Spirit of Hospitality Awards

Each year, the PRLA Educational Foundation honors individuals and businesses from the hospitality and tourism industry for their dedication, service, community involvement, and successes. The nomination form for the 2026 awards is open, and self nominations are accepted. Award winners will be honored at the annual awards gala during the Annual Conference & Awards Gala in State College on November 9, 2026.

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2024 Pennsylvania Spirit of Hospitality Award Winners

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Spirit of Hospitality Award Categories

Rising Star

Honors an emerging hospitality or tourism professional who demonstrates exceptional growth early in their career. Nominees are recognized for their initiative, professional achievements, industry involvement, and outstanding leadership potential as the next generation of Pennsylvania hospitality leaders.

Outstanding Industry Educator

Recognizes a credentialed educator or trainer who has made a meaningful impact on developing hospitality professionals in Pennsylvania. Nominees are recognized for excellence in teaching, workforce development, mentorship, and service to both their organization and the broader hospitality community.

Vendor/Supplier of the Year

Honors a hospitality supplier or vendor—individual or business—that consistently delivers exceptional products or services. Nominees are recognized for quality, innovation, trusted partnerships, outstanding customer service, and meaningful contributions to Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry and their community.

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.

Wilmer S. Lapp Community Service Award

Recognizes a hospitality business whose sustained commitment to community service has made a meaningful impact at the local or state level. Nominees are recognized for civic leadership, charitable involvement, community partnerships, and service that extends beyond their business operations.

Employee of the Year

Honors a non-management hospitality professional with at least two years of industry experience who consistently delivers exceptional service. Nominees are recognized for professionalism, dedication to guests, support of their colleagues, and positive contributions to both their organization and community.

Divisions: Restaurant/F&B Operations • Lodging Operations • Tourism Entity

Manager of the Year

Honors a hospitality professional in a supervisory or management role who exemplifies exceptional leadership and operational excellence. Nominees are recognized for inspiring their teams, delivering outstanding guest experiences, fostering a positive workplace culture, and contributing to the long-term success of their organization.

Divisions: Restaurant/F&B Operations • Lodging Operations • Tourism Entity

Chef of the Year

Honors a Pennsylvania chef-owner, executive chef, or chef manager who exemplifies culinary excellence and inspires others through leadership. Nominees are recognized for innovation, mentorship, exceptional guest experiences, community involvement, and meaningful contributions to Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry.

Patrick Daugherty Leadership Award

Named in honor of Patrick Daugherty’s enduring commitment to Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry, this award recognizes a long-standing PRLA member whose sustained volunteer leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the association and the industry. Nominees are recognized for a career defined by generosity, advocacy, mentorship, and a passion for advancing hospitality throughout the Commonwealth.

Hospitality Women of Influence Award

Recognizes an exceptional woman whose leadership has strengthened Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry and inspired others to succeed. Nominees are recognized for innovation, mentorship, professional achievement, community service, and a lasting commitment to advancing women and future leaders in hospitality.

Pennsylvania Hospitality Icon Award

Recognizes a Pennsylvania hospitality owner, executive, or industry leader whose vision and lifetime achievements have left a lasting legacy on the industry. Nominees are recognized for entrepreneurial success, innovation, mentorship, community leadership, and a distinguished career of more than 20 years advancing Pennsylvania hospitality.