Celebrating Excellence in Wisconsin Hospitality: 2026 WHLA Awards Lunch Recap

September 23, 2026 | Hilton Milwaukee – Empire Ballroom

​Members of the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) gathered on September 23, 2026, in the elegant Empire Ballroom at the historic Hilton Milwaukee to honor the frontline leaders, public advocates, and legendary pioneers driving Wisconsin’s lodging industry forward.

The annual Stars of the Industry Awards Lunch served as a heartfelt celebration of the dedication, innovation, and passion that define hospitality across the state.

Event Highlights & Special VIP Recognitions

The program commenced with warm welcoming remarks from Bill Elliott, CAE, President & CEO of WHLA, who expressed sincere gratitude to the hosting team at the Hilton Milwaukee and acknowledged the hard work of the 2026 WHLA Awards Committee, led by Committee Chair Larry Robe (2024 Innkeeper of the Year). Composed of past leadership award winners from the last three years, the committee dedicated countless hours to shaping criteria, reviewing nominations, and planning the ceremony.

Master of Ceremonies duties were carried out by Victor Ravago (Principal at Bravo Hospitality Group and WHLA Incoming Chair / Chair-Elect). WHLA Board Chair Amy Boston (General Manager, Holiday Inn & Conference Center Stevens Point) was also on hand to recognize leadership across the association.

A special highlight was the recognition of retired WHLA President & CEO Trisha Pugal, CAE, celebrating her more than two decades of transformative leadership and lasting legacy in Wisconsin lodging.

The ceremony also paid tribute to past WHLA Board Chairs in attendance, acknowledging their volunteer service and leadership:

• Denise Stillman (1999)
• John Chastan (2015)
• Dan Schetter (2016)
• Aaron Wolf (2018)
• Greg Stillman (2020)
• Brandon McConnell (2022)
• Jon Jossart (2023)
• Rory Madsen (2025)

Spirit of Hospitality Awards

The Spirit of Hospitality Awards spotlight frontline and key property team members whose daily commitment, compassionate care, and operational excellence elevate the guest experience at lodging properties of all sizes across Wisconsin.

This year’s honorees include:

1. Erika Baltutis – Front Desk Manager, Hampton Inn & Suites Milwaukee/Franklin
   Recognized for her dynamic leadership as Hilton Honors Champion, head of the property Safety Committee, and active community service on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and Engage Franklin.
   
   
2. Jaclyn Duell – Guest Services Representative, Hampton Inn & Suites Madison West
   Honored for creating genuine connections with guests and colleagues, and pursuing CNA coursework to extend her compassionate care to the broader community. (Accepted on Jaclyn’s behalf by Alex Hammon).
   ​
   
3. Dawn Evans – Hilton Garden Inn Brookfield Conference Center
   Celebrating an incredible 30-year milestone of compassionate, steady service and mentorship as a pillar of support for guests and staff alike. (Accepted on Dawn’s behalf by Ranette Mauher).
   
   
4. Dan Kube – Director of Waterparks, Chula Vista Resort
   Honored for 15 years of exceptional leadership at Chula Vista Resort, prioritizing safety while delivering unforgettable experiences for resort guests.
   
   
5. America Martinez – Home2 Suites Madison Central
   Recognized for her extraordinary service, having been named in over 60 guest surveys, bridging language barriers for Spanish-speaking associates, and supporting the Ronald McDonald House. (Accepted on America’s behalf by Tovi Rubio).
   
   
6. Sarah Pekarek – Restaurant Supervisor, Holiday Inn & Convention Center Stevens Point
   Celebrated for seven years of bringing warmth, infectious enthusiasm, and personalized care to guests on the early morning shift.
   
   
7. Jerica Shiu – Assistant General Manager, Tru by Hilton Madison West
   Honored for driving property excellence and supporting her team behind the scenes to help achieve a 100% guest satisfaction score. (Accepted on Jerica’s behalf by Alex Hammond).
   
   
8. Susana Victoriano – AC Hotel Downtown Madison
   Recognized for a decade of exemplary service and leadership that elevated her department to rank in the top 25% of all AC Hotels nationwide in Q1 2026.

Key to Hospitality Awards

Presented by WHLA President & CEO Bill Elliott, the Key to Hospitality Award honors public officials who demonstrate outstanding leadership and steadfast support for Wisconsin’s lodging and tourism economy.
​

• Representative David Armstrong (Wisconsin State Assembly) – Recognized as lead sponsor of the Tourism Promotion Improvement District legislation and champion for workforce housing and childcare solutions.
  
  
• Representative Chanz Green (Chair of the Assembly Committee on Tourism) – Honored for advocating state tourism promotion funding and bipartisan collaboration across the state.
  
  
• Secretary Anne Sayers (Wisconsin Department of Tourism) – Honored for her data-driven, visionary leadership since 2020, advocating for hotel pandemic relief grants, establishing the state film office, making the Office of Outdoor Recreation permanent, and securing essential tourism marketing investment.

Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame Inductions

WHLA Board Chair Amy Boston led the induction ceremony for the Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame, established in 2021 to honor industry pioneers whose contributions have made an indelible impact on Wisconsin hospitality:
​

• Ron McCord (In Memoriam) – A 50-year veteran of hotel brokerage and property ownership, former President of the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association (now WHLA), decade-long AHLA Board Member, and co-founder of the AHLA Council of Inns & Suites. His daughter, Jennifer Church, accepted the award and shared comments about his legacy and appreciation for the organization and its members. 
  
  
• Gerda Safer (In Memoriam) – Pioneer of Northwoods hospitality who built the A1 Gypsy Villa Resort in Eagle River into a 20-cabin sanctuary on Cranberry Lake over seven decades. Gerda served as Chair of the Wisconsin Innkeepers Association in 1997 and was instrumental in unifying lodging and tourism voices. 
  
  
• Daniel Schetter – Executive hotelier and General Manager at the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel & Spa and Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center. A former WHLA Board Chair and 2013 Innkeeper of the Year, Dan was celebrated for operational excellence, community action, and hosting Wisconsin’s first regional anti-human trafficking task force meeting.

Looking Ahead: 2026 WHLA Annual Conference

​WHLA members are encouraged to keep the momentum going by registering for the 2026 WHLA Annual Conference & Trade Show, taking place November 1–3, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The conference will feature additional Stars of the Industry honors, including Innkeeper of the Year, Corporate Champion, Associate of the Year, and Development Excellence Awards.

Thank you to all who attended and supported this year’s Awards Lunch!

Register for the 2026 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show