LAS VEGAS: MGM Resorts has officially launched MGM Rewards, its new loyalty rewards program that offers enhanced benefits for its millions of members worldwide. Non-gaming members can now join their gaming counterparts and earn a currency—MGM Rewards Points. The points are redeemable for complimentary dining, entertainment and hotel stays, which will provide members more ways to tier up and enjoy perks at premier destination resorts.

PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE: The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa has appointed Paige Lund to general manager of the 316-acre Sonoran Desert resort. Lund brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role at the 950-room venue, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Lund was previously the general manager of JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa.

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO: The inaugural Festival of the Diaspora—in partnership with The Aspen Institute Project on Belonging, Tulsa Innovation Labs, EV Passport, Genius100 Foundation, LINK Strategic Partners and other corporate partners—will bring together more than 100 executives from Feb. 23-26 in San Juan. Speakers and attendees include government, nonprofit, philanthropic and corporate leaders, along with social entrepreneurs, academics and dignitaries. The group will discuss solutions for pressing issues impacting our global society, such as skill building in a post-COVID world, creating economic market conditions that incorporate equity and the power of green alternative energy in the Americas.

WASHINGTON, DC: Courtyard by Marriott, Washington D.C. Dupont Circle, is officially open. Located in the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, the new hotel is just steps away from Embassy Row, the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle and the National Geographic Museum. The new hotel features 143 guest rooms, a fitness center and two food and beverage offerings.

Destination DC (DDC), the city’s official destination marketing organization, has appointed William Adams to director of convention sales. In his new position, Adams will attract convention business and develop sales policies and programs, as well as drive local hotel room nights and economic impact from business events. He joins DDC with more than 20 years of experience, most recently as national sales manager with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.