Venue News
Last month, experienced developer EKN Development Group partnered with culinary-first hotel brand Appellation – co-founded by luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger and celebrated American chef Charlie Palmer – to launch Appellation Petaluma, California’s first experiential boutique hotel. Debuting in 2026, the 93-room property will set a new standard for hospitality in the destination, while embracing Petaluma’s local place, culture and rich history. Food-focused amenities and programming will be blended into every aspect of the hotel, many of which will embrace the destination’s bourgeoning culinary scene. The five-story Appellation Petaluma will also be crowned with the only rooftop bar in town, with spectacular views of Petaluma River.
Foxwoods® Resort Casino has opened its newly renovated Expo Center as of January. The Rainmaker Expo Center, which spans 47,075 square feet, can accommodate up to 5,000 guests and can be used for various events including trade shows, corporate meetings and functions, sporting events, and specialty Foxwoods activations. The Expo Center boasts a range of new features, including 43 65” customizable monitors throughout the space, a 2,100 square ft. breakout room that can be used for meetings or meals, an extensive pre-function area with six registration counters, and a soon-to-be-opened outdoor patio.
People on the Move
RGB Spectrum®, an industry leader in mission-critical video for real-time decision support, has appointed Ken Pefkaros as the new Sales Director to cover Europe. As a 20-year veteran of the RGB Spectrum team, Ken is transitioning to this new role from marketing. Ken has a wealth of experience within the industry and intimate knowledge of the RGB product portfolio. His dedication and expertise will now be utilized across Europe to support customer and partner demand.
Hot off the Press
B Signature Hotels & Resorts are pleased to announce that their properties Domaine de la Bretesche, the Hotel Vernet, and the Hotel Montalembert have earned the Green Key. The Green Key certificate is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This prestigious eco-label represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. A Green Key assures guests that, by choosing to stay with a Green Key establishment, they are helping make a difference for the environment. The high environmental standards expected of these establishments are maintained through rigorous documentation and frequent audits. Green Key is eligible for hotels, hostels, small accommodations, campsites, holiday parks, conference centers, restaurants and attractions.
The National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals (NSBWEP) is pleased to announce the induction of the 2023 National Board of Directors:
- Tara Melvin, Perfect Planning Events, Founder + President
- Brian Green, By Brian Green, Chairman of the Board
- Marc Wilson, The Style Marc, Vice Chairman of the Board
- Nadia Anderson, The Anderson Accounting & Advising Group, Director of Finance
- Shakila Marshall, SML Assisting, Executive Secretary
- Lisa Hunt, Lisa Michelle Designs, Director of Membership
- Aleya Harris, Flourish Marketing, Director of Marketing
- Eric Ellen, EAE Signature Events, Director of Events
In addition, the 2023 Allied Industry Council was also announced:
- Akeshi Akinseye, Kesh Events
- Ana Isabel Martinez Chamorro, Ana Isabel Photography
- Anais Disla, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
- Beth Bernstein, SQN Events
- Julie Novack, PartySlate
- Christie Osborne, Mountainside Media Co.
- Liene Stevens, Think Splendid®
- Myrna Daramy, Myrna & Co.
- Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
- Trevor Wessman-Lavelle, Generation Tux
The NSBWEP has been committed to the advancement of Black wedding and event professionals since its inception in 2020. “Our mission has always been to serve as a catalyst in the wedding and event industry by building community and providing equal opportunities for all industry professionals,” says NSBWEP founder, president, and CEO Tara Melvin.
