Awards

​Wisconsin’s hotel & lodging industry is brimming with outstanding individuals who go above and beyond, raising the bar for excellence in performance, service, and commitment to the industry. The WHLA Stars of the Industry Awards recognize exemplary performance and qualities that set the high standards for the entire industry to achieve. This exclusive member program celebrates the achievements of Wisconsin’s lodging employees, industry associates and leaders.

Categories

Spirit of Hospitality

These awards honor lodging employees who are exemplary role models of the true spirit of hospitality in Wisconsin. Limit one entry per property. Owners, operators and general managers are not eligible for this award. Up to 12 awards given annually.

Hero of Hospitality

This award recognizes employees who save a life or prevent serious injuries. Any employee from a WHLA property can submit a nomination on behalf of a colleague who performs a life-saving act, whether it’s clearing the airway of a choking victim or reporting a life-threatening security issue to authorities.

Corporate Champion of the Year

This award recognizes dedication to the lodging industry in Wisconsin, and is open to all WHLA member management company executives and lodging owners/operators.

Associate of the Year

This award honors a high degree of industry dedication & knowledge with this award, open to all current WHLA Associate Members. One individual will be selected from all completed entries to receive WHLA’s highest Associate Member honor.

Innkeeper of the Year

This award recognizes the complete commitment to lodging excellence with this award, open to all WHLA member property general managers regardless of property size. One individual, one couple, or one set of family members from the same property will be selected from all completed entries to receive WHLA’s highest honors.

Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame

For the first time in 2021, this newly established award category is intended to recognize industry leaders and pioneers who have contributed significantly to Wisconsin's lodging industry and the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association previous winners.

Nominations

Nominations are closed for the 2021 Stars of the Industry Awards.

Awards Ceremony

​WHLA award winners are recognized at the annual Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon at the Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show. During this inspirational ceremony, the winners in each category are announced and recognized in front of friends and peers. This annual celebration has become a cornerstone of the largest annual gathering of Wisconsin hoteliers and lodging property owners and operators.