Montgomery, Ala.– A DoubleTree by Hilton has opened in downtown Montgomery, and the city is working to bring in another hotel nearby where the State House Inn was formerly. The 131-room hotel saw a $13 million transformation project during rebranding efforts that added a restaurant, an outdoor patio and a ballroom, said General manager Tom Quatrochi.
Montgomery, Ala.– Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange says officials are considering moving the city's planetarium downtown to join a growing number of attractions. The mayor said officials are considering having it join the City-County Public Library and the Children's Museum of Alabama in the $22 million Questplex building. The planetarium has been in Oak Park since 1968, and its equipment is outdated.
Strange told the Montgomery Advertiser that Troy University, which manages the planetarium, has agreed to help with upgrades.
Duck Key, Fla.– The Tampa Convention Center (TCC) in downtown Tampa, Fla., has partnered with the TECO Line Streetcar System to offer meeting planners and conference attendees free access to the TECO streetcar system. Effective May 1, the partnership allows registered conference attendees to use their official conference badge for unlimited use of the TECO streetcar system during their conference at the 600,000-square-foot, riverfront venue.
“This is yet another tremendous added value for meeting planners who book events at Tampa Convention Center, allowing attendees to save on transportation expenses during their event,” said Eric Blanc, CMP, director of sales, marketing and convention services at Tampa Convention Center.
Lexington, Ky.– The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa has recently completed an extensive guest room renovation project. The $5 million accommodation revitalization completes phase one of the hotel's three-year renovation plan. Guest rooms feature new furniture, carpeting and “stylish” accents. In addition, technology enhancements were included.
The resort also renovated its hospitality and presidential suites for corporate, social or bridal entertaining. Other enhancements include the transformation to the Elmendorf and Spendthrift meeting rooms.
New Orleans – During the annual Best Chefs of Louisiana awards dinner in April, the American Culinary Federation New Orleans Chapter named Executive Chef Randy Buck of Hotel Monteleone as the 2013 Chef of the Year. “Chef Buck’s innovative recipes and leadership in the main kitchen has raised the hotel’s dining experiences to new heights,” said Ronald Pincus, vice president and chief operating officer for Hotel Monteleone.
New Orleans – Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the New Orleans Aviation Board have announced plans to build a brand new, state-of-the-art airport on the north side of the current airport property. The project budget is estimated at $826 million and construction is expected to commence in 2014, with completion in 2018 for the 300th anniversary of the City of New Orleans.
The economic model of the new facility will allow the airlines to bring in more daily flights. “The new construction will not impact the existing terminal or the new services and features in which we invested or be distracting in any way for your meetings,” said New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau President/CEO Stephen Perry. “This new airport, along with the recent opening of the Great Hall at the Morial Convention Center, our work on the Tricentennial re-engineering of the riverfront, exponentially more restaurant and entertainment venues than ever before, the expansion of the National World War II Museum, new street car lines and so much more are further evidence that great meetings happen here.”
Cherokee, N.C. – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has completed a $650 million dollar expansion. “I’ve seen this property truly transform from what was once a regional day- trip casino into a world-class destination resort,” said Regional President of Caesar’s Entertainment, R. Scott Barber. The expansion doubled its hotel and gaming space, added live gaming tables, restaurants and shops and a rotunda with waterfalls and a light show.
The Casino has 150,000 square feet of gaming space and also features more than 1,100 hotel rooms, 10 restaurants, a 3,000-seat Event Center, a 18,000-square-feet Mandara Spa and eight retail shops.
Henderson, N.C.– A long awaited theater is becoming a reality in downtown Henderson. The performing arts center theater, McGregor Hall, will seat 1,000 and will be connected by a lobby to Perry Memorial Library. The new facility will be collectively known as Breckenridge Commons. Construction is expected to commence in August and a tentative completion date is set for December 2014.
Austin, Texas – The Driskill, a recent addition to the Hyatt portfolio in Austin has appointed Scott Mason as general manager.
In his role, Mason will oversee operations for the 189-room property, located in the heart of downtown Austin. A 15-year Hyatt veteran, he arrives in Austin after most recently serving as general manager for the Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center.
Jacksonville, Texas.– Jacksonville city officials are looking at approving a two-phase master plan that includes a convention center, as well as a livestock expo center. All facilities would be located in the Nichols Green Park area and would include under 22,000-square-feet of heated and cooled space, along with verandas and a civic hall, which as proposed, could seat between 700 and 800 people for concerts.
Norfolk, Va.– Norfolk is posed to build a new conference center after the City Council approved a $126 million project that will include a luxury hotel and a 50,000-square-foot conference center downtown.
The project will be located on the corner of Granby and Main streets and could be finished by spring 2017.
Duck Key, Fla.– PlanHawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys has completed phase one of a million dollar culinary update, including the opening of two restaurants on-property, as well as two smaller food and beverage outlets for cocktails and coffee. These new culinary offerings are part of a larger hotel renovation, said James Moss, director of sales.
Set to be complete later this year, phase two upgrades will enhance the experience of the adults-only area. This private area, which now includes the Tranquility Pool lined with private cabanas, will be expanded and soon welcome Sand Bar, an alfresco restaurant in the sand.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – The SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center has begun exhibiting the work of some of South Florida’s most eco-minded artists. The rotating exhibits showcase the facility’s commitment to celebrating South Florida’s marine environment and ecosystems.
“Since receiving our LEED- (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification in the summer of 2012, we continue to identify new ways to express our facility’s eco-consciousness and connection with the coastal waterways and environment,” said Mark Gatley, regional general manager for SMG. The works, selected in collaboration with the North Beach (NOBE) Art Gallery, will be on display in the 600,000-square-foot Convention Center’s Cyber Café. The first exhibition features 30 prints on paper or canvas by Pascal Lecocq, known as The Painter of Blue.
New Orleans – On January 13, The National WWII Museum unveiled The US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, a unique space for meetings and events. It is the largest building on The National WWII Museum campus and can host up to 700 guests for a seated dinner or 1,500 for receptions and theater-style events.
In the space, World War II aircraft soar overhead — including the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress,” a SBD Dauntless and the TBM Avenger — with elevated “catwalks” providing eye-level views.
There is also the interactive submarine experience FINAL MISSION: The USS Tang. Based on the last war patrol of the USS Tangin the Pacific Theater, visitors man the positions and perform the battle actions of the actual crew members as the sub engages the Japanese Imperial Naval Forces.
Durham, N.C. – The DoubleTree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park has recently opened. Known locally as the “Mansion on the Hill,” the former Hilton hotel saw a seven-month, $8 million renovation that included design enhancements to the exterior and interior public spaces, guest room makeovers, and the introduction of a new locally-driven restaurant concept.
“With its genuine caring culture and commitment to a superior guest experience, the DoubleTree by Hilton brand is a natural fit with our authentic southern hospitality,” said General Manager Henry Naber.
The hotel features 248 guest rooms and suites and 9,300 square feet of meeting space.
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort at Kingston Shores, an oceanfront resort in Myrtle Beach, has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation to its guest rooms.
Each of the 385 guest rooms and suites has been painted in a new color palette for a fresh and modern look, which includes new furnishings. To complement this renovation, new entry doors and high-definition TVs have been installed in all guest rooms. The bathrooms have also been updated.
“We are proud of the renovations, and we know that every detail has gone into making sure our guests enjoy a luxurious and comfortable experience at Kingston Shores,” said Bob Barenberg, managing director.
Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort offers 385 oceanview rooms and 18,000 square feet of meeting space.
Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Chattanoogan hotel is finalizing renovations to its 25,000-square-foot conference facilities. The refurbishment includes new carpet and wallcoverings; the addition of a new glass tile entry wall; replacing upholstered seating; enhancing the corridor lighting; and transforming the area which housed traditional phone booths into a new contemporary cyber café with charging stations and seating. In addition to its high-tech meeting space, The Chattanoogan has 199 guest rooms and suites.
Austin, Texas – The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center has added to their sales team. Amber Lamb has been named senior sales manager and Olivia Gardner is now the interactive promotions and marketing manager.
Lamb started her career in the hospitality industry more than 20 years ago and is also the vice president of the Austin Hospitality Association. Gardner has ten years of experience, and has worked with top government agencies, private yacht charter companies, catering companies and several elite private clubs of the Silicon Valley.
San Antonio – Sarah Linley, CMP, CTA, has joined the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau as the new associate director destination services. She will assist in managing the destination service team, provide support to high-profile meetings and events, and serve as liaison to other city departments and hospitality partners.
Richmond, Va.– The Crowne Plaza Richmond has been rebranded as the Richmond Magnuson Grand Hotel and Convention Center. The new owner is SN Holdings LLC, which purchased the 282-room hotel. The hotel will upgrade its local, regional and national market to attract business, group and leisure travelers via an affiliation with Magnuson Hotels’ global portfolio of nearly 2,000 hotels.
Athens, Ga. - The Classic Center in Athens, Ga., held a grand re-opening in February to showcase its expanded meeting space. ConventionSouth Publisher Talty O'Connor was on site to celebrate the facility's new look. The $24 million project added an 8,000-square-foot atrium and expanded the exhibit hall to 56,000 square feet. Now the facility can accommodate groups of up to 3,000, banquet style, 6,000, theater style, and 273 10-foot-by10-foot exhibit booths. The facility offers wireless Internet access and state-of-the-art lighting and audio/visuals.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – Planning teambuilding challenges along the Northern Gulf Coast just got easier with the net Gulf Adventure Center opening at the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. The attraction will open this spring with ziplines, kayaking and paddle boarding on Lake Shelby.
Orlando, Fla. – The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate along with Osceola County opened a 55,000-square-foot conference center in January. The new state-of-the-art facility add more than 46,000 square feet of meeting space to the existing event space at the resort, resulting in more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space in total.
The “crown jewel” of the center, according to Mike Magnelli, managing director, is the 28,800-square-foot ballroom. Mike also noted that it offers “advanced communications and computer technology, an open prefunction area, an event lawn and a large loading dock for easy setup have also been incorporated into the design. “The conference center will improve the already-top notch luxury meeting experience offered at the Omni Orlando Resort,” Mike said.
Miami – Two firms are currently competing to win a contract for a one billion dollar redevelopment of the current Miami Beach Convention Center and surrounding area, said Jeff Lehman, chair of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “Miami Beach is already an international destination but as our ongoing and major construction projects prove, we are always striving to be bigger on the world stage.” Plans to expand and renovate the facility are set to be finalized this June, Lehman told ConventionSouth.
Meanwhile, several projects have improved parking around town and in the coming two years, the city is set to open a new bicycle/pedestrian paved path with landscaping and a pier at South Pointe Park in 2014. And, last November, the city completed a renovation of the North Beach Bandshell outdoor events venue.
Gwinnett County, Ga. – The Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau has rebranded and renamed as Explore Gwinnett. The new name is coupled with a new tag line, “Atlanta’s Playground,” which speaks to Gwinnett’s reputation for having family-friendly attractions, sports and must-see events. “We truly feel that our new name, branding and logo pull together so many positive aspects of Gwinnett’s reputation with visitors,” said Lisa Anders, executive director of Explore Gwinnett.
Louisville, Ky. – Cleo Battle in now representing the Louisville CVB as executive vice president, replacing Karen Williams who retired from the position after 22 years of service. Battle has worked in the hospitality industry for 27 years. Prior to coming to the Louisville Bureau, he spent the last 12 years as Vice President of Sales & Services for the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau in Richmond, Va.
Battle’s responsibilities include developing relationships with clients in Washington and Chicago, representing the Louisville Bureau at industry tradeshows and conferences and providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Bureau in all aspects of its fiscal and daily operation.
New Orleans, La. – Opened in November 2012, the newly-constructed Convocation Center and Annex at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) offers more than 93,000 square feet of space with more than 4,100 seats that can be reconfigured. Because of its smaller size compared to other large spaces in New Orleans, the Convocation Center is providing the city with an alternative space for small to mid-size events, concerts, galas and more, said college officials.
The night before Super Bowl XLVII, the Annual Gridiron Celebrity Hoops All-Star Basketball Game marked its 15th year at the convocation center. “This mid-size athletic event proves our convocation center has the capacity to draw big crowds for important functions. We have end and center stage arrangements that allows for flexibility and our state-of-the-art scoreboard system is top of the line,” said XULA President Dr. Norman Francis.
Shreveport-Bossier, La. – With the grand opening of the dual-branded Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton in March, Shreveport-Bossier celebrates the 10,000 hotel room mark, said destination officials. “A lot of large conventions will not consider a destination unless there are 10,000 rooms or more. Now, we are able to approach those meeting planners that were unavailable to us before,” said Dianna Douglas, regional sales manager at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau.
The Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton Shreveport-Bossier provides 9,000 square feet of event space, the Grand Dahlia Ballroom, a 24/7 business center, a full-service restaurant and bar, and on-site catering.
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – The city of Myrtle Beach is set to usher in a number of new developments this year, including an airport expansion, downtown revitalization and city anniversary, according to destination officials.
Myrtle Beach International Airport will complete a $113 million expansion project this spring. The project will extend the passenger terminal from 6 to 13 gates, add nearly 40,000 square feet of glass and new dining facilities, and add additional parking areas and a rental car facility.
The downtown continues its revitalization with a new entertainment complex featuring a miniature golf course and restaurant that will be complete on the former site of a historic inn by the spring. In addition, a new 6,000-square-foot building is being created on Ocean Boulevard. that will be home to a candy store and ice cream shop.
Rounding out the year will be celebrations of the 75th Anniversary for the City of Myrtle Beach.
Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville’s Convention Center Authority has approved a room-block agreement with the Renaissance Nashville Hotel that, if approved by the Metro Council, requires the hotel to set aside room for Music City Center conventions and also provides the hotel with additional meeting space at the existing Nashville Convention Center, according to local news reports.
A total of 315 guest rooms would be blocked in the 24-35 month period after Music City Center opens and 400 after the center has been opened for 36 months. The amount of meeting space at the convention center the hotel can utilize has not been finalized.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau has welcomed Amy Brown as director of northeast regional sales and Shilpa Bakre as senior communications manager. Brown and Bakre joined the CVB on February 4th, each with more than a decade of experience in their respective departments. “Amy’s extensive sales background comes at an ideal time as Austin’s convention bookings are greatly on the rise,” says Steve Genovesi, senior vice President, sales.
ACVB also announced the promotion of Mary Kay Hackley as vice president, strategic alliances, Julie Chase to vice president and chief marketing officer and Julie Hart to vice president and chief financial officer.
Irving, Texas – The Irving City council recently approved a memorandum of understanding that will allow a development agreement for a $90 million, 350-room, upscale, full-service Irving center at Las Colinas headquarters hotel to move forward.
“This is great news for the city of Irving. This hotel and the amenities it brings will make Irving a highly sought after convention city,” said Irving City Manager Tommy Gonzalez.
The hotel will also include a 300-space parking garage, a sky bridge linking the hotel to the convention center, and 20,000 square feet of additional meeting room space.
The development agreement is expected to be finalized in May and with a hotel brand announcement in June. Groundbreaking will take place later this year, and a grand opening slated for third quarter 2015.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Visit Jacksonville has selected 42-year veteran Paul Astleford as its next president and CEO. “I see Jacksonville as a city with huge potential as a destination for corporate, group and leisure travel,” Astleford said.
His experience includes destination-marketing experience as president and CEO for the Greater Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau.
PALM BEACH, Fla. – Love Hotel Management Company has taken over direction of the Omphoy Beach Resort in Palm Beach, Fla. “We are excited to expand our services into this resort community and are confident this property will exceed expectations,” said Joe Ruggeri, president. The resort offers 134 guest rooms and a 6,000-square-foot meeting space.
ATLANTA – Metro Atlanta Convention centers are investing millions to keep up with technology and stay competitive, according to local news reports. Wi-Fi and access to the Internet will be updated. The Georgia World Congress Center alone is spending $1.5 million to upgrade its fiber-optic cables and the Gwinnett Center is planning another $250,00 in improvements to its network.
PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. – Callaway Gardens has announced “major” improvements and renovations for 2013, including a refurbishment of their Mountain Creek Inn. “I’m extremely pleased to share that by April 1 all 274 rooms in the Mountain Creek Inn will be new,” said Edward Callaway, chairman and CEO for Callaway Gardens.
Enhancements for the Gardens as well as the Robin Lake Beach area will be announced soon.
Callaway offers a 10,000-square-foot ballroom space and a Mountain Creek Conference and Training Center within walking distance for meetings or classroom space.
NEW ORLEANS – Officials with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau have invited the Disney Institute to give local businesses pointers for their service-industry personnel in time for the Super Bowl. Free training sessions are offered for management and staff at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson County superiors are the latest to join an effort asking the Mississippi Legislature to put together a tourism marketing group to promote the state’s Gulf Coast, according to local news reports.
The resolution is calling for the creation of a Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau to help with advertising and marketing of the region’s attractions. The bureau is aimed to help combat increased competition coming from neighboring states and the lingering impacts of both Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
BURLINGTON, N.C.– The Ramada Inn and Convention Center in Burlington is set to see renovations, according to local news reports. The renovations and expansions will increase the center’s capacity to host more than 500 to accommodate an additional 90. The expansion with also incorporate a bar into one of the center rooms, new furnishings and décor throughout the hotel, and more.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis is dreaming for a $600 million new convention center to compete with larger cities in their market, according to local news reports. The opening of discussion for the project comes five years after talks were introduced about building a new center or expanding the current one.
The city has also moved closer to the redevelopment of the Pyarmid Arena with the approval of a development plan for the project. The planned development will turn the Pyarmid Arena into a Bass Pro Shop, a hotel, and indoor and outdoor retail and recreation space.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – A new 100-room branded hotel is in the works for the west side of Spartanburg, according to local news reports. The hotel will be located beside two existing inns at the 50-acre Westgate Towncenter.
The property is currently home to the 126-room Hampton Inn and Suites and an 88-room Holiday Inn Express and Suites, as well as the 37,000-square-foot Summit Pointe conference and events center. Negotiations are still in the works over a franchise agreement.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Plans have been announced to open a second Westin hotel in Austin, Texas—the Westin Austin Downtown. The hotel is scheduled to break ground in 2013 and open in Spring 2015 on the northeast corner of East Fifth Street and San Jacinto Boulevard. The 17-story, 326-room Westin hotel will be just one-and-a-half blocks from the city’s convention center and will include a full-service restaurant, a fitness center, and a 13,500 square feet meeting space. “We continue to experience an uptick in demand across Austin and particularly in the central business district,” said Bob Lander , president/CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Business travel, leisure and conventions all generate demand in this area and Westin Hotels and Resorts has long been recognized as a leader and innovator in these market segments.”
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Ommi Hotel in Newport News is now the Newport News Hotel and Conference Center since the beginning of 2013, according to local news reports. The hotel was part of a planned private auction in 2011. An Omni representative told local news that the franchise agreement with the hotel came to an end and both parties agreed to move on at the close of the term.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.– The Hilton Little Rock Medical Center is changing flags and becoming the Clarion Hotel Medical Center. The 263-room property will continue to be owned by HLR LLC and operated by Arkansas Hotel Management LLC. Both companies remain committed to the Little Rock market. “We have enjoyed our partnership with Hilton Hotels, but feel that the Choice Hotels/Clarion brand will provide a more strategic connection to the Little Rock market from a local, regional and national level,” said Martin Belz, managing member of Arkansas Hotel Management LLC.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Craig Leicester has been appointed as general manager and Ricardo Echeverri as director of sales and marketing of the new Aloft Orlando Downtown. The 118-room hotel is scheduled to open in July within the former Orlando Utilities Commission building and is set to offer 7,200 square feet of flexible meeting space
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Visit Florida has announced that Will Seccombe has been named its new president/CEO. Seccombe has served as the organization’s chief marketing officer since 2008, and has served as the acting president since Chris Thompson’s departure to head Brand USA. “For the past four years, Will has been the creative genius behind all of Visit Florida’s ‘big ideas’ and the bulldog who sees those projects through to their successful conclusion,” said Thompson.
DALTON, Ga. – The Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center Authority Board has announced the hire of Brett Huske to lead the center starting January 1. He has been the executive director of the Dalton CVB for three years, and in his new position, will be the director of tourism as he assumes responsibilities for both the CVB and trade center.
“Brett’s background in hospitality and tourism makes him a perfect choice to lead both organizations into the future,” said Dan Rogers, chairman of the authority board.
PADUCAH, Ky. – Developers have announced a proposal for a downtown hotel project next to the Julian Carroll Convention Center in Paducah. The hotel will include 121 guest rooms, as well as a restaurant and a bar, and will be attached to the convention center via a pedestrian bridge.
A groundbreaking for the project is tentatively set for 2013, with a hotel opening in late 2014.
RALEIGH, N.C. - The hotel offers 126 guest rooms in the Glenwood South District with nearly 1,000 square feet of meeting space.
TULSA, TEXAS – Doubletree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown has been selected as the beta site for a new dining concept that is scheduled to roll out in other markets across the nation in 2013. Made Market, a $2 million project under construction now in Tulsa, is an all-day eatery that blends the convenience of a gourmet market with the allure of a brick over gastropub. “DoubleTree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown is thrilled to be the first to launch Made Market, a whole new dining experience for both hotel guests and downtown regulars,” said Bruce Sneller, general manager. “Given the growth in downtown’s nightlife and the level of activity in Tulsa’s hospitality market, there could not be a better place than Tulsa to debut this new concept.”
The new Made Market offers a full-menu, quick-service dining experience with various dining options, including a main dining room, a living room for lounging, a bar, and an herb ‘Garden Room’ in the front window section as you enter the restaurant. Guests may eat in or place take away orders for food and drink at the counter and runners will deliver the order to individual tables and guests’ rooms.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta GreenJackets have possibly found a home thanks to the city’s council members, who are considering a plan that would include a sports and entertainment center, as well as a hotel, restaurants, conference center and more, according to local news reports. Even the city’s mayor, Lark Jones, has called it “the biggest proposal that has ever been made.”
The site for the project adjoins the 13th Street bridge connecting downtown August and North Augusta, and could include a 200-rom hotel and conference center modeled after Hampton Terrace, an Augusta-based resort that burned in 1916.
BEAUFORT, S.C. – The Beaufort City Council is considering allowing boat hotels, or “botels,” in the city’s downtown marina, according to local news reports. The 93-foot Charlestonian yacht is seeking a permit to rent rooms overnight while it is docked there. The city-approved site plan has a number of stipulations, including paying accommodation taxes and requiring on-site managers. Additional daydocks and a water sports center are also being discussed.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is giving travelers a fresh location to visit in Nashville with a multimillion-dollar renovation.
The project includes a complete redesign of the lobby, remodeled corridors, new guest and public bathrooms, and the new Mason’s restaurant and Mason Bar.
The new design tells the story of Nashville using local music, fashion and food as design inspiration. Mason’s, named for the popular Mason jars used in Southern canning, is slated to be a Southern brasserie-style restaurant combining traditional Southern dishes with classical French techniques. “Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is Tennessee’s only Four-Diamond rated hotel that has maintained that rating for more than 27 consecutive years, and we intend to keep up that rating by matching this invigorating contemporary look with our impeccable service,” said Tom Negri, managing director of Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel’s transformation is scheduled for completion in May 2013. Throughout construction, the hotel’s meeting and conference space, ballroom, fitness center will remain open.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) was recently awarded Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Certified Level status by the U.S. Green Building Council. “We are making the building as efficient as possible not only to conserve resources and be more efficient, but because it’s the right thing to do for our environment and city,” said Mayor Betsy Price. “We’ve received great feedback, and attendees of some of our large meetings let us know these positive changes make Fort Worth even more appealing as a destination.”
The LEED certification process took more than two years of work, including water reduction measures, waste diversion, implementing a green cleaning policy, adding high-efficiency lighting, environmentally-friendly pest management and energy conservation by city staff and external consultants.
“Our convention attendees will see new recycling containers in addition to high-efficiency lighting and water reduction fixtures, but the majority of the work was in systems and operations that elevate our ability to manage our business efficiently,” said Kirk Slaughter, Director of Public Events for the City of Fort Worth.
ROANOKE, Va. – Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center’s Regency Room will be closed for about six weeks for renovations in honor of its 75th birthday, according to local news reports.
The hotel dining room will close at the beginning of 2013 and will reopen mid-February with new draperies, upholstery and carpeting, along with a new room divider. New awnings will also be built over outside patios and the Pine Room Pub.
MIAMI BEACH – RLJ Lodging Trust recently announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the former Hilton Cabana Miami Beach for $71.6 million. The property opened as a hotel in the early 1950’s and was closed and gutted in 2007 in anticipation of a condominium conversion. The conversion did not materialize and the property went into foreclosure.
In 2011, the current owners purchased the property to develop a new hotel, which they expect to complete and open in the fourth quarter of 2013 as a Hilton.
NAPLES, Fla. – The newly redesigned Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples recently added to their team of marketing and sales professionals.
Dale Encinosa, CHME, will be representing the Inn on Fifth in the group sales market for both the newly renovated hotel and the new Club Level Suites, opening this month. She will focus on development and management of corporate and association accounts in the United States domestic market. Nick Fallon has also been hired as sales assistant.
With 15 years of customer service experience, Evita Reyes has been promoted to group sales manager. She has been working at the Inn on Fifth for more than five years, most recently as revenue manager.
The Inn on Fifth provides nearly 8,000 square feet of recently renovated indoor and outdoor meeting space. This month, the inn will put the finishing touches on its expansion project that will offer an additional 700-square-foot boardroom, as well as 32 Club Level Suites.
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – The Glynn County Islands Planning Commission has given the go ahead for the site plan for what will be the Inn at Sea Island, according to local news reports. The 86-room inn on St. Simons Island is set to begin construction in January and will take roughly nine months to complete, said developers. The county commission will now have to approve the project.
GREENSBORO, Ga.– The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation—situated on Lake Oconee, Georgia’s second largest lake—is poised to begin an extensive refurbishment of 251 guest rooms and suites.
According to Ralph Vick, general manager, the renovation, which will be completed by Dallas-based Duncan Miller Ullman Design, ranges from the renewal of the 2,392 square-foot Ritz-Carlton suite to all 460-square-foot standard guest rooms. The refurbishment is to be completed by March 31, 2013.
The new décor has been designed to capture the area’s colorful Southern history and “compelling beauty,” while infusing a clean, hand-crafted residential feel.
“Our design scheme evokes the spirit of an ‘endless summer,’ with a nod to the region’s Southern roots and abundant natural beauty,” said lead interior designer Kimberly Miller.
The hotel offers more than 18,000 square feet of meeting space.
ATLANTA – The Château Élan Winery and Resort has added a new teambuilding option for groups looking to make a difference, said resort officials. The resort has teamed up with lapdog, inc., a team development group, to work with organizations to plan, organize and implement a memorable and environmentally-focused activity. There are three categories of philanthropy:
-Feeling Green: Groups have the option of participating in Public family Programs, Wildfire Care, Trail Building or Weed Warriors.
-IMPACT Initiatives: Some examples of IMPACT activities include adopting a family or families in need, volunteer at a local food bank or design, build and donate to makee the community better.
-TOMS-Shoes for Tomorrow: Style your “sole:” Each member of the group will give their special touches to a white par of TOMS. For every pair purchased, TOMS will give a child in need a pair of shoes.
LEXINGTON, Ky.– Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa has begun expansive renovations this month, according to hotel officials, who added that from upgraded guest room furnishings to revitalized corridors, this unique Kentucky Bluegrass resort will become thoroughly transformed. While the entire renovation will be completed during a three-year period, phase one is scheduled to be finished in April 2013. Phase one consists of a $5 million investment into guest rooms and corridors.
The rest of the enhancements are to begin in late 2013, including a completely reimagined lobby featuring the new MI Greatroom, restaurant and bar and renovated meeting space.
Located just minutes from the Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park, the resort offers 388 rooms and 21 suites, along with 28,000 square feet of meeting space.
LAKE CHARLES, La. – A new casino/resort is coming to Southwest Louisiana thanks to Ameristar Casinos Inc., according to destination officials. The proposed luxury casino resort is the last remaining riverboat gaming license available in Louisiana under current state law, and broke ground in July 2012 with a projected completion in two years.
Current plans call for a casino with approximately 1,600 slot machines and 60 table games, a hotel with approximately 700 guest rooms (including 70 suites, a number of food and beverage options, an 18-hole golf course, a tennis club, swimming pools, a spa and other amenities.
ASHVILLE, N.C. – The Grove Park Inn has welcomed a new director of sales to its team, Tryg Brody, earlier this year. Brody previously led the sales team at Hotel Del Coronado and served as executive director of group sales at The Greenbrier Hotel, among other positions.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – The AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (AT&T Center) has introduced four ways to meet new demands for technology in meetings with the TelePresence room, high-definition projectors, Mobile Meeting Manager and Datapipe Network.
The TelePresence Room allows guests to experience real time talk plus face-to-face interaction, communicative efficiency and supplies tools to facilitate conversation, collaboration and rich media sharing. The TelePresence System 3010 includes three 65-inch screens, three-camera cluster, one-inch this light reflector, integrated microphones and the TelePresence Touch 12 panel.
High-definition Projectors deliver power zoom and focus lens allowing you to illuminate PowerPoint presentations, videos and illustrations in all meeting spaces, salon and larger meeting spaces.
Mobile Meeting Manager gives meeting planners and their attendees the latest technology without the hassle of information packets or papers. The application turns Smartphones and tablets into an interactive, electronic event resource that can build bios, schedules, maps and has the ability to send event specific information.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.– Virginia Beach-based Gold Key|PHR Hotels and Resorts continues its march up the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with the groundbreaking for its newest hotel, Hilton Garden Inn. The Diplomat Hotel, built on the Oceanfront at 35th Street in 1930, has fallen to the wrecking ball to make room for the company's 9th Virginia Beach Oceanfront property.
With an expected opening date of May 2014, the new Hilton Garden Inn will offer 167, all-oceanfront guest rooms, including 24 suites, 12 executive suites, a restaurant, an indoor/outdoor pool, and 5,000 square feet of oceanfront meeting and conference space.
MOBILE, Ala. – Mobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched their new fully integrated brand and digital experience—“Secretly Awesome.” The thinking is simple: Mobile is amazing and not nearly enough people know it. The new campaign utilizes Facebook, advertising and advanced digital planning tools to maximize the visitor experience.
“The single most prevalent challenge to Mobile is that it remains a relative unknown, especially being situated between New Orleans and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country,” said Stacy Hamilton, CVB vice president of marketing and communications. Campaign highlights include: a new website that streamlines the user experience, a mobile device site, a digital and print advertising campaign with taglines like “Banned in 49 States” and “300 Years of Underrated,” and, finally, integrated social media.
MIAMI – The 393-room James Royal Palm has opened on Collins Avenue on South Beach, according to local news reports. The former Royal Palm hotel is coming back to life after a new brand affiliation and a $42 million renovation. It’s the third hotel from the upscale brand and will include two restaurants, three bars, three pools, and a nightclub.
MIAMI – The Miami City Commission approved the selection of SMG to manage the James L. Knight Center. “As we transition this important downtown asset, we will immediately seek to improve service levels, and key relationships with strategic partners, including local hoteliers and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Gregg Caren, SMG senior vice president for strategic business development.
The Knigth Center includes the Miami Conference Center, 28,000-square-foot Riverfront Hall and a 4,600-seat proscenium theater.
ATLANTA – Commissioners in Gwinnett County have approved negotiations with Nilhan Hospitality to build a hotel at the county convention center, according to local news reports. Their initial proposal was to build a 300-room Marriott brand hotel at the center that will not require public funding to build. The CVB must still approve a final agreement to make the hotel a reality.
BATON ROUGE, La. – Visit Baton Rouge has launched a new travel and planning resource for tourists, meeting professionals and planners who visit the city at www.VisitBatonRouge.com. The new site is packed with tools and special offers, including listings for the lowest advertised hotel rates and special deals from area restaurants and attractions.
Specific pages are dedicated for both travel and meetings professionals to best facilitate a user-friendly experience and compile all relevant information and tools in a single page. Complimentary services provided include meeting and travel itinerary planning, familiarization tours, convention calendar, RFP submission and departure services.
“The site was designed specifically for travel and meeting professionals. It has everything they need to seamlessly plan meetings and conventions in Baton Rouge,” said Paul Arrigo, president/ CEO.
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