Stars of the Industry Awards
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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.
Wednesday, April 16
6:00 p.m. Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi The MRLA is searching for the state's hospitality industry stars to be honored at the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner. Does your restaurant or hotel have a star who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them today!
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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
When are nominations due?
- 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 November 9, 2023 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!
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 November 9, 2023 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
Congratulations to the 2023 Stars of the Industry Award Winners!
Allied Partner Award - SpotOn
Bartender Star of the Year - Curry Lund, Big E's Sports Grill
CVB Star of the Year - Jennifer Sistrunk, South Haven CVB
Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year - Emily Moir, Epoch Hospitality
Engineering & Operations Star of the Year - Marcelo Ponti, Saint John's Resort
General Manager Star of the Year - Heather Gates, Grand Beach & Sugar Beach Resorts
Guest Experience Star of the Year - Joel Berghorst, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Heart of the House Star of the Year - Jorge Mendez, Gilmore Collections/Paddock Place
HR Professional Star of the Year - Ellen Winterburn, Project Barfly
Restaurant Manager Star of the Year - Michael DeRose, Anna's House
Resort Star of the Year - Crystal Mountain
Room Attendant Star of the Year - Marina Hernandez, 6PM Hospitality Partners
Sales & Marketing Star of the Year - Jennifer Suchocki, Daxton Hotel
Seasonal Operator Star of the Year - Seth Britton, Grand Traverse Resort
Sustainability Recognition Star of the Year - Holly Moorehead, Mission Point Resort
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year - Mandy Gray, Boyne Highlands
Hospitality Star of the Year - Tina Pietrangelo, Castanon Holdings LC
North Star of the Year - Beverly Demeter, Old City Hall Restaurant
Bartender Star of the Year - Curry Lund, Big E's Sports Grill
CVB Star of the Year - Jennifer Sistrunk, South Haven CVB
Emerging Hospitality Star of the Year - Emily Moir, Epoch Hospitality
Engineering & Operations Star of the Year - Marcelo Ponti, Saint John's Resort
General Manager Star of the Year - Heather Gates, Grand Beach & Sugar Beach Resorts
Guest Experience Star of the Year - Joel Berghorst, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Heart of the House Star of the Year - Jorge Mendez, Gilmore Collections/Paddock Place
HR Professional Star of the Year - Ellen Winterburn, Project Barfly
Restaurant Manager Star of the Year - Michael DeRose, Anna's House
Resort Star of the Year - Crystal Mountain
Room Attendant Star of the Year - Marina Hernandez, 6PM Hospitality Partners
Sales & Marketing Star of the Year - Jennifer Suchocki, Daxton Hotel
Seasonal Operator Star of the Year - Seth Britton, Grand Traverse Resort
Sustainability Recognition Star of the Year - Holly Moorehead, Mission Point Resort
Women in Hospitality Leadership Star of the Year - Mandy Gray, Boyne Highlands
Hospitality Star of the Year - Tina Pietrangelo, Castanon Holdings LC
North Star of the Year - Beverly Demeter, Old City Hall Restaurant
Thank You to our 2025 Premier Sponsors!
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