Events Industry Remembers ‘Visionary Leader’ Spurgeon Richardson
The industry leader and longtime president and CEO of the Atlanta CVB died Oct. 18 after battling cancer. (pcma)
News from Around The Web
CWT Meetings & Events Releases ‘The Future of Sustainable Events’
The focus on sustainability in the world of corporate events will only continue to increase, according to CWT’s M&E Future Trends report bonus feature on sustainable events. (TSNN)
W Showcasing Brand Revitalization at New York Hotel
Marriott International has acquired the W New York — Union Square for $206 million and plans to transform the property into a showcase for W Hotels' latest revitalization efforts. (Travel Weekly)
FBI Finds American Couple’s Death in Dominican Republic From Natural Causes
The Caribbean country was thrown into a crisis this year by a spate of tourist deaths. The FBI finding has bolstered Dominican authorities' claim that the deaths were not from poisoned alcohol. (The New York Times)
Chicago Mayor Unveils Congestion Fee on Solo Ride-Hail Trips
Uber, Lyft, and Via passengers who ride solo in Chicago would pay higher taxes — and face a hefty surcharge for riding alone downtown — under a $40 million mayoral plan intended to cut congestion. (Chicago Sun-Times)
To Be a Great Leader, You Need to Start by Leading Yourself
Most people go into top positions with good intentions, but those often crumble due to the demands — and perks — of the job. (TED)
ICCA Launches the ICCA Association Community
The new platform, launching in January 2020, will offer education, connections, tools, and resources to assist international associations in organizing more effective meetings and target association executives who have a role in site selection. (Conference & Meetings World)
Dubai’s Big Bet on Expo 2020 Meets Political and Economic Headwinds
Dubai may have ambitious plans for Expo 2020 to attract 25 million visitors, but regional politics and global economic conditions may stand in its way. (Skift)
Overrun by Tourists, American Cities Are Taking Aim at Hotels
Places such as Charleston, South Carolina, and Portland, Maine, are starting to feel pressure after a decade-long boom in tourism. (Bloomberg)
$24.5 Million Ocean City Convention Center Expansion Moves Forward
The $24.5 million project will add an additional 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, restrooms, meeting spaces, and "a bay-front gallery walkway" to the Maryland convention center. (WMDT)
Southwest Airlines Extends Boeing 737 Max Cancellations Into February
By proactively extending the flight schedule revisions, the airline hopes to reduce "last-minute flight cancellations and unexpected disruptions" for travelers. (USA Today)
How to Balance Alone and Social Time at Work
You need both to thrive. (Fast Company)