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 will open in May 2024 and will be due by August 1, and self nominations are accepted. Award winners will be honored at the annual awards gala during the Annual Conference & Awards Gala in the fall.

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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

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

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.