Stars of the Industry Awards

The annual MRLA Stars of the Industry Awards recognizes outstanding members of all roles within Michigan's hospitality industry who have demonstrated professionalism and creativity while going above and beyond their role to contribute to the positive image of the industry.

See Finalists

Congratulations to the 2025 Stars of the Industry Award Winners!

Allied Partner Award - Gordon Food Service
Bartender Star of the Year - Alex Weinert, Wings Etc.
CVB Star of the Year - Linda Freybler, Calhoun County Visitors Bureau
Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year - Katelyn Belonga, The Brentwood Grille
Engineering & Operations Star of the Year - Jalen Holly, The Townsend Hotel
Guest Experience Star of the Year - Chip Davis, FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Heart of the House Star of the Year - Jim Wolfe, Corner Bar
HR Professional Star of the Year - Ellen Davey, Hotel Iroquois
Manager Star of the Year - Marcus Matthews, Crystal Mountain Resort
Resort Star of the Year - Treetops Resort
Room Attendant Star of the Year - Beverly Maddox, Park Place Hotel & Conference Center
Sales & Marketing Star of the Year - Jon Grayeb, Patton Wings LLC
Sustainability Recognition Star of the Year - Karly Aldridge, JW Marriott Grand Rapids
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year - Amanda Downs, Ford's Garage
Hospitality Star of the Year - Jim Engel, Bavarian Inn Lodge
North Star of the Year - Andrea Crawford, Mission Point Resort

Stars of the Industry Award Categories

Allied Partner Star of the Year

Michigan’s hospitality industry receives endless support from its allied partners and suppliers. The Allied Partner Award honors a company that steps up for our industry and is known to be consistently reliable. A leader, an innovator, and a company that brings solutions to the industry.

Bartender Star of the Year

The Bartender Star of the Year award is presented to an outstanding bartender who has shown exceptional talent, creativity, and skill in the art of mixology. This bartender demonstrates an unwavering dedication to their craft, continually honing their skills and expanding their knowledge of the latest trends and techniques in the industry. The Bartender Star of the Year award recognizes a bartender who not only delivers exceptional drinks but also provides exceptional service, establishing a strong connection with their customers and making them feel welcomed and appreciated. This award celebrates the creativity, passion, and dedication of the bartender who has elevated the craft of mixology to an art form. This star award is sponsored by Republic National Distributing Company and semi-finalists will be publicly voted on. Semi-finalists will also be required to submit a video of them creating a cocktail recipe that will be provided to them once selected.

CVB Star of the Year

Is there a person at your Convention & Visitors Bureau that eats, sleeps, and breaths for your DMO? This award recognizes a staff person who works with members, vendors and consultants to implement marketing programs that actively motivate travelers to visit and frequently return to their destination or area.

Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year

Our industry’s best ideas come from those who see the world with fresh eyes. This award, named in honor of Stevan Porter, former president of the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group, is about recognizing the emerging leaders around us, those that energize the industry and inspire those around them. Do you work with an exemplary young professional under 35 who exhibits these traits? Share their story of “out of the box” thinking and their dedication to the craft of our trade.

Engineering & Operations Star of the Year

This award is reserved for the outstanding operations, engineering and maintenance employee who works tirelessly to improve efficiencies, maximize machinery life, reduce costs and improve property appearance to provide all guests the best stay possible.

Guest Experience Star of the Year

This is the first person greeting a guest as they enter the restaurant or hotel. An team member that best develops a climate conducive to new or repeat business, quickly establishes positive rapport and creates goodwill among guests, and/or effectively resolves guest complaints. This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position with regular customer contact. Honorees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities.

Heart of the House Star of the Year

This award recognizes chefs, sous chefs, or line cooks who apply creativity and innovative techniques to their exploration of regional, national and international cuisine to the delight of guests. This award recognizes exemplary performance and exceptional service by an employee in a non-management position who does not have regular customer contact. Nominate a member of the kitchen team that goes beyond the call of duty.

Hospitality Star of the Year

A visionary owner or general manager who has maintained the highest standards of hospitality over the expanse of their career. An innovator who has continually sought to surpass expectations by mentoring rising peer stars and developing new practices which positively impact guest experience. An operator who recognizes the importance of striking a balance between property/staff investment and long-term profits and viability.

HR Professional Star of the Year

The Human Resources professional is often working behind the scenes efficiently and loyally to ensure that all team members of a hotel or restaurant have the support that they need to be successful and hospitable to guests. This award recognizes the HR role at your company that goes the distance for their team.

Manager Star of the Year

Manager Star of the Year recognizes an exceptional hospitality leader who excels in all facets of their role, from operational excellence to inspiring leadership. This award celebrates individuals who masterfully balance the big picture vision with crucial day-to-day details, demonstrating outstanding performance in guest relations, team management, and community engagement. The ideal candidate exemplifies the highest standards of our industry through stellar operational metrics, exceptional customer service, and a commitment that extends beyond typical duties. They are leaders who create meaningful connections with guests, inspire and develop their staff, and actively contribute to their community's wellbeing.

North Star Award: Employee of the Year

Nominate your superstar to get the recognition they deserve on our industry’s biggest stage. We want to hear about the very best of the unsung heroes. The people who drive our industry every single day to make it great. Your candidate’s nomination should showcase their passion for hospitality and demonstrate their strong commitment to the property and community. General Managers are not eligible to receive the North Star Award.

Resort Star of the Year

The Resort of the Year award is presented to a resort that demonstrates exceptional quality, service, and overall experience. The recipient of this award provides guests with a memorable vacation, complete with top-notch accommodations, outstanding amenities, and exceptional customer service. This resort not only meets but exceeds guests' expectations with their attention to detail, personalized approach, and commitment to excellence. The Resort of the Year award recognizes a resort that goes above and beyond to create a truly unforgettable getaway experience for all its visitors.

Room Attendant Star of the Year

This prestigious recognition celebrates the exceptional room attendant who consistently demonstrates the highest standards of hospitality excellence. The ideal candidate not only meets or exceeds all standards for cleanliness and efficiency but also showcases remarkable attention to detail in creating immaculate, welcoming spaces. Through their dedication and positive attitude, they inspire their colleagues to elevate their own performance while ensuring every guest enjoys an optimal overnight experience. Their commitment to maintaining brand standards while adding thoughtful personal touches makes them a true ambassador of exceptional hospitality service

Sales & Marketing Star of the Year

This award recognizes innovative efforts and outcomes in all stages of the marketing and sales process leading to increased sales and retention of guests, visitors or customers.

Sustainability Recognition Star of the Year

Recognizes lodging and restaurant properties that have developed a culture that embraces green technology and practices that benefit the environment, continues to meet guest expectations and reduces property expenses.

Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year

It’s time to recognize the amazing women of Michigan’s hospitality industry. This award honors a woman who is more than a leader. She’s also a role model in the community and a mentor who is committed to raising up those around her. Her reach extends beyond the day-to-day and resonates through the property, industry and community. Nominate the woman who is a shining example of all that can be accomplished in our industry, share stories about her outstanding leadership qualities, noteworthy accomplishments, volunteering and personal achievements

Application Guidelines

All honorees must be employed by restaurants, hotels, or other supporting businesses that are members of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Honorees should have served our industry for at least two years
The Awards Nomination Form should be completed and submitted with a letter of recommendation (500 words maximum) and support materials
Support materials may include: headshot, photos, videos, letters of commendation, guest comment cards, news clippings, testimonials, etc.

When are nominations due?

Nominations for the categories that will be publicly voted on (Bartender Star of the Year, Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year, Guest Experience Stars of the Year and Resort Star of the Year) are due by Wednesday, February 12 to ensure time to select semi-finalists for the public voting portion. Public voting will be open from March 3-21, 2025
Nominations for all other Stars of the Industry Awards are due by Sunday, March 16 at 11:59 p.m.

Who can enter?
The Stars of the Industry awards competition is open to all MRLA members and employees.

Who can nominate a Star?
Anyone! A nominator can be an employer, a manager, a friend, regular customer, or anyone else who knows a Star in Michigan's hospitality industry who deserves recognition.

What does it cost to enter?
Entering or nominating for the Stars of the Industry Awards is free.

What do nominees receive?
The winners of each award will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on April 16, 2025 and receive an engraved plaque at the awards presentation. All winners will be announced in MRLA publications, by a press release, and on the MRLA website. Winners will automatically be entered in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's national Stars of the Industry Awards program.

How does the public voting work?
Bartender Star of the Year and Resort Star of the Year will be publicly voted once the semi-finalists are selected. Public voting is slated to open in August. More details to be announced!

Support the Stars of the Industry Awards

Contact Sarah Metcalf at [email protected] or 517-377-3928 to secure your sponsorship!

STAR GALAXY PACKAGE - $10,000

Company promo video played during the awards dinner
8 tickets to awards dinner
Magazine feature in the October issue of The MRLA Magazine
Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
Recognition in awards presentation
Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
Company/logo on Star of your choice
Company video of choice played during Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner
Opportunity to present Star award on stage
Company logo on every table

STAR CONSTELLATION PACKAGE - $5,000

Company promo video played during the awards dinner
Magazine feature in the August or October issue of The MRLA Magazine
6 dinner tickets in reserved section
Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
Recognition in awards presentation
Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
Company/logo on Star of your choice

NAME BADGE SPONSOR - $3,000

Every name badge worn will have your company name listed as the sponsor for guests to wear all night!

4 Dinner tickets in reserved section
Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
Recognition in awards presentation
Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website

MENU SPONSOR - $3,000 - eXCLUSIVE!

Who is on the menu for the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner? Your company!

Your company logo exclusively placed on all dinner menus
4 Dinner tickets in reserved section
Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
Recognition in awards presentation
Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website

PHOTOWALL SPONSOR - $2,500 - EXCLUSIVE!

Feature your company logo in every photo of the night!

Company logo included on event photos
2 Dinner tickets
Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
Recognition in awards presentation
Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
Company/logo on Star of your choice

SPONSOR A STAR AWARD - $1,500 EACH - LIMITED AVAILABILITY

See your company name in the stars!

2 Dinner tickets
Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
Recognition in awards presentation
Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
Company/logo on Star of your choice

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR - $1,500 - EXCLUSIVE!

Be the premier entertainment sponsor for the awards dinner and guests will leave with more than just a song stuck in their head.

Company/logo located on DJ booth
2 Dinner tickets
Verbal recognition of sponsorship from the stage
Recognition in awards presentation
Recognition/logo on all marketing materials related to the event including award application, social media, promotional materials, newsletters and the MRLA Stars of the Industry website
Company/logo on Star of your choice

Sponsorship Opportunities