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.

Nomination Deadline: August 1, 2024

Categories

Click the drop-down links below to learn more and submit nominations.
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 presented in 2024 with at least one winner representing a property of each category size (1-10, 11-50, 51-500, 500+).

Nominate a Spirit of Hospitality Recipient
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.

Nominate a Hero of Hospitality Recipient
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.

Nominate a 2024 Corporate Champion
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.

Nominate a 2024 Associate of the Year
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.

Nominate a 2024 Innkeeper of the Year
Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame

Beginning in 2021, this award category recognizes industry leaders and pioneers who have contributed significantly to Wisconsin's lodging industry and the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association previous winners.

Nominate a Hall of Fame Inductee
Educator of the Year

This award recognizes 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. Nominees may be employed by an educational organization offering hospitality related classes or programs in Wisconsin.

Nominate an Educator of the Year
Development Excellence Award

This award recognizes a new or recently renovated lodging property. Up to two projects will be recognized as award recipients. Projects completed within the last two years are eligible for this special recognition.

Nominate a Development Excellence Project

Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Stars of the Industry Awards.​
Deadline: August 1, 2024

Awards Ceremony

Spirit of Hospitality and Hall of Fame winners will be celebrated during the WHLA Awards Luncheon on September 30 at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

The Educator, Development Excellence,  Associate, Corporate Champion, and Innkeeper of the Year award winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on November 4 during the 2024 Wisconsin Lodging Conference & Trade Show at the Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells.