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The Westin Austin at The Domain is officially up and running.

The 340-room hotel is situated within The Domain, Austin’s upscale lifestyle center. The property includes the Urban restaurant and lounge, a fitness center and outdoor pool. The hotel offers approximately 17,000 square feet of event space.

The Empire Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt New York completed a $12 million renovation.

Known previously as the Commodore Ballroom, it was the place where John F. Kennedy accepted the Democratic Party nomination for president in 1960. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech there in 1956. Hillary Clinton celebrated her victory in the New York Senate race at the venue.

The renovation includes metal grillwork reminiscent of neighboring Grand Central Station and original tin tiling throughout function spaces.  The 18,000-square-foot space accommodates 100 to 1,500 guests and can be divided into five function or meeting units.

New ownership led by Carl Icahn officially took over the Tropicana Casino & Resort here, and the property is marketing its “new energy.”

Some of the changes include a renewed focus on customer service, revitalized entertainment offerings and new concept changes coming soon to Tropicana’s restaurants. A new microsite was created to promote the changes at www.tropicana.net/newenergy.

Drai’s Hollywood nightclub atop the W Hollywood is officially open.

The 20,000-square-foot club features an outdoor patio with cabanas and daybeds. The patio includes views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown Hollywood. The venue doubles as a 120-seat restaurant before club hours. The hotel opened in January.

Victor Drai opened the famous Las Vegas nightclubs, Drai’s After Hours, Tryst and XS.

Extensive renovations are under way at Carmel Valley Ranch here.

John Pritzker, the founding partner of San Francisco-based Geolo Capital and son of the late billionaire Hyatt Hotels founder Jay Pritzker, said last summer his company would spend about $25 million to upgrade the property over the next two years.

As part of the changes, Anna Olson was recently named general manager of the resort. Olson joins the resort after a long career at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai, Calif., where she had served as general manager since 2001.

“We are transforming Carmel Valley Ranch into a place that goes beyond what people imagine a resort can be,” Pritzker said. “We’ll have all of the traditional resort amenities ‑ a great spa, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Pete Dye golf course ‑ but what sets us apart will be our sense of play.”

The San Francisco CVB says it’s “casting a wider net” for meetings and conventions after releasing its annual estimate of tourism on the local economy, which shows that numbers are down.

In 2009, San Francisco welcomed 15.4 million visitors, a decrease of 5.8 percent from 2008. These visitors spent $7.8 billion in 2009, a decrease of 7.8 percent from the previous year.

Nationally, the U.S. Travel Association had forecast a drop in total travel expenditures of 8.8 percent for 2009.

“This data is not unexpected but it’s especially disturbing in light of the importance of tourism to the economic health of San Francisco,” said Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco CVB.

The tourism industry generated over $426 million in taxes for the city of San Francisco, down 19.2 percent from the previous year. Tourism supported 66,837 jobs in 2009 with an annual payroll of $1.8 billion.

Residence Inn by Marriott-Kingston Water’s Edge is expected to debut here in April.

The hotel will be situated on of the city’s waterfront, overlooking Lake Ontario. A new waterfront park is being developed next to the property.

The 141-room hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi access and more than 5,200 square feet of meeting space, including a 3,000-square-foot ballroom.

Palm Beach County commissioners chose The Related Cos. to build a 400-room hotel next to the downtown convention center.

Under the developer’s proposal, the hotel could eventually be expanded if there is demand for additional rooms. The hotel is expected to open in 2014.

In 2008, county commissioners scrapped a deal with developer Ocean Properties to build a 400-room hotel and 104 condo units next to the convention center. According to the Palm Beach Post, the decision to find another developer came about when ex-County Commissioner Mary McCarty admitted to taking free resort stays from the company. She was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in federal prison.

Association executives show increased optimism in the financial performance of their organizations, according to a new study released by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership.

“Associations and CEOs: A Report on Two Studies During a Down Economy” is the second installment of the association executives study, and fourth in a series that looked at the impact of the economy on the association community.

The study found that 23.5 percent of association executives predict their revenues will increase in the coming year, compared to 11.6 percent from the previous study. More than twice as many respondents as last year believe membership will increase (11.4 percent compared to 4.9 percent). A larger percentage of respondents said they believe revenue will increase from multiday events, increasing from 6.3 percent to 33 percent; multi-day education events, 9.2 percent to 20.9 percent; sponsorships, 13.4 percent to 27.4 percent; and foundation giving, 11.7 percent to 20.5 percent. A majority of executives anticipate online tools will provide new revenue streams, although only a third reported such an increase so far.

For more information about this and previous economic impact studies, visit www.asaecenter.org/economy.

The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) established three new councils.

The councils are Leisure, International and Meetings Incentive and Tradeshow (MIT). The councils were created at the request of USTA’s board. MIT has 15 volunteer leaders who are veteran executives from the meetings industry.

Hotel Urbano at Brickell, a self-dubbed “art hotel,” is officially up and running.

The 65-room boutique hotel includes space for meetings and a poolside veranda that can also be used for events. The property also features a swimming pool and waterfall, a Cuban-Florida fusion restaurant and the Art Fusion Galleries, which highlights artwork both from emerging and well-known artists. All artwork will change seasonally.

Cambria Suites Fort Lauderdale/Dania Beach opened here.

The 119-room property is the first Cambria Suites hotel in Florida. The hotel offers space for small meetings, a fitness center and Reflect, a signature dining and gathering area.

The Philadelphia CVB launched its “Show Us Your Room Key or Badge” promotion.

Visitors who show their hotel room key or convention badge will receive discounts at more than 40 participating businesses that display a promotional red and white decal in their windows.

The bureau will include the promotion on all of its custom convention microsites for 2010-2011 conventions and in Quick Guide delegate booklets provided to convention attendees.

In addition, the promotion will run on the Philadelphia Visitor’s Channel network, which can be seen in 57 regional hotels with viewership estimated at 4 million hotel guests annually.

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island recently opened here, making it the first new hotel to be built on the island in 35 years.

The 138-room hotel boasts a number of eco-friendly features, including the planting of new live oak trees, the installation of a rainwater irrigation system and solar panels on the south roof to heat water and many other green elements. The property includes an elevated walkway with beach access.

The city of Portland began laying new tracks for the Portland Streetcar Loop Project, a 3.3-mile extension that will add another 28 stops.

The new streetcar line will run parallel to the east bank of the Willamette River, offering access to attractions such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as well as eastside shops and restaurants. The line is scheduled to open in 2012. The upcoming expansion follows the opening of the new light rail MAX Green Line and the Westside Express Service Commuter Rail, both of which opened in 2009.

The Hampton Inn, Golden is expected to complete a major renovation this spring.

Upgrades at the property will include new enhancements for all 121 guest rooms, gathering spaces, the fitness center and the business center, and new Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the hotel. The property is situated at the base of Table Mountain about a half hour west of Denver.

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is giving away a free Apple iPad for every meeting arranged by March 31 and held by Dec. 31, 2011.

The property’s promotion is named March Meeting Madness, and it will also include the opportunity to win a trip to the 2010 NCAA Basketball Championship April 5 in Indianapolis. Instead of a free iPad, planners can have the hotel make a $500 donation to a charity of the planner’s choice.

For more information, visit www.omnihotels/meetingmadness.

The Holiday Inn Dayton North recently rebranded as the Ramada Plaza Dayton hotel.

The 215-room hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi access, a fitness center, a restaurant and lounge, an arcade room, game area and indoor pool. The property also includes event space for up to 330 people and a business center.

The hotel is situated near the Dayton Convention Center.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Midtown opened here.

The 120-room property includes complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, space for small meetings and many other features. The hotel is located in the commercial center of the city.

The delayed expansion at the Hilton Pittsburgh is expected to get under way within a month after the property ran into financial problems.

The initial portion of the extension work includes a third-floor swimming pool. New retail space is planned on the ground floor of the hotel. A new ownership team is expected to be finalized about the same time the expansion resumes, according to a report in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

President Obama signed the Travel Promotion Act into law.

The law is the first-ever national travel promotion and communications program to attract more international travelers to the U.S.

The act is in response to numbers that show the U.S. is losing ground to other countries in the global travel market. The U.S. welcomed 2.4 million fewer overseas visitors in 2009 than in 2000, and the failure to keep pace with the growth in international long-haul travel since 2000 has cost the U.S. economy an estimated $509 billion in total spending and $32 billion in direct tax receipts, according to the U.S. Travel Association (USTA). The act will help create a campaign to promote the U.S. as a premier destination and explain changing travel security policies to foreign visitors.

“By signing the Travel Promotion Act, President Obama has acted to support the power of travel to serve as an economic stimulant, job generator and diplomatic tool,” said Roger Dow, president & CEO of the USTA.

Hyatt Regency Bonaventure here launched its new “Spring and Summer” promotion for meetings.

The offer is valid for meetings and events reserved and held before Sept. 30. Planners have the option of selecting from the following components based on the number of peak night rooms booked: 10 percent off the master rebate, complimentary meeting space, 20 percent off audiovisual services, 20 percent off catering, one complimentary reception and many other elements. Planners may select two options for 10 to 75 rooms, three options for 76 to 150 rooms or four options for 151-plus rooms.

The 501-room hotel is situated 15 miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It offers more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space.

For more information, visit www.bonaventure.hyatt.com.

The 249-room Gansevoort Park is scheduled to open here this summer at the corner of Park Avenue and 29th Street.

Amenities include a rooftop pool complex, six event spaces, unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, four fireplaces, a ballroom, a spa that features a yoga and core studio, a fitness room, a sauna, an Italian trattoria and an infusion liquor bar.

Doubletree by Hilton, Merida, is slated to be completed here in March 2011.

The 100-room hotel is situated in the city’s hotel zone and business district and 10 minutes from Merida International Airport. The property will offer meeting space, a full-service restaurant, a lobby bar, a pool and a fitness center.

SMG, a convention and entertainment management firm, will continue to manage the Shreveport Convention Center, after a unanimous approval from the city council.

“We are very pleased to be a part of the overall success of Shreveport’s hospitality industry,” said Doug Thornton, SMG’s senior vice president.

SMG has provided full management services, as well as preopening services, for the Shreveport Convention Center since it opened in 2006.

MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center here recently completed an extensive renovation and plans to add more meeting space by November.

Changes at the property include the addition of 110 additional guest rooms for a total of 305 rooms. More additions include a swimming pool, a sun deck, a hydrotherapy pool and a fitness center boasting the latest cardio theater equipment.

By this November, the resort will add 21,000 square feet of meeting space for a total of 87,000 square feet.

The Palmyra Resort & Spa is schedule to open here in August.

The property includes 299 one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, as well as access to three of the Caribbean’s most notable golf courses, the White Witch Golf Course, Cinnamon Hill Golf Course and Half Moon Golf Club. The resort boasts a 30,000-square-foot spa and 23,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Some of the spaces include a gazebo, a 10,000-square-foot lawn, a 4,300-square-foot ballroom and six breakout rooms.

The resort is North America’s first Solis Resorts & Hotels property, a new luxury hotel brand launched by Horst Schulze, former president of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership announced that Atlanta; Nashville, Tenn.; Detroit; Salt Lake City; and Toronto will host the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Annual Meetings & Expositions, respectively.

ASAE estimates that 20 percent of the delegates who attend the Annual Meeting & Exposition book conventions in the host city within five years.

The meeting was last held in Atlanta in 1992, Nashville in 2005 and Toronto in 2009. This will be the first time the event is held in Detroit and Salt Lake City. The sites announced today join the following cities in hosting ASAE & The Center’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in the next three years: Los Angeles, Aug. 21-24, 2010; St. Louis, Aug. 6-9, 2011; and Dallas, Aug. 11-14, 2012.

For more information, visit www.asaecenter.org/annualmeeting.

John Reyes was appointed president and CEO for the Monterey County CVB, effective April 5.

Reyes has been in the hospitality industry since 1982. He formerly served as president and CEO of the Jacksonville [Fla.] & the Beaches CVB. Reyes also served more than 18 years at the San Diego CVB.

The U.S. Senate passed the Travel Promotion Act by a 78-18 vote.

The legislation, which would create a public-private partnership to promote travel to the U.S., now awaits President Obama’s signature.

“We know how successful a public-private partnership to promote travel can be from our own experience at the state level,” said Caroline Beteta, chair of the U.S. Travel Association and president and CEO of the California Travel & Tourism Commission. “With the best minds coming together from government and private industry to boost international travel to our country, we can make travel an even stronger economic engine for America.”

The Palmdale Hotel here recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation that includes upgraded meeting facilities.

The Paragon Ballroom offers multifunctional space for up to 350 guests. Multiple small breakout rooms are also available. Outdoor venues include an Asian-inspired courtyard.

The Sunset Strip is receiving its first major makeover, as the area celebrates its 75th anniversary.

The beautification efforts will include landscaping, resurfacing and improvements to pedestrian areas. Set at the base of the Hollywood Hills, the Sunset Strip is the home of L.A.’s hip nightlife scene, offering visitors the chance to experience historic live music clubs like The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, House of Blues and Viper Room. The Strip became part of West Hollywood when the city incorporated in 1984.

The Handlery Hotel & Resort here reopened for business following an extensive three-month renovation.

Improvements at the hotel, formerly known as the Stardust Hotel and Country Club, included upgrades to meeting space, public areas and all 217 rooms. The landscaping at the property was also revamped.

The hotel is situated minutes from the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and many other attractions.

Richard Harper was promoted to senior vice president of sales for MGM MIRAGE.

Harper formerly served as vice president of sales and marketing for Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino and will continue to oversee efforts for the resort’s 1.7 million-square-foot convention center. In his new position, Harper provides oversight of MGM MIRAGE’s regional and national sales offices and also will develop and execute company-wide sales strategies.

A 28-year veteran of the hospitality field, Harper began his career with MGM MIRAGE in 1999 as vice president of sales for MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Todd Garofano was named president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau (CTB).

Garofano is a native of the area and a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry. He most recently served as managing director for Hospitality Sales Force, a third-party sales consulting organization.

Frank Poe was selected as the new executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) Authority here.

Poe is a 38-year convention center veteran. He is leaving his position as the head of the Dallas Convention Center and will start his new job April 1. The 3.9 million-square-foot GWCC is one of the largest multipurpose event and entertainment complexes in the U.S.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide unveiled its first in-hotel Cisco TelePresence meeting suites with a virtual meeting that spanned two continents.

The W Chicago City Center and Sheraton on the Park Sydney in Australia are the first in Starwood’s global portfolio to introduce the new meeting facilities, showcasing the Cisco TelePresence technology. Participants in both locations had a seat at the table and were able to meet utilizing ultra-high definition video, audio and life-size imagery of all participants.

In June 2009, Starwood announced a partnership with Tata Communications and plans to build Cisco TelePresence rooms in 10 properties worldwide. Two more meeting suites will open in the first half of this year, including the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers and Sheraton Centre Toronto. Other Starwood locations planned to open throughout 2010 include The Westin Los Angeles Airport, with the anticipation to expand the offering to Dallas, San Francisco, Brussels, Paris, Hong Kong and Frankfurt.

Green Mill Village, a 60-acre resort here, is expected to begin construction this spring.

The resort will include a hotel, a conference center, a spa, retail shops, a pool, tennis courts and other elements. The developer is striving for LEED Platinum certification.

Val Mashaw was named executive meetings manager for the Austin CVB.

In this role, Malshaw will promote Austin as a meeting and convention destination among small and medium-sized groups. Most recently, Mashaw served as corporate event coordinator with Fuddruckers, Inc., where she was responsible for planning multiple meetings including the group’s annual Franchise Convention.

Grand Hyatt Atlanta will undergo a multimillion-dollar guest room renovation of each of its 438 guest rooms and suites beginning this spring.

Rooms will receive high-tech upgrades such as LCD TVs and iPod docking stations. New bedding and decor will be included in the mix. The 438-room hotel offers 30,000 square feet of function space, including 17 meeting rooms and three outdoor terraces.

Team San Jose, San Jose, Calif.’s CVB, modified the labor policy at the McEnery Center on an interim basis.

Team San Jose, which runs the convention center, announced it would allow trade show contractors to deal directly with local labor unions. Some will negotiate directly with Teamsters Local 287, while others will use Teamsters Local 85, with whom they already have contracts.

“This interim solution is a good step forward for San Jose and the decorating community to continue discussions that will support both decorators and San Jose clients,” said Dan Fenton, CEO of Team San Jose. “Our mutual goals include increasing customer service, adding local jobs and supporting flexibility.”

Tamara Pigott was named director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

Pigott had been serving as interim director of the bureau since December. The lifelong Florida resident joined the bureau in 2000 as beach and shoreline program manager, earning a promotion to deputy bureau director in 2006.

Pigott prevailed over 75 applicants, including former head of Visit Florida, Frank L. “Bud” Nocera.

An 84-room Hampton Inn and the connecting Dakota Event Center here is completed and open for business.

The hotel is the first Hilton property to open in Aberdeen. Completing the connected complex will be a new and expanded home for Mavericks restaurant, which is expected to open this spring. The center offers more than 27,000 square feet of meeting space.

Thompson Toronto is slated for a May opening this year.

The 102-room hotel marks Thompson Hotels’ first international property. The hotel will include 30,000 square feet of feet of event space, a signature restaurant and a sushi restaurant. The property will be situated next to a mixed-use development in the King West Village neighborhood.

This year’s MeetDifferent, which concluded in Cancun Feb. 23, may be the last one, although no official announcement had been made at press time.

Kristen Kouk, MPI’s public relations specialist told Meetings Media via Twitter than MPI “is still evaluating plans.” No hotel or site has been announced for an international conference in February 2011. A decision is expected in the next 30 days.

Some 1,100 attendees gathered in Cancun to network and soak up knowledge at MeetDifferent, held Feb. 20-23 at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort.

The numbers were just “slightly less” than expected, according to Bruce MacMillan, MPI’s president and CEO.

“The hospitality here in Cancun has been off the charts,” MacMillan said. “And we're very pleased that out of the 1,100 attendees, 100 are from here in Mexico.”

Following what MacMillan said is MPI’s intention of taking “meetings outside of the room,” MeetDifferent stayed true to form by unveiling some innovative meeting options, including a Hosted Buyers Program in which planners and suppliers met one-on-one to discuss business during set appointments. If successful, the Hosted Buyer Program will be part of future MPI gatherings. Early indicators are that it has been a success, with more than 1,500 appointments taking place on Monday alone, according to MacMillan.

Instead of the typical trade show in a hotel ballroom, this year’s conference featured the first-ever TradeDifferent, an outdoor evening event during which planners and suppliers met and mingled in a beachfront setting at the resort.

MeetDifferent also showed the increased power of social media, particularly during the keynote session, with trends expert Jeremy Gutsche, author of Exploiting Chaos, who had the crowd tweeting madly. Reflecting the MeetDifferent theme, Gutsche drove home the point that the willingness to be innovative and take risks is the only way to succeed in today’s chaotic, fast-changing environment.

Speaking just before Gutsche, Ann Godi, MPI chairwoman and president of Benchmark 360, delivered a similar message, adding that perception concerns are fading and that planners are focusing on delivering business results at meetings--and communicating those results--as never before.

“Things are improving this year [for meetings], but everything is different,” she said. “We must embrace the changes. It’s all about speaking the language of business. You will see that the language of business is woven throughout this meeting.”

MacMillan and other MPI leaders announced several major investments that will bolster the organization’s commitment to education and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). They include $500,000 from InterContinental Hotels Group that, according to MPI Foundation Chairwoman Margaret Moynihan, will help “MPI to develop a sustainable meeting and event training program and a recognized CSR meeting and event measurement platform for industry professionals everywhere.”

Annapolis Anne Arundel County CVB and the Newport & Bristol County CVB formed a partnership to attract group business.

The two bureaus will host joint invitation-only luncheons for more than 100 meeting planners in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va., at the end of March. Both events will feature a tradeshow with hospitality industry partners from both destinations networking and discussing future meetings with the planners in attendance.

“Everyone in the meetings industry is under pressure to do more with less,” said Tim Walsh, vice president of sales for the Newport & Bristol County CVB.

Both bureaus are exploring other options to further this special collaboration.

The Radisson Hotel Albuquerque will open its new indoor waterpark March 12.

The park will include a lazy river, a plunge pool, a raft slide, two water slides and many other features. The facility also includes an arcade, crafts area and retail space. The hotel features 280 newly remodeled rooms and 26,000 square feet of event space.

Best Western International launched its “Status Match, No Catch” program, which rewards members of its free global Best Western Rewards  program with matching elite status for any other hotel loyalty program, free of charge.

New and existing Best Western Rewards members can upgrade their rewards status by contacting 800. 444.7646 to provide proof of elite status with another hotel loyalty program. Best Western Rewards points will be earned at the equivalent elite status immediately. Members of Best Western Speed Rewards and Best Western Ride Rewards are also eligible.

For more information, visit www.bestwesternstatusmatch.com.

Annapolis Anne Arundel County CVB and the Newport & Bristol County CVB formed a partnership to attract group business.

The two bureaus will host joint invitation-only luncheons for more than 100 meeting planners in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va., at the end of March. Both events will feature a trade show with hospitality industry partners from both destinations networking and discussing future meetings with the planners in attendance.

“Everyone in the meetings industry is under pressure to do more with less,” said Tim Walsh, vice president of sales for the Newport & Bristol County CVB.

Both bureaus are exploring other options to further this special collaboration.

A wine room is set to open at The Livingston at Heritage Square, a boutique property here.

The room will open in the lobby of the hotel sometime in late spring. The hotel includes space for meetings. The property offers suites with various themes, such as the French-themed St. Germain Suite and the New York Upper East Side Suite.

Holiday Inn Walt Disney World officially opened.

The 323-room hotel includes meeting space, an atrium, an exercise path, a game room, a lap pool, a swimming pool, a restaurant and many other features. The property is located eight miles from the County Convention Center and 19 miles from Orlando International Airport.

Michael Keith was named the new executive director of the Statesville CVB.

Keith replaces former chief Libba Barrineau. Keith formerly served as the owner of locally based Allegra Print & Imaging.

The Hilton Washington opened its new Heights Executive Meeting Center as part of the hotel’s $140 million restoration.

The center includes nine rooms, a large courtyard area and many high-tech features. Outside individual meeting rooms, the center offers interactive digital technology, where groups can use touch screens to access meeting agenda, flight information and other important items.

The 1,070-room hotel includes 110,000 square feet of meeting space.

Caesars Palace Las Vegas recently debuted the first Krug Room in the nation at its Restaurant Guy Savoy.

Popular in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo, Krug rooms are private dining rooms for groups that offer Champagne Krug, a brand of champagne that is based in Reims, France. As part of a Michelin three-star restaurant, the Krug Room will offer cuisine options that change seasonally.

The Krug family has been producing champagne since 1843 and opened the first Krug Room in 2003 at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview unveiled its pair of presidential suites.

Located on the 50th floor, the suites offer guests views of both the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows, remote controlled blinds and shades, and chic, minimalist decor. A walk-in shower, hot tub and electric fireplace round out the other amenities.

The hotel offers 40,000 square feet of meeting space.

Zachary Laws was named national accounts sales manager for the Atlanta CVB.

Laws will be responsible for identifying and acquiring new association, trade show, convention and meeting business for the city. He joins the bureau after 10 years of experience in hotel sales management. For the past two years, Laws served as senior sales manager for Atlanta’s InterContinental Buckhead.

Aqua Waikiki Pearl here opened four new shops on its property.

The new tenants include Seastar 8.4.23, a women’s clothing store started by two Japanese sisters; Veggie Star Natural Foods, a natural food store; a shipping and mailing store; a luxury outlet store; and Legends Sports Pub.

The 134-room hotel completed an extensive renovation last year.

Southwest Airlines announced service between Philadelphia and Boston beginning June 27.

The carrier will offer five daily nonstops between Philadelphia International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport. For more information on the new service, visit www.blogsouthwest.com. 

The Vancouver Convention Centre was awarded better than gold; it received platinum, the highest level of LEED certification.

“The Vancouver Convention Centre is the only convention centre in the world to receive the highest level of LEED certification,” Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, said in a statement.

“Not only is the expanded Vancouver Convention Centre bringing economic benefits to the province and the tourism industry, but it’s a model of sustainability that will set a new standard.”

The complex, which opened last spring, recently was honored with the award by the Canada Green Building Council. Some sustainable features include a six-acre living roof (the largest of its kind in Canada), an extensive recycling program, a seawater heating and cooling system and a restored marine habitat built into the foundation of the building.

Three carriers are slated to connect Grand Rapids to more destinations this spring.

AirTran Airways will begin new nonstop service from Grand Rapids to Baltimore and Orlando, as well as to Tampa and Fort Myers, Fla., beginning May 4.

Allegiant Air will expand service in Grand Rapids to include service to Myrtle Beach, S.C., beginning April 27. Additionally, Frontier Airlines will offer new daily nonstop service between Grand Rapids and Denver, effective May 14.

“This is very exciting news for Grand Rapids. We are especially encouraged by the enormous potential it presents for new convention business,” said Doug Small, president of the Grand Rapids/Kent County CVB.

The JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE officially opened Feb. 16.

The 878-room hotel is the cornerstone of the $2.5 billion L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district. The hotel, which plans to achieve LEED certification, shares space with the 123-room Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE in a 54-story tower.

The hotels combined offer a total of 1,001 rooms. The complex is located directly across the street from the 720,000-square-foot Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa here now includes the former Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa, a member of the Starwood Luxury Collection.

Signature Westin elements have been integrated into the golf location’s 60 guest rooms and the Links Restaurant & Lounge. While the full-service spa will soon be transformed into a Westin Heavenly Spa, the championship 18-hole golf course will continue to be managed by Troon Golf.

The 952-room, 106-suite property now includes more than 220,000 square feet of event space, including a 50,000-square-foot Great Hall, six ballrooms and 41 breakout rooms. The property also offers several outdoor spaces.

The Chicago Office of Tourism launched its presence on Foursquare, a location-based social networking application for mobile phones.

The tourism bureau is using the app to promote citywide neighborhoods, restaurants and attractions. While following Explore Chicago at www.foursquare.com/explorechicago, visitors can check in at more than 60 eligible citywide locations to earn up to three Chicago-themed game “badges,” all celebrating Chicago traditions.

Foursquare is free to download and is accessible on smart phones and other Internet-connected mobile devices. For more information, call 312.201.8847 or visit www.explorechicago.org.

The 160-room aloft Milwaukee Downtown recently opened its doors.

The property is the first newly built hotel in the downtown area in eight years. The hotel includes complimentary Wi-Fi access, hip lounges and four meetings spaces ranging from 600 square feet to 2,200 square feet each.

Eaglewood Resort & Spa here was recently awarded a Green Seal certification.

The Green Seal program includes nearly three dozen environmentally responsible criteria for lodging properties. As part of the certification process, the property underwent an audit fulfilling detailed requirements in all areas of the resort.

Eaglewood estimates that through recycling efforts accomplished in the second and third quarters of 2009, it saved: 33.6 tons of cardboard/paper; 126 yards of landfill space; 573 trees; 235,970 gallons of water; and 809 gallons of gasoline. Other aspects of the process included waste minimization, energy efficiency implementation and environmentally and socially sensitive purchasing.