Awards

Wisconsin's hotel and lodging industry thrives with exceptional talent, as extraordinary individuals continuously raise the bar for excellence, service, and commitment. The WHLA Stars of the Industry Awards recognize those who embody the highest professional standards and set new benchmarks for the sector. The awards celebrate leaders, innovative associates, and dedicated employees, highlighting their achievements to inspire a culture of excellence within the industry. By highlighting these remarkable achievers, we not only recognize their individual brilliance but also inspire a culture of excellence that propels our entire industry forward.

Nomination Deadline: June 1, 2025

Categories

Click the drop-down links below to learn more and submit nominations.
Spirit of Hospitality
​The Spirit of Hospitality Award honors lodging employees who are exemplary role models of the true spirit of hospitality in Wisconsin. Up to 12 awards are presented annually, with winners representing properties of all sizes (1-10, 11-50, 51-500, and 500+). 

Award recipients are celebrated with a comprehensive recognition package, including:
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Luncheon
  • Complimentary Attendance: Complimentary event pass for the WHLA Awards Luncheon
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized award plaque
  • Public Recognition: Featured on WHLA social media and WHLA Innsider newsletter coverage

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nominees must be employed by a current WHLA member hotel or lodging property
  • Owners, operators, and general managers are not eligible for this award
  • Limit one entry/award per property
  • Past winners are not eligible for repeat awards​

Who can nominate?

​Managers and/or supervisors at hotel and lodging properties in membership with WHLA by filling out the online form
Hero of Hospitality
​The Hero of Hospitality Award recognizes employees who take remarkable action in saving lives or preventing serious injuries while working at hotels or lodging properties in Wisconsin. This award may be presented once each year.

The award recipient is honored with an inspiring recognition package that reflects their remarkable achievement.
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Luncheon
  • Complimentary Attendance: Complimentary event pass for the WHLA Awards Luncheon
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized award plaque
  • Public Recognition: Featured on WHLA social media and WHLA Innsider newsletter coverage

Eligibility Criteria

  • Nominees must be employed by a current WHLA member hotel or lodging property.
  • “Hero” event must have occurred within 18 months of the date of the nomination.
  • Limit one entry/award per property
  • Past winners are not eligible for repeat awards​

Who can nominate?

​Managers and/or supervisors at hotel and lodging properties in membership with WHLA by filling out the online form.
Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame
​This category was established in 2021 in honor of WHLA’s 125th anniversary and is intended to recognize industry leaders and pioneers who have contributed significantly to Wisconsin's lodging industry and the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association.

The Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame annually recognizes up to three exceptional industry leaders, carefully selecting individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to our state's hospitality landscape. Winners receive a full-spectrum celebration highlighting their exceptional achievements:
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Luncheon, along with an opportunity to share remarks.
  • Complimentary Attendance: Two complimentary passes for the WHLA Awards Luncheon
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized bell award
  • Public Recognition: Features on WHLA's social media, coverage in the WHLA Innsider newsletter, and inclusion in other association publications

Eligibility Criteria

  • Eligible nominees must have at least 25 years in the lodging industry and at least 10 of those years in Wisconsin.
  • Awards may be given to those currently employed in the industry, retired from the industry, and posthumously.

Who can nominate?

​The Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame Award invites nominations from a diverse group of industry participants. This includes WHLA members, industry peers, property owners and operators, past award recipients, WHLA board members, industry partners, and even individuals who wish to self-nominate, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the award. Nominations may be submitted by completing the online nomination form. 
Educator of the Year
Established and presented for the first time in 2023, this award is presented annually to an exemplary education professional in Wisconsin who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in the hospitality industry by providing high-quality learning opportunities and pathways for career success. 

Each year, this award may recognize a single outstanding individual who exemplifies the award's purpose at the WHLA Awards Dinner. Honorees receive a multi-faceted tribute highlighting their exceptional industry impact.
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Dinner, along with an opportunity to share remarks.
  • Complimentary Attendance: Two passes to the Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized award plaque
  • Public Recognition: Features on WHLA's social media platforms, coverage in the WHLA Innsider newsletter, and inclusion in other association publications.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Any individual working at an organization offering a hospitality-related class or program.
  • Roles/Positions Include: Instructor, Professor, Adjunct Faculty, Program Advisor, Guidance/Career Counselor, Department Heads 
  • Hospitality Related Programs Include:  Baking & Decorative Arts; Culinary Arts / Culinary Management; Event Management / Event Planning; Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management; Hospitality Assistant; Hospitality and Event Management; Hospitality Management; Event Management; Hospitality Specialist

Who can nominate?

​Anyone can nominate an individual for this award, including teachers, parents, colleagues, friends, or students by completing the online nomination form. Self-nominations are also allowed and encouraged.
Development Excellence
The Development Excellence Award celebrates exceptional achievements in lodging property development, with the committee carefully selecting zero to one recipient annually. This prestigious recognition highlights transformative projects and visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to Wisconsin's hospitality landscape. Up to one project may be recognized in this category annually, or up to two awards in distinct categories as determined by the WHLA Awards Committee. 

Winners enjoy comprehensive recognition, amplifying their unique achievements.
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Dinner, along with an opportunity to share remarks.
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized award plaque
  • Public Recognition: Features on WHLA's social media platforms, coverage in the WHLA Innsider newsletter, and inclusion in other association publications.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Project completed within the last two years
  • Property must be in membership with WHLA

Who can nominate?

​Anyone can nominate a project including property owners, operators, and developers can self-nominate through an online nomination form.
Associate of the Year
This award honors a WHLA Associate Member (individual or company) with an exceptional track record of outstanding service to Wisconsin’s lodging industry, exemplifying dedication through active participation and unwavering support of the WHLA. Annually, this category may elevate a single outstanding individual or achievement. 

Recipients are recognized through a nuanced experience amplifying their unique contributions.
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Dinner, along with an opportunity to share remarks.
  • Complimentary Attendance: Two passes to the WHLA Awards Dinner at the annual Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized award plaque
  • Public Recognition: Features on WHLA's social media platforms, coverage in the WHLA Innsider newsletter, and inclusion in other association publications.

Eligibility Criteria

Company
  • Company or organization must be in membership with WHLA
  • Membership must be a WHLA member in good standing for at least the last 2 years
  • Past winners are not eligible for repeat awards

Person
  • Currently employed at a company or organization in membership with WHLA
  • Past winners are not eligible for repeat awards

Who can nominate?

​Anyone employed at a company or property that is a member of WHLA by completing the online nomination form. 
Corporate Champion
​The Corporate Champion Award celebrates the exceptional leadership and visionary contributions of management company executives and lodging owners or operators. This award acknowledges past achievements while celebrating individuals who continue to advance the industry, inspire their peers, and set new standards of excellence. The honor may be awarded to zero to one individual each year.

Honorees receive a multi-faceted tribute highlighting their exceptional industry impact.
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Dinner, along with an opportunity to share remarks.
  • Complimentary Attendance: Two passes to the WHLA Awards Dinner at the annual Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized award plaque
  • Public Recognition: Features on WHLA's social media platforms, coverage in the WHLA Innsider newsletter, and inclusion in other association publications.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Employed at a lodging management company or ownership group with all properties in membership with WHLA.
  • Minimum 5 years in the lodging industry.
  • Past winners are not eligible for repeat awards.

Who can nominate?

​Anyone employed at a company or property in membership with WHLA by completing the online nomination form. 
Innkeeper of the Year
The Innkeeper of the Year award is WHLA’s highest honor, recognizing exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to lodging excellence. This prestigious award is available to all general managers of WHLA member properties, regardless of their size. It celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation and influence throughout their career in hospitality. The award acknowledges those who have had a lasting impact on leadership and excellence, inspiring others and shaping the future of Wisconsin’s lodging industry. 

This category ensures a targeted, impactful recognition of excellence, presenting zero to one award annually.
  • Prestigious Honors: Formal recognition at the WHLA Awards Dinner, along with an opportunity to share remarks.
  • Complimentary Attendance: Two passes to the WHLA Awards Dinner at the annual Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show
  • Commemorative Award: Personalized award plaque
  • Public Recognition: Features on WHLA's social media platforms, coverage in the WHLA Innsider newsletter, and inclusion in other association publications.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Employed in a key leadership role (i.e. GM, Owner/Operator) at a lodging property in membership with WHLA.
  • Past winners are not eligible for repeat awards.

Who can nominate?

​Anyone employed at a company or property in membership with WHLA by completing the online nomination form. 

Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Stars of the Industry Awards.​
Deadline: June 1, 2025

Awards Ceremony

Spirit of Hospitality and Hall of Fame winners will be celebrated during the WHLA Awards Luncheon in September.

The Educator, Development Excellence,  Associate, Corporate Champion, and Innkeeper of the Year award winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on November 3 during the 2025 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.