Spirit of Hospitality Awards

Each year, PRLA honors individuals and businesses from the hospitality and tourism industry for their dedication, service, community involvement, and successes. Nominations are due by September 1, and self nominations are accepted. Award winners will be honored at the annual awards gala during the Annual Conference & Awards Gala.

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Spirit of Hospitality Award Categories

Rising Star Award

Honors an emerging leader in the hospitality industry; one who demonstrates ongoing exceptional growth in the culinary or hospitality fields. This person displays notable industry involvement and strong leadership potential.

Outstanding Industry Educator

This award honors an educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of the Pennsylvania hospitality industry.

Employee of the Year

Honors a non-management employee who goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities. Nominees are judged on outstanding service to their place of employment, customers and the community.

Manager of the Year

Honors exemplary professionalism and exceptional service by an employee in a supervisory position. Nominees are judged on showing outstanding leadership qualities and consistently adding to the success of their place of employment.

Wilmer S. Lapp Community Service Award

This award celebrates business’s significant and noteworthy contributions to the industry and community at the local or state levels.

Industry Innovator Award

This award is presented to an individual or company that has applied a new product or creative approach, resulting in the growth or transformation of their business.

Event of the Year

Recognizes a business that hosts an exceptional event that contributes to the local economy. Examples may include collaboration with other interests to celebrate a community, historical anniversary, or sporting event.