Judges Announced for The Hotel Council of San Francisco’s2024 “Hospitality Heroes Awards “
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Judges Announced for The Hotel Council of San Francisco’s
2024 “Hospitality Heroes Awards “
Thursday, March 7 at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco
www.hotelcouncilsf.org
Deadline to Nominate a Hospitality Hero is Friday, February 2
1 February 2024, San Francisco: “And the envelope please….” Five esteemed professionals in the hospitality space have been named to be this year’s judges for the 2024 Hotel Council of San Francisco’s Hospitality Heroes Awards: Ron Newton (Regional Vice President, Venues with Encore), Zack Barulich (CFO, BiRite Foodservice Distributors), Lillian Phan (Vice President of Sales + Marketing, The Conservatory at One Sansome), Ken Bukowski (Director, Convention Facilities, City & County of San Francisco), and Rashaida Nirobe (President & CEO, Equality and Inclusion in Hospitality, Inc.). This year’s Hospitality Heroes Awards, honoring those who work in San Francisco’s # 1 economic driver – hospitality and tourism – will take place on Thursday, March 7th (5:30pm – 8:30pm) at the InterContinental Hotel San Francisco (888 Howard Street). Members of the public and hospitality colleagues are encouraged to nominate their own “Hospitality Hero”. Nominations are open until COB tomorrow, Friday, February 2 by online submission at https://bit.ly/HEROES24. More information may be found online www.hotelcouncilsf.org/upcoming-events
“Our judges are well placed to evaluate this year’s nominees,” said Alex Bastian, Hotel Council President and CEO. “However, as we know going into this event following a challenging year, everyone who works in San Francisco’s hospitality industry is already a winner.”
Established in 2003, the Hospitality Heroes awards were created to pay tribute to the people who dedicate their lives to the hospitality industry. As the largest industry in San Francisco, hotels and tourism directly impact the success of many businesses throughout San Francisco, supporting over 86,000 jobs.The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.
The categories for this year’s Hospitality Heroes Awards are as follows:
Beyond the Call: Hotels and Restaurants
This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a willingness to go “beyond the call of duty” in their hotel/restaurant. At a minimum, the employee created an unforgettable experience for a guest or colleague.
Unsung Hero: Hotels and Restaurants
This award is given to an individual who enables their hotel/restaurant to enhance guest experiences. An unsung hero strives to improve customer service out of professionalism and dedication to true hospitality.
Rising Star: Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual who has been in the industry for less than five years but demonstrates the potential to become a pivotal figure in the hotel community.
Werner Lewin Lifetime Achievement – Operations” Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual (non-manager) who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years.
Lifetime Achievement – Department Manager: Hotels Only
This award is given to a Department Manager who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years.
Bob Begley Lifetime Achievement – Hotel Executive: Hotels Only
This award is given to an individual who is an executive leadership team member, General Manager, Vice President, and/or Regional Manager. This individual has proven dedication, leadership, and commitment to the hotel industry for at least 15 years.
Community Spirit: Hotels Only
This award is given to a hotel or hotel company that contributes to the community. Contributions include volunteer efforts, donations, and giving back through various programs and organizations.
Sustainability: Hotels Only
This award is given to a hotel or hotel company committed to environmental sustainability. This commitment can be proven through instituting green design and equipment, water conservation, local food sourcing, and waste reduction programs.
DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility): Hotels Only
The DEIA award will recognize hotels or hotel companies that actively promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the hospitality industry. Criteria include evidence of diverse hiring practices, an inclusive work culture, and equitable opportunities for professional growth. Accessibility includes accommodations and modifications to ensure equal access to employment and participation in activities for people with disabilities. The organization should demonstrate commitment through ongoing training programs, community engagement initiatives, and dedication to supplier diversity.
Exceptional Full Service Restaurant of the Year:
This award is presented to a restaurant with a sterling reputation for providing outstanding food, beverage, and service.
Exceptional Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year:
This award is presented to a restaurant that demonstrates a dedication to dining excellence, service, and value, in a casual environment. This is open to food trucks, pop up restaurants, and other non-brick and mortar dining.
Supplier Spotlight: Allied Members of the Hotel Council Only:
The award recognizes a company and individual that stand out in collaborating with hotels and hospitality businesses in San Francisco. Criteria include a proven track record of successful partnerships, innovations that elevate guest experiences, and active engagement with the local community. Overall, the company and individual being nominated should embody excellence, collaboration, and a positive impact on San Francisco’s vibrant hospitality landscape.
Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Allied Members of the Hotel Council Only:
The award recognizes a company and individual that stand out in collaborating with hotels and hospitality businesses in San Francisco. Criteria include a proven track record of successful partnerships, innovations that elevate guest experiences, and active engagement with the local community. Overall, the company and individual being nominated should embody excellence, collaboration, and a positive impact on San Francisco’s vibrant hospitality landscape.
Prices for the Hospitality Heroes Awards gala are: Table of 10: $3000; half table $1600. Individual Tickets, $ 350 available online at www.hotelcouncilsf.org/upcoming-events