• AHLA Foundation Hosts 6th Annual Gala to Celebrate Hotel Workforce   


Industry's top honor presented to The Nonantum Resort's Colby Bracy, Mark Hoplamazian of Hyatt receives 3rd annual Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award 2024 NOTS

AHLA Foundation yesterday hosted its 6th annual Night of a Thousand Stars gala honoring leaders in the hotel and lodging industry – including property-level talent who embody the spirit of hospitality. The event raised nearly $1 million to support AHLA Foundation initiatives aimed at strengthening industry’s workforce and included the Stars of the Industry Awards, commemorating winners for their service to the industry.

“The Night of a Thousand Stars Gala brings our entire industry together to celebrate the work and dedication of the unsung heroes of hospitality – the ones at the heart of our industry,” said Anna Blue, President of the AHLA Foundation.

As part of the celebration, AHLA Foundation introduced the Scholar of the Year Award to recognize outstanding achievement by a hospitality student and demonstrate its commitment to recruiting the next generation of hospitality industry talent. The Foundation also shared the success of Camryn Willis, an AHLA Foundation scholarship recipient. See her story here.

During the event, AHLA honored Hyatt President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian with the third annual Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award for his transformative and empathetic leadership.

“Mark has championed countless initiatives that raise the bar in our industry, with his impact extending beyond the boardroom and into his local community,” said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. "In honoring Mark with the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award, we celebrate a leader whose contributions transcend corporate success and echo in the lives of those he touches throughout the community.”

AHLA’s 2024 Stars of the Industry winners:

North Star Award Winner:

  • Colby Bracy, Director of Human Resources, The Nonantum Resort

North Star Award Finalists:

  • Alfonso Rauda-Serrano, Chief Engineer, Valley River Inn Eugene 
  • Bonnie Sager, General Manager, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hazelton

AHLA Foundation ForWard: Paving the Way Award:

  • Lina Patel, Director, Strategic Franchise Initiative, Red Roof Franchising

Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year:

  • Adrian Adriano III, Director, Premium Brands, Marriott International

Foundation Scholar of the Year:

  • Olivia Cannella, Hospitality Senior, Michigan State University