Employee recognition and retention are invaluable to the success of hotels and especially now more than ever, employees are the heart and soul of our industry. We salute ALL our Star employees who embody resilience, compassion and dedication to Illinois' hospitality community. Registration is now open for the December 7, 2023 Event!
Congratulations to all who made the 2022 Stars of the Industry the biggest and best of its kind yet! CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE DECEMBER 14, 2022 STARS EVENT.
Participating in Stars of the Industry IHLA's Stars of the Industry Awards Program was established in 1996 to honor IHLA member hotel employees for their outstanding accomplishments, service and leadership in the hotel and lodging industry. Illinois has thousands of exceptional employees who help our millions of visitors enjoy their stay in our great state. The Stars Program recognizes the best of the best, those who truly go above and beyond and whose incredible hard work, dedication, attentiveness, and genuine kindness towards both guests and fellow colleagues is an inspiration to their peers.
We encourage all of our members to participate in this high profile employee recognition program; to nominate and show appreciation for their outstanding team members and give them the opportunity to be recognized by their peers at an entertaining celebration they will never forget. There is no cost to nominate an IHLA hotel member employee.
Recognition All nominees will be listed on our website and in the Stars Program and will receive an IHLA Stars of the Industry Recognition Certificate. New hotels that nominate employees for the first time will receive special recognition in the Stars Program. It is IHLA's privilege to celebrate the accomplishments of all the nominees, finalists and winners presented each year.
Nominations and Eligibility The nomination process begins in August and we've made it easy. Simply complete the online nominee application form and upload a one-page document explaining why the nominee deserves the Star award in their category including supporting documents showcasing testimonial letters, guest comment cards or pictures of nominees in action. Resubmitting updated applications for previous year's nominees is encouraged. Previous winners are not eligible to be nominated again in the same category if they have won a star at the regional or state level within the past three years. Open to IHLA Member hotels only. 2023 Individual Employee Awards (Detailed Description of Each Category):
Hotelier of the Year - Sponsored by: Windy City Laundry
Department-Division Head Employee of the Year
Manager of the Year
Administrative Employee of the Year
Bell Staff Employee of the Year
First-Level Supervisor Employee of the Year
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year - Front of the House
Food & Beverage Employee of the Year - Heart of the House
Guest Service Employee of the Year
Housekeeping Employee of the Year
Maintenance Employee of the Year
Paul R. Bauer Security Practitioner Award
Star Mixology Award (Nomination opportunities will be available separately)
For questions about the Stars of the Industry program contact: Kristen Curnyn
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 STARS OF THE INDUSTRY WINNERS! MAINTENANCE by HD Supply Ann Bolden, Hilton Chicago HOUSEKEEPING by Ecolab Ana Parada, Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel GUEST SERVICES by Bright Sky Hospitality Staffing Parker Kohl, Hotel Lincoln Chicago F&B HEART OF THE HOUSE by Ecolab Crisoforo Velazquez, theWit Chicago - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel F&B FRONT OF THE HOUSE by UnitedHealthcare Julia Cox, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springfield Southwest FIRST LEVEL SUPERVISOR by Kendall College at National Louis University Selamawit Weldemichael, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago BELL STAFF Will White, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile ADMINISTRATIVE Dekesha Byrd, Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center MANAGER by First Hospitality Katy Javoronok, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington COMMUNITY SERVICE by Kendall College at National Louis University LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton GOOD EARTHKEEPING by Constellation Hilton Chicago MIXOLOGY by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of Illinois & Proximo Brands Josue Mancero, Hotel Zachary Chicago ALLIED Mike Evans, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits - Illinois DEPARTMENT-DIVISION HEAD by Atira Hotels Michelle Boyd, Chicago Marriott Suites Deerfield / Embassy Suites North Shore Deerfield PAUL R. BAUER SECURITY PRACTITIONER Juan D. Alfaro-Manriquez, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago HOTELIER by Windy City Laundry Tommie Van, Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/Loop
