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H O T E L H A P P E N I N G S B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 11 paints, along with water-saving fixtures, in-room recycling, and filtered water systems. Guests may also benefit from electric vehicle charging stations and complimentary bikes, reinforcing the brand's commitment to sustainable travel. "This hotel is well-positioned for travelers who want bal- ance, space to work, room to unwind, and easy access to every- thing that makes San Diego special," said Carly McCormick- Shelton, Complex Director of Sales & Marketing. "Element San Diego Mission Valley delivers an experience that feels con- temporary, connected, and genuinely reflective of how people want to travel now." Ideally located just minutes from San Diego International Airport, the Element San Diego Mission Valley is also close to major shopping centers, beaches, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the Downtown Gaslamp District. Element San Diego Mission Valley is located at 2151 Qualcomm Way, San Diego, California, 92108. Telephone: +1 619-358-6200. For more information and to make a future reservation, please visit: https://www.marriott.com/en- us/hotels/sanme-element-san-diego-mission-valley/overview/. SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA WELCOMES NEW WAVE OF LEADERSHIP K 'anapali's First Resort Strengthens Leadership Team with New Director of Sales & Marketing, Director of Operations, and Director of Restaurants & Bars Appointments. Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, situated on award-winning K 'anapali Beach at iconic Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock), wel- comes Raphael Malcolm as Director of Sales & Marketing, Lanakila Graves as Director of Operations, and Ashley Castillo as Director of Restaurants & Bars. As Maui's tourism industry continues to experience strong visitor growth in 2026, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa's strategic additions position the iconic resort to make every guest feel like 'ohana (family) while deliv- ering a truly immersive Hawaiian experience. "The addition of Malcolm, Graves and Castillo reflects the resort's continued investment in both our property and guest experience," said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. "Their diverse backgrounds and leadership play an important role in enhancing the service, cre- ativity and operational excellence that continue to define Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa." Raphael Malcolm, Director of Sales & Marketing(: Malcolm joins the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa from The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua where he previously led the Event Management department. Recognized for driving results, Malcolm brings more than a decade of global luxury hospitality experience to the oceanfront Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, with a strong back- ground in Event Management, Revenue Management and Food & Beverage across various brands. Lanakila Graves, Director of Operations: Graves returns to the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa from The Westin K 'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, where he served as director of food and beverage and activities. He also brings extensive leadership experience from Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Graves previously held leadership roles during his tenure at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa from 2019 through 2024, and his institutional knowledge serves as a valuable asset to the resort. Ashley Castillo, Director of Restaurants & Bars: Castillo joins the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa from The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett, where she served as opening director of food and beverage. She has also held leadership roles at properties including Orlando World Center Marriott; Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas; Arlo SoHo in New York City; and Bolet Hospitality Asset Management in St. Petersburg, Florida. With a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from the University of Central Florida, Castillo oversees operations for the resort's multiple dining establishments – including The Sandbar, Cliff Dive Bar + Grill, Mai Tai Bar, Teppan-yaki Dan, Coral Reef and Black Rock Shave Ice – as well as the property's banquets, catering, and special events. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.sheratonmaui.com.