culinary debut with nearly 30 years of international industry experience,” says Dan Nadeau, general manager. “Boschetti’s innovative cooking style and strong management expertise will elevate our hotel’s high-volume, yet intimate experiences to an even greater level.”

Boschetti was previously the executive chef of JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, where he led a team of 70 chefs, handling all aspects of food safety, menu development and more.

The Hotel Hershey appoint-

ed Nicholas Arnold as executive chef, effective Sept. 16, 2019. In this role, Arnold will oversee the culinary operation of the entire Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond property, including its three full-service restaurants, coffee shop, room service, banquet

and event space, spa restaurant and seasonal poolside café.

Arnold, a certified executive chef (CEC), joins The Hotel Hershey culinary team from Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland, where he worked as executive chef for two years. He earned his CEC designation from American Culinary Federation in 2010.

“We are very pleased to welcome Chef Nicholas Arnold to The Hotel Hershey,” says John Daly, food and beverage director of The Hotel Hershey. “His leadership with top-tier resorts and country clubs will strengthen our team and culinary program. We are excited to see how our guests enjoy his influence on our culinary offerings.”

Frank Caiafa has been appointed as the director of food and beverage at The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection and beverage director of The Stayton Room. Caiafa will be working closely with The Stayton Room team to curate an innovative cocktail and food menu built around deliciously classic libations.

Caiafa played an integral role as the beverage director of the highly celebrated Peacock Alley and La Chine restaurants at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City, where he worked from 2005 until the hotel’s recent closure for renovations. He is also the author of “The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book” (Penguin), which was a 2017 James Beard Foundation Award finalist and nominated for a 2017 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for Best New Cocktail and Bartending Book.

Caiafa also serves as principal of the hospitality consulting and management enterprise Handle Bars NYC/Global Hospitality. The company has been called upon for its expertise in all facets of operation, including education, training, bar layout and design, menu development, and more. Past projects have included The Fairmont Austin, New York Hilton Midtown, The Long Bar at The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai, The Garden City Hotel and the lauded NoHo bar, The Vault at Pfaff’s, among others.

New Chef at Willow by Charlie Palmer

Hudson Valley native and rising culinary talent Thomas Burke is the executive chef of the new Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck and its signature restaurant Willow by Charlie Palmer. Burke was tapped for this new role by the world-renowned Palmer, who, in his first upstate New York venture, will oversee all food and beverage operations at the 50-room resort. “We’ve put together a great team for this project and are thrilled to become part of this community. Our executive chef, Thomas Burke—a Westchester native—and I are looking forward to showcasing all that the Hudson Valley’s farms have to offer,” says Palmer.

Before his two-year tenure as chef de cuisine of Tavern at GrayBarns in Connecticut, Burke served as chef de partie of three of the most lauded restaurants on both coasts: most recently The French Laundry in Yountville, California, preceded by Le Bernardin in midtown Manhattan and Boulevard in San Francisco.

GM

Seaview, a Dolce Hotel, located along Reed’s Bay in Galloway, New Jersey, recently appointed Rob Morgan as general manager. In this position, Morgan will oversee hotel operations across the historic property’s 298 guest rooms, more than 34,500 square feet of meeting and event space, and two championship golf courses.

Morgan is a veteran of the hospitality industry with more than 30 years of experience. Previously, he held the position of senior vice

president of transitions and operations strategy for Davidson Hotels & Resorts in the Atlanta area. He also held several management positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts including senior director of portfolio and project management. He also held roles with HEI Hotels and Resorts as the regional vice president of the company’s largest region.

Joseph Pergine has been hired as the general manager for their Aloft and Super 8 Hotel properties in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. In this position, Pergine will direct all areas of guest relations, sales and daily operations for the 234-room hotel complex located at the corner of Route 73 and Fellowship Road.

Pergine began his career as a food and beverage shift supervisor at Caesars Atlantic City. Since then, he has held many positions, including general manager, assistant general manager, executive chef, banquet, restaurant and bar manager. Most recently, Pergine was employed by Chickie’s & Pete’s of Marlton as the assistant general manager. Prior to that, he operated the Aloft and Super 8 Mount Laurel for Delco Development.

Sales

Katrina Stewart has joined the NYC & Company convention sales team as regional director, national accounts, Midwest. In her new role, Stewart is responsible for selling New York City as a premier meetings and conventions destination in the Midwest region for groups requiring 151 rooms and above on peak. Her territory includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

“We have partnered with Katrina for many years, and we are confident that her sales knowledge and industry network will benefit our members and simultaneously drive economic growth across the five boroughs,” says Jerry Cito, executive vice president, convention development, NYC & Company.

Long-Time HVAB Sales Director Retires

Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) President and CEO Fritz Smith announced the retirement of long-time Sales Director Shirley Smith on Sept. 9. Shirley undertook special project work for the HVAB until her official retirement on Dec. 1, 2019.

“Shirley is well-respected and well-known in the tourism industry, particularly in the field of sports marketing,” Fritz says. “Her career has evolved as travel itself has evolved. Her longevity in the field is testament to her tremendous lifelong passion for destination marketing.”

Shirley spent 35 years in the tourism industry with the last 22 in Centre County. She began her career with the Williamsport-Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce working in the motor coach market and developing new attractions to support economic growth through increased visitation. She joined the now HVAB in 1998, where she witnessed the 2000 opening of the current Visitors Center facility in the footprint of Beaver Stadium and began focusing on the burgeoning sports market.

Shirley will continue to assist the HVAB’s recently formed sports committee, which encourages collaboration and communication among various Centre County stakeholders in the youth, university and adult organized sporting events.

“I’m truly blessed and thankful as I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful people in an industry I truly love,” Shirley says. “The friendships, wonderful experiences and amazing people, along with the goodwill of this amazing area of Pennsylvania, will truly last a lifetime.”

A hospitality professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, Stewart has held positions in destination sales for several NYC Marriott hotels over the past decade, most recently at the New York Marriott Marquis. Stewart will support NYC & Company members, including hotels, event spaces, restaurants, nightlife venues and more. Stewart is a national member of PCMA and MPI and is CMP certified.

With the goal of improving Centre County’s presence in one of its top feeder markets, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) has hired

Jenny McConnell as regional sales manager.

McConnell will rely on her past destination marketing and sales experience at Explore York and Destination Gettysburg to concentrate HVAB efforts in the Greater Harrisburg area. She will focus on opportunities with state associations and agencies, corporate business, and the group tour market while based out of York, Pennsylvania.

“Being strategically based ‘in market’ will allow Jenny to spend more time in Harrisburg creating necessary relationships in an effort to bring more events, conferences and meetings to the county,” says Dave Gerdes, vice president of sales and marketing. “Centre County is a wonderful meeting destination, with top-

notch facilities and great dining and entertainment options. We believe there is opportunity for growth in this area.”

In overseeing the HVAB’s efforts in the group tour market, McConnell will focus on enhancing Centre County in the eyes of tour operators and group leaders. “Jenny’s efforts will help us generate midweek business for our hotels and attractions,” says Fritz Smith, president and CEO. “I am delighted she is bringing her great experience to our team.”

PHL Sports Selects Two Vice Chairs for Advisory Board

PHL Sports Advisory Board Chair Don Smolenski has selected two vice chairs to its executive committee: Dr. M. Grace Calhoun, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 director of athletics and recreation at the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Eric Zillmer, Drexel University director of athletics.

“I am excited to have the privilege of serving PHL Sports alongside Grace and Eric,” says Smolenski. “They are both tremendous leaders, not only at their respective institutions, but in the NCAA community and throughout Philadelphia. Their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience will strengthen PHL Sports opportunities to attract and obtain future athletic events to Philadelphia.”

“I am very much honored to serve PHL Sports as vice chair and to assist in championing Philadelphia as a great sports destination,” says Zillmer. “Drexel Athletics has been very engaged with PHL Sports as a host for a variety of highly successful events over the years. I am also looking forward to working closely with Don, Grace, and Larry. This is a terrific team of ambassadors for PHL Sports.”

PHL Sports, a business development division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), brings together the area sports community to attract major sporting events to Philadelphia. Smolenski, Philadelphia Eagles’ president, was introduced as PHL Sports’ new chairman in June 2019, a position that had been held by the late Phillies Chairman David Montgomery for the past decade.

SUCCESSFUL WHERE MEETINGS AND EVENTS ARE ALWAYS IN-SEASON

From corporate retreats to big time concerts to antique car shows, and everything in between, its no wonder year after year meeting and event planners choose the Wildwoods Convention Center! • 75K square foot exhibit arena, a 12K square foot Ballroom and 10-Meeting Rooms • 380 – 10’ x 10’ exhibit booth space or seating for up to 7,500 • Modern amenities / State-of-the-art communication systems • Full in-house Catering/Concession services • Adjacent to the world-famous Wildwoods Boardwalk and 5 miles of FREE white sand beaches • On-site parking for over 700 vehicles • 30K square feet of pre-function space • Free Wi-Fi for attendees

To schedule your next meeting or event, call us at 800-992-9732 or visit us at WildwoodsCC.com