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. The nomination form will open for the 2025 awards in the spring, and self nominations are accepted. Award winners will be honored at the annual awards gala during the Annual Conference & Awards Gala in the fall.
2024 Pennsylvania Spirit of Hospitality Award Winners
REGIONAL SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY AWARDS
New this year, PRLA is introducing regional Spirit of Hospitality Awards programs in Southeastern Pa., Pittsburgh-area, and in the Poconos. With five aware categories—Rising Star, Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, Industry Supporter of the Year, and Newcomer/Best New Restaurant—these programs spotlight the very best in our industry.
Winners from each regional program will automatically advance to the statewide Spirit of Hospitality Awards. Even if you don’t win at the regional level, you’re still eligible to compete in the state program.
REGIONAL DETAILS:
- Pittsburgh Restaurant Awards: Awards celebration on June 16.
- Poconos Awards: Nominations due by July 14. Awards celebration on August 15.
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, trends, events, and more.
Spirit of Hospitality Award Categories
Rising Star Award
Honors an emerging leader in the hospitality & tourism industry; one who demonstrates ongoing exceptional growth, displays notable industry involvement, and strong leadership potential.
Outstanding Industry Educator/Trainer/Coach
This award celebrates the exceptional dedication of an educator, trainer, or mentor who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to advancing career development in the Pennsylvania hospitality industry, as well as has played an active and useful role in both their organization and the hospitality community.
Newcomer of the Year
Recognizes a business that has been operating for fewer than 2 years but more than 6 months. The candidate is likely to or already has made an impact in Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry.
Hospitality Industry Supporter Award
Honors an industry supplier or vendor (individual or a business) with a proven reputation for quality and excellence, as well as giving back to their community and the hospitality industry.
SpotOn Innovation Award
Honors 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
Honors 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.
Destination Marketing Award
Recognizes success in executing a marketing or branding initiative with a unique strategy, creative approach, and positive quantifiable results.
Employee of the Year
Honors a non-management employee with 2+ years of experience, who provides 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.
PRLA Volunteer of the Year
Honors long-standing PRLA members who have continually supported the industry and association throughout their careers.
Wilmer S. Lapp Community Service Award
Patrick Daugherty Hospitality Icon Award
Recognizes a hospitality business owner or executive who has uniquely impacted the industry through their innovative work or entrepreneurial spirit, while concurrently dedicating their time and efforts to the betterment of their community and team members. Candidates should have been doing business in hospitality for more than 20 years.
Membership Has Benefits
Resources for Hospitality Businesses, Vendors, Sponsors, Students. Membership is for Everyone!
