2024 WHLA Highlights: Advancing Our Industry, Empowering Our Members

This article was originally published in WHLA's 2025 InnTouch with WHLA magazine.

​2024 was a milestone year for the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association, marked by impactful advocacy, meaningful member engagement, and industry-wide recognition. From expanding statewide events and educational offerings to celebrating the achievements of outstanding individuals and properties, WHLA continued to advance its mission of strengthening Wisconsin’s lodging industry. Here’s a look back at the highlights that defined our year.

Advocacy

WHLA continued to be the voice of Wisconsin’s lodging industry at the Capitol, advocating on key issues impacting our members—from workforce and tourism funding to regulatory reform. Members had a seat at the table through Action Day at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel & Wisconsin State Capitol & ongoing legislative outreach.

Events

Our Lodging Innsights series brought members together across the state for networking & local insights. Highlights included events at the Best Western Premier Bridgewood in Neenah, Gordon Lodge in Baileys Harbor, and American Family Field in Milwaukee. Every stop provided informative educational sessions and helped connect hoteliers with community leaders and their peers.

Education

The 2024 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show welcomed the largest attendance since before the pandemic! Held November 3–5 at Kalahari Resort, the event featured 24+ educational sessions, 65+ vendors, and drew hotel professionals from every corner of the state.

Member Engagement

Wisconsin Women in Lodging saw exciting growth in 2024, now 200+ members strong! Signature events like the summer Retreat at The Stella Hotel & Ballroom and the Nine & Wine gathering at Kalahari fostered connection, leadership, and inspiration. Founded in 2013, this group continues to empower women across Wisconsin’s hospitality industry.

Marketing

WHLA helped members shine through powerful statewide marketing efforts. The Wisconsin Lodging Directory—in both print and digital formats—put members in front of travelers and featured a stunning cover shot of Delavan Lake Resort. Throughout the year, members also took advantage of targeted marketing opportunities to boost visibility and drive bookings.

Awards

In 2024, WHLA proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations who elevate WI’s lodging industry.

WHLA Awards Luncheon at American Family Field:

• Hero of Hospitality Award: Alex Gomez, Four Points Milwaukee Northshore
• Spirit of Hospitality: Jorge Alvarado, Home2 Suites Madison Central; Jennifer Anderson, Ironworks Hotel & Hotel Goodwin; Jose Ortega Aragon, DoubleTree Madison East; Joy McNeil, Sheraton Madison Hotel; Michelle Parlato, Tru by Hilton Madison West; Yvonne Port, Knickerbocker on the Lake Hotel; Irma Quintana, Holiday Inn Express Fond du Lac; Robert Sterling, Four Points by Sheraton Milwaukee North Shore; Stephanie Swain, Gordon Lodge; Pedro Vega, DoubleTree Milwaukee Downtown; Tommie Ware, The Edgewater Madison; Cayla Young, Chula Vista Resort
• Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Richard Batley, A. Scott Faulkner, Steve Magnuson
• Key to Hospitality Awards: Representative Joel Kichens, Senator Joan Bellwig, Governor Tony Evers

WHLA Awards Dinner at the Wisconsin Lodging Conference:

• Educator of the Year: Jay Jones, University of Wisconsin–Stout
• Development Excellence Award: The Trade Hotel Milwaukee
• Associate of the Year: Cindy Lapidakis, Royal Basket Trucks
• Corporate Champion of the Year: Amy Supple, The Edgewater
• Innkeeper of the Year: Larry Robe, Knickerbocker on the Lake Hotel

Read More Articles from InnTouch with WHLA

This article was originally featured in the 2025 InnTouch with WHLA magazine.

Share on LinkedIn