The Longines Masters of Los Angeles is one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions worldwide, welcoming the world’s top show jumpers and equine athletes to compete for $1 million in prize money at the Los Angeles Convention Center October 1-4. Last year’s inaugural event was a tremendous success and immediately rated as the number one indoor show jumping competition according to the North American Riders Group. The Longines Masters of Los Angeles will once again bring together 30,000 spectators for four unforgettable days of top-level equestrian sport, heart-pounding emotion, and an unparalleled class of entertainment and glamour.
In addition to the competition, spectators can attend a magnificent dressage exhibition and Master Classes given by the best international riders, dine on refined cuisine, enjoy live music in the exquisite lounge, and explore the Prestige Village with its Kids Corner and shops from exclusive international brand partners. For more information, click here.
DMAI’s Finance, Operations and Technology Summit is an annual gathering of senior level DMO leadership in finance, operations and technology taking place in Los Angeles September 15-18, 2015. Recognizing the benefit of integrating cross-functional disciplines, the Summit offers a multi-perspective to advance operational excellence at DMOs. From survey feedback, past attendees have stated they find great benefit in attending all three days even though one’s own immediate role and responsibilities does not include another functional area, directly.
Through increased understanding of each other’s issues and goals, which is critical in today’s workplace environment, Summit participants walk away with a more strategic perspective to advance their DMO’s objectives and to better manage operations and human capital. The collective knowledge exchanged and thus gained through peer-to-peer networking and established partnerships is a year-round endeavor. Read more here.
Los Angeles has been awarded the Overseas Meeting & Incentive City of the Year by Travel Weekly China for the 2015 China Travel & Meetings Industry Awards. The awards ceremony took place August 4 at the W Beijing Channg’an and L.A. Tourism representative Kate Chang was attended to receive the award on the organization’s behalf.
INDUSTRY NEWS & NOTES
China Eastern Airlines and Delta Air Lines signed an agreement to expand their partnership and better connect Delta’s global network with China Eastern, one of the leading airlines in China. The agreement will include a $450 million investment by Delta to acquire a 3.55 percent stake in China Eastern. This move marks a significant step in the airlines’ collaboration and partnership that will allow Delta and China Eastern to compete more effectively on routes between the U.S. and China.
American Airlines is now taking reservations for its new flight between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Sydney Airport (SYD). The new, nonstop route, which launches Dec. 17 and was announced in June as part of the proposed enhanced joint business relationship with Qantas, expands American's global network by adding a fifth continent and reinforces the strength of its world-class LAX hub. American's new service between Los Angeles and Sydney will be operated with the state-of-the-art, three-class Boeing 777-300ER.
A new forecast predicts Los Angeles International Airport could reach more than 100 million travelers by 2040. Between 78.9 million and 100.7 million passengers a year will eventually pass through the nation’s second-busiest airport, according to the projections.
The U.S. Travel Association announced the travel industry added 13,400 travel jobs in July, reaching a new record level of more than 8.1 million. Travel continues to be a consistent job creator and strong contributor to the U.S. economy, adding jobs 17 of the last 20 months and 53,600 jobs so far this year. That's more than the 49,000 jobs added by the entire manufacturing sector so far in 2015.