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Around The Region
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NEW OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE AT PARK CITY CENTER
Lancaster, PA – Flight On Ice announced the debut of their pop-up outdoor “real” ice skating rink to the Park City Center bringing a season full of festive family fun and running through February 2023.
This pop-up attraction promises to transform the mall’s outdoor parking lot into a must visit winter destination. Features include a full-size recreational outdoor skating rink, skate rentals, festive music, lighting, video & decor, food and beverages and heated hospitality tents perfect for private parties.
“We’re excited to partner with Flight On Ice and Park City Center on this great new holiday and winter attraction for the area,” stated Edward Harris, President & CEO of Discover Lancaster. “The numerous experiences on offer have wide appeal and will make for wonderful memories.”
flightonice.com HERMITAGE INN RIBBON CUTTING
Petersburg, WV – Taylor Hospitality, Grant County Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Petersburg held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Hermitage Inn on October 27, 2022. The inn is one of the oldest historical properties in Petersburg and is older than the state of West Virginia. The hotel begins a new chapter as the Hermitage Inn and Taphouse, though details of its extensive past have been preserved. The new look and atmosphere draw inspiration from its rich history and the mountainous landscape surrounding it.
Taylor Hospitality also has announced the launch of Hermitage Inn & Taphouse's new website:
www.hermitageinnwv.com
TOURISM EXPERIENCE IN NYC
Manhattan, NY - On May 8-9, 2023 Trumarketing PR is launching the VANGUARD EXPERIENCE, a revitalized two-day gathering crafted on the concept of true travel industry relationship building. The event will infuse destination education, 1-on-1 meetings, networking, bonding experiences and wellness elements.
The event venues will all be held within walking distance of Trumarketing's marketplace base, OFFSITE. Several events must be attended as part of attendees' commitment to the event. Vendors will include a network of DMCs, luxury hotels and destinations from around the world.
www.trumarketing.com
he Region
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT OGLEBAY
Wheeling, WV - A whirlwind of activity is transforming Oglebay and Wheeling Park into a winter wonderland celebrating the 2022 Festival of Lights presented by WesBanco. There are over 100 light displays outside to set up and test, including dozens of trees that will be adorned with holiday lights. A new feature, Reflections on Schenk Lake, also is being added this year. Inside, decorators at Wilson Lodge are busy "decking the halls."
www.oglebayfoundation.org
NEW SOLUTION FOR "GREENER" EVENTS
For large-scale events looking for ways to be more ecofriendly and reduce waste, Lyfecycle’s new self-destructing plastic, the first of its kind, helps events to be "greener." Lyfecycle made its USA debut earlier this month at the Chicago Marathon as the official recovery bag for more than 40,000 participants.
This one-of-a-kind technology is the only plant-based, recyclable and biodegradable plastic that is scientifically designed and proven to return to nature after two-years, leaving no microplastics or toxins behind. It can be used to create anything from food containers, cutlery and cups to fashion garment bags, sandwich wrappers, stretch film and non-woven material such as face masks and baby wipes.
www.lyfecycle.com STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP FOR LEGAL MEETINGS
South Orange, NJ - Hotels for Trial, a luxury boutique travel agency for litigation firms and a division of Spear Travel Group, has announced a partnership with Aquipt, Inc. a premier legal technology provider specializing in trial support services and hosted pretrial solutions. This partnership enables Hotels for Trial and Aquipt to offer legal teams enhanced trial support services to find the ideal hotel and war room accommodations along with providing mission-critical technology and support.
www.aquipt.com www.hotelsfortrial.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN ANNAPOLIS
Annapolis, MD - On November 18 will be the Annapolis Town Center Christmas Tree Lighting accompanied by Horse and Carriage Rides on weekends throughout the holiday season. From November 20 – January 2 will be Lights on the Bay at Sandy Point State Park, an annual holiday light show featuring a two-mile scenic drive along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay with more than 70 animated and stationary displays depicting regional and holiday themes and all proceeds benefit the Anne Arundel County SPCA.
Classic Theatre of Maryland presents White Christmas November 25 - December 24, 2022. Based on the beloved 1954 film, this musical adaptation features the music of Irving Berlin and centers around a successful song-and-dance act and a duo of singing sisters. On November 27 is the Grand Illumination and annual tree lighting in downtown Annapolis.
www.visitannapolis.org
ESPORTS INNOVATION CENTER AT STOCKTON
Atlantic City, NJ - The new Esports Innovation Center (EIC) at Stockton University, located on the boardwalk as part of the university’s Residential Complex, is a nonprofit that was set up in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Stockton to promote esports in South Jersey and Atlantic City.
“The EIC will be a driver of strategic workforce development and will help to attract industrysupporting businesses and events,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer, Tim Sullivan. “Governor Phil Murphy’s economic development plan is focused on bolstering high-growth sectors that create inclusive career opportunities. The EIC, as a center of knowledge and innovation, is adding to the momentum in this emerging and particularly exciting industry.”
In addition, this fall the university debuted its first esports and event planning course. Said Noel Criscione-Naylor, an associate professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, “There’s a huge connection to hospitality, tourism and event management, which is our program. Students have to have the fundamentals of what does it mean to execute an event and at the same time what are some of the computer skills and problem solving that’s necessary (with esports events).”
www.stockton.edu
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DESTINATION DC ADDS VALUE AND ENHANCES PROGRAMS
Washington, DC – Destination DC has announced efforts to attract meetings and conventions to the nation’s capital. Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, outlined new developments and attractions for meetings planners. Melissa A. Riley, vice president of convention sales and services, shared the strengths of the city as a gathering place to meet with purpose and impact issues.
Said Ferguson, “Strong leisure destinations lead to strong meetings destinations, so as more people combine business and leisure travel, DC is notable for new investment, hotels, arts and culture, dining and nightlife and free things to do.” “We’re thinking about what will make the difference for an organization,” said Riley. “In Washington, DC, our positioning focuses on offerings that you can’t find anywhere else, so a potential delegate sees the value and purpose of attending. Our clients are meeting with leaders, offering top speakers and finding a voice for the issues they care about in DC.”
www.washington.org
WINTER IN FRANKLIN SQUARE
Philadelphia, PA Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit organization that manages and operates Franklin Square, is bringing back Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO from November 16 – February 26.
Highlights include: Chilly Philly Mini Golf, seasonal music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, in addition to the Electrical Spectacle Light Show at night. The Ben’s Sweets and Treats heated tent will be open with food and drink, surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Beer Garden. Special events bring visits with Santa, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah celebrations, and the renowned New Year’s Eve Square Drop to add to the festive fun.
www.historicphiladelphia.org NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN DC
Washington, DC - There are more than 26 new hotels or renovations in the pipeline, adding over 5,892 new or renovated rooms. Additionally, the National Gallery of Art’s East Building reopened in June; the Kennedy Center opened an interactive permanent exhibit dedicated to President John F. Kennedy in September; phase two of the Wharf opened bringing a new Pendry hotel and fine dining, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum reopened with new galleries in October; while the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden breaks ground on its Sculpture Garden renovation on November 16th.
www.washington.org
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EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAYS THE WILDWOODS
The Wildwoods, NJ – With so many festive activities and holiday events planned in the Wildwoods, there are plenty of ways to experience the spirit of the season and create new family holiday memories.
The 2022 lineup of holiday events in the Wildwoods features five weekends of fun, including: November 25 is Family Holiday Beach Bonfire; November 25-27 is the Christmas in North Wildwood Weekend Celebration; December 1-2 are tree lighting ceremonies in Wildwood Crest, North Wildwood, and the City of Wildwood; December 9-10, 16-17 is the Holiday Light Show at Wildwood’s Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park; the North Wildwood Family Christmas Celebration on December 16; Holiday Lights Walk on December 19; and more.
www.wildwoodsnj.com
BLAST OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES IN PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh, PA –A number of attractions, exhibitions, restaurants and more are opening in Pittsburgh this fall offering visitors new and exciting reasons to visit Pittsburgh. Travelers can take one giant leap toward space exploration as Moonshot Museum, Pennsylvania’s first space museum. Mars: The Next Giant Leap, opens at the Carnegie Science Center on November 19, a new exhibition launching visitors on a 300-million-mile journey to Mars, where they will explore relevant, contemporary issues that surround space exploration.
Now through February 20, The Andy Warhol Museum presents Andy Warhol’s Social Network: Interview, Television and Portraits. The Frick Art Museum offers American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection, through January 8. Contemporary Craft showcases Transformation 11: Contemporary Works in Glass, through March 18.
Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s new steel brewing facility in Creighton features state-of-the-art technology, brewery tours, a restaurant, an onsite store and a distillery in the works. Foodies have yet another reason to flock to Pittsburgh with the opening of The Parlor Dim Sum, the new restaurant from chef-restaurateur Roger Li.
NYC’S LATEST LUXURY EVENTS VENUE
Ease Hospitality has two locations in New York City, @Ease 605 and @Ease 1345, fivestar venues that focus on the importance of creating community. Wellness moments are integrated with high-design and state-ofthe-art technology offerings are coupled with design principles that integrate greenscape and health and wellness aspects to inspire in a new age of gathering.
@Ease605 there is over 4,000-square feet of outdoor space with private seating that can be used for VIP events or outdoor receptions in addition to 28,000-square feet of event space and amenities. @Ease1345 there is 5,500-square feet of flexible space, Huddle Rooms, live broadcast and webinar capabilities and more. Full-service catering at both locations is provided by Great Performances Catering.
www.easehospitality.com
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GLOBAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY DAY 2023
Washington, DC - The Meetings Mean Business Coalition announced “Meetings Matter” as the 2023 theme for Global Meetings Industry Day to be held on March 30th, the international day of advocacy showcasing the value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities.
The “Meetings Matter” theme will spotlight the economic and societal importance of face-to-face meetings, a critical message to share with elected officials and business leaders which underscores the multi-layered benefits that come from meeting in person. The U.S. Travel Association will produce a toolkit in early 2023 to help the industry demonstrate the incredible power of face-to-face meetings.
www.ustravel.org
ANNUAL SUN WINE & FOOD FEST
Uncasville, CT - The 19th Annual Sun Wine & Food Fest 2023 at Mohegan Sun, January 26-29, is one of the largest and most popular wine festivals in the Northeast, treating guests to a vast selection of wines and delicious food pairings. The Fest’s main event features over 1,000 different types of wine, beer, and spirits for guests to sample while tasting dishes from award-winning restaurants throughout the region and select bites from elite chefs.
For the full lineup of events, celebrities, entertainment and more, visit:
www.mohegansun.com/SWFF CELEBRATION OF NJ WINERIES
Atlantic City, NJ - Restaurateur Mark Callazzo is investing millions as a key developer of the vibrant business district known as the Orange Loop in AC, already having opened four restaurants on Tennessee Avenue. Now he has reached out to the Garden State Wine Growers Association with an idea to bring these wines to a wider audience, which has culminated in his restaurants hosting a yearlong celebration of the state’s top wines, featuring a different winery each month starting this November.
Devon Perry, Executive Director of the Garden State Wine Growers Association, toasted the idea and hopes other restaurant owners will follow suit. Said Perry, "Getting New Jersey wines on the map via Tennessee Avenue is a great way for locals and visitors from all over the world to experience the finest Garden State wines.”
www.newjerseywines.com
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WYNDHAM’S MEETINGS COLLECTION GOES GLOBAL
Parsippany, NJ - Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recently announced the global expansion of The Meetings Collection, which now includes over 160 hotels and resorts across the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
A carefully curated collection of aspirational hotels and resorts in highly sought-after meetings destinations, The Meetings Collection caters to planners globally by putting their needs at the forefront, making it simple, easy and rewarding to organize multiple, multi-year meetings across a wide variety of hotels and brands.
In addition to planner perks, properties participating in The Meetings Collection make it easy for organizers to enhance their events with highly-rated, turn-key activities and experiences like locally-sourced spirit tastings, curated beach and city cleanup programs, culinary competitions, racing excursions and more.
www.wyndhambusiness.com/meetings AC TO HOST TAKEOFF NORTH AMERICA
Atlantic City, NJ - At TakeOff North America 2022 in Las Vegas, NV this October, event organizers announced that next year’s event will see the region’s domestic air service development community unite in Atlantic City, NJ. Confirmed to take place from August 13-15, 2023 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, the sixth TakeOff North America event will be hosted by the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and Meet AC.
"We are thrilled to host TakeOff North America 2023 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. By hosting this event, we will have the opportunity to showcase our region while bringing together more than 200 aviation industry professionals, including air carriers and small to mid-size airports, discussing potential expanded or new air service,” noted Meet AC’s President and CEO, Larry Sieg.
www.routesonline.com/events
DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL BOOKING AGREEMENT
Las Vegas, NV – Destinations International, the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), has announced its new Destination Booking Agreement (DBA) at IMEX America. With the announcement comes the launch of a toolkit which establishes mutually agreeable terms to protect both the destination and the business events strategist.
“The need for CVBs and business events strategists to come together to create best practices for destination booking agreement guidelines has been an ongoing conversation for our industry,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “Destinations International’s Large Market Roundtable has done great work to take the lead on this thought leadership that will ultimately enhance our entire industry moving forward.”
www.destinationsinternational.org
he Region
UVA BREAKS GROUND ON NEW HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
Charlottesville, VA - The University of Virginia (UVA) and its partners have broken ground on a new Hotel and Conference Center, which is targeting a spring 2025 debut. The hospitality center, whose official name will be revealed at a future date, will be managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality.
The Hotel and Conference Center will anchor UVA’s emerging and strategically important Emmet-Ivy corridor, aiming to be a destination property and convening space for guests and visitors to the University, its local community, faculty, staff, students and conference attendees. The site will provide multiple spaces for hospitality, business and academic conferences. Guests will find a full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace dining, a rooftop café with panoramic views, and 25,000-square feet of technologically advanced meeting and event space to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
www.pyramidglobal.com
EXTENDED STAY AMERICA® LAUNCHES NEW BRAND
Charlotte, NC - Extended Stay America has announced the launch of Extended Stay America Select Suites. For value-conscious guests staying on average 30+ nights, the new brand offers more basic services and select amenities with the similar apartment-like room design as the flagship Extended Stay America Suites brand.
“We’re proud to introduce Extended Stay America Select Suites. Now, with three different brands at three different price points guests are sure to find an Extended Stay America hotel to suit their needs and budget,” said Greg Juceam, President and Chief Executive Officer for Extended Stay America.
With the addition of Extended Stay America Select Suites, the organization’s family of brands now represents a portfolio of approximately 760 hotels across three brands comprising close to 85,000 rooms in 45 states, all solely focused on the extended stay segment.
EMBASSY SUITES WASHINGTON DC RENOVATION
Washington, DC – Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center has completed a $30-million full-property renovation and redesign, including the complete overhaul of the property’s 388 suites, fitness center and swimming pool, lobby and public spaces, along with an upgrade to its 12,000square feet of meeting and event space, adding a new on-site restaurant and more.
The interior design reflects the spirit of DC’s historic Shaw neighborhood with custom artwork and decor that highlights the significance of the city’s deep arts and cultural impact on the neighborhood. The property’s makeover touches every space within the hotel, including the addition of a lobby level meeting room with floor to ceiling windows.
"The Embassy Suite by Hilton Washington D.C. Convention Center’s prime location to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the retail destination CityCenterDC allows us to serve both corporate and leisure guests looking for high-end quality, comfort and superior hospitality,” said Complex Commercial Director, Monique Martinet.
