NATIONAL: Geoff Freeman has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Freeman will begin his new position on Sept. 1 after current successor, Roger Dow, steps down from a 17-year tenure as the leader of the organization. Freeman previously served as the president and CEO of American Gaming Association and the Consumer Brands Association, respectively. Freeman takes an approach to leadership that is centered around industry unity and transformational change.

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA.: Max Beach Resort recently opened on the Atlantic shores of Daytona Beach in Florida. Seventy-two resident-style suites feature an array of amenities to make both leisure and business travelers feel at home. Some of the resort’s amenities include full-service dining, an oceanfront pool with private cabanas, bike rentals, a training center, lounge, and more. Bayshore Capital Inc. and Crescent Hotels & Resorts are behind the development and hospitality management of Max Beach Resort.

LOS ANGELES: The 2022 Spirit of Life Gala will be held on Oct. 27 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles. The City of Hope just announced that its Music, Film, and Entertainment Industry group’s 2022 Spirit of Life Gala will feature a performance from Jack Johnson. This will be the first in-person Spirit of Life Gala after a two-year hiatus. Additionally, Republic Records founders and chief executives, Monte and Avery Lipman, will be honored with the Spirit of Life Award at the gala.
MIAMI: Donna Del Gallo has been named the senior regional director of convention sales for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), the city's destination marketing organization. Del Gallo will be in charge of promoting Miami and Miami Beach as a premier destination for conventions and meetings. Del Gallo brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Most recently, she served as director of citywide accounts for the San Francisco Travel Association.

NEW YORK: The East Hampton Antiques & Design Show, benefiting the East Hampton Historical Society, will return to Mulford Farm, in East Hampton, New York, for its 100th anniversary on July 16-17. Many antique and vintage offerings—including art, jewelry, textiles, furniture, and more—will be for sale. A VIP preview cocktail party will be held on July 15. General public admission to the show begins at $15, and tickets can be purchased online. Tickets for the VIP preview party begin at $175 and include return visits over the weekend. The Mattitaco Food Truck will provide food and light bites for the duration of the show.