GLOBAL: Leading hospitality company Convene has announced a strategic investment led by holding company HBC and global alternative investment manager Ares Management. The recapitalization plan will create the largest flex space operator across the U.S., Canada and Europe. HBC’s existing portfolio of SaksWorks restaurants, work, event and meeting spaces will be rebranded as Convene, and the company will continue to expand into key urban and suburban markets. The alliance aims to elevate the workday experience by providing state-of-the-art hospitality services, including coworking options, on-site culinary offerings, premium venue spaces and hybrid technologies.

MIAMI: Award-winning hospitality group Barton G. has appointed Melisssa Moten as the senior vice president of sales. The brand, located in Miami and LA, offers event design and production services and is also behind Barton G. The Restaurant. Moten joins the team to strategically identify growth opportunities and meet company objectives. She brings more than 16 years of sales experience within the events industry, and was previously the top strategic contributor for corporate event planning company PRA Business.

Eco-feminist Mira Lehr, known as the “real-life Marvelous Mrs. Maisel of the art world,” is hosting an exhibition at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel Miami in honor of Earth Day. Now through April 25, the exhibit, titled Mira Lehr: Continuum, will utilize the power of art to champion environmental awareness. She will display pieces that have never been exhibited before, such as Sunkissed from Within, which Lehr completed this year using burned and dyed Japanese paper and ink as well as ignited gunpowder and fuses.

MONTEREY, CALIF.: With Earth Day around the corner, the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been raising awareness about its efforts in its Sustainable Meetings Guide. The guide encourages meeting and event planners to book events in one of the city’s green hotels and facilities—from the LEED Platinum-certified Monterey Conference Center to the Portola Hotel & Spa and Pebble Beach Resort, which has implemented an Energy Efficiency Program. To make an even greater impact, Monterey residents are encouraged to participate in one of the more than 200 beach cleanups hosted by nonprofit organization Save Our Shores, contribute to a habitat restoration project through the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve or rent an e-bike from Adventures By The Sea.

YORKVILLE, ILL.: Illinois’ largest waterpark Raging Waves will open for the 2022 summer season on May 28. At the 58-acre park—located 45 minutes outside of Chicago—guests can enjoy 32 water slides, a wave pool and three kiddie pool areas, plus a lazy river and 43 private cabanas for a more relaxing day. The opening marks the park’s 15th anniversary. Tickets are available on Raging Waves’ website and start at $44.99.