BETHESDA, MD.: Ridgewells Catering, one of the region’s largest and most celebrated caterers, has announced the grand opening of its newly renovated Bethesda headquarters. The fully modernized facility features conference rooms and gathering spaces have been named for Ridgewells employees who have passed away in recent years. Ridgewells has been headquartered in Bethesda since the 1970s and worked closely with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation to bring the project to fruition.

BOSTON: The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau announced at its annual meeting earlier this month a new organizational name and corporate identity: Meet Boston. The new name was launched alongside the unveiling of a new tourism campaign developed in partnership with Allen & Gerritsen, a Boston-based advertising agency. The new campaign theme is titled Boston Never Gets Old and will promote year-round travel to Greater Boston.

COLUMBUS, OHIO: PCMA has announced that Academy Award-winning actor, producer, and philanthropist Viola Davis will be a closing-day speaker for Convening Leaders 2023 participants. Davis will share the humble journey that led to her revered career and give insight into how PCMA’s global community can illuminate the narratives of the voiceless. Convening Leaders 2023 takes place in Columbus, Ohio at the Greater Columbus Convention Center Jan. 8-11, 2023. Registration is currently open.

MIAMI: The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) recently welcomed Vianny Mancebo as director of international accounts in the convention sales department. In this role, Mancebo is responsible for supporting team efforts to promote Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Mancebo will assist GMCVB senior vice president of convention sales and services Carol Motley in developing and implementing strategic plans to drive international meetings and conventions to the area. Most recently, Mancebo served as a senior sales manager at the Hyatt Regency Miami.

PITTSBURGH: Destination DC CEO Elliott L. Ferguson will be the keynote speaker next month at the Event Service Professionals Association’s 2023 annual conference, where the group will kick off its 35th anniversary. Ferguson will open the three-day conference, taking place at The Westin Pittsburgh from Jan. 20-22. As a 33-year veteran in the travel and hospitality industry, Ferguson’s timely presentation, titled "Event Services: Making the DEI Connection," will educate event service professionals on how to serve as ambassadors for diversity when working with meeting planners and event organizers.