BOSTON:  The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) recently announced a partnership with Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) to support GBCVB’s inaugural apprenticeship program. The collaboration is designed to support workforce development and economic enhancements within the tourism and hospitality industry. DM’s Apprenticeship Program is a 600-hour paid rotational opportunity for diverse professionals interested in tourism and hospitality careers. The apprentices will gain experience in different areas, including event management, marketing, communications, public relations, sales, finance, sports management, and more. At the end of the program, the apprentice is offered a full-time position with the program host or another participating partner.

CHICAGO: Located on the Windy City’s historic South Side, the 98-room boutique hotel SOPHY Hyde Park is now offering a “Fall SO-Cozy” package to celebrate the new season. The package was created with a couple’s getaway in mind, and thus includes a two-night stay at the hotel complete with a welcome pair of Mesler Hot Toddies, admission for two to the nearby Museum of Science and Industry—the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere—and a $50 credit to Mesler Chicago, a restaurant and bar helmed by chef Eddie Arreola. The Fall SO-Cozy package starts at $289 per night.

NEW YORK: The New York Coffee Festival (NYCF) returns to the Big Apple after a two-year, COVID-induced hiatus. Taking place Oct. 7-9 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, attendees can expect to sample java-based beverages courtesy of Oatly milk, coffee shop Blank Street Coffee, coffee roaster Nguyen Coffee Supply, brewing equipment brand Bodum, and so many more. The fest is also partnering with Project Waterfall to raise funds to provide clean drinking water in coffee-producing communities. Early bird tickets are now on sale on NYCF's website.

ORLANDO: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes announced that the hotel has achieved elite standing as a Five Diamond designated property by the AAA Diamond Program. With this distinction, Ritz-Carlton Orlando has become one of three hotels in North America added to the list in 2022, and one of two in the Central Florida area to ever be included.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Events DC will host an inaugural three-day festival that celebrates DC’s global culinary scene Oct. 13-15. The 2022 Events DC International City Food Festival will be three days of events in partnership with the city’s diplomatic corps. Events will include the Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge, a friendly culinary competition between embassy chefs from around the world, during which they're showcase the unique flavors of their home countries; and Taste of Oktoberfest, a collaboration with the German-American Heritage Foundation and the German Embassy to bring a truly authentic taste of the legendary German festivities to D.C. Ticket prices vary depending on the event.