Stars of the Industry

5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

VIP reception

A reception for event sponsors.

6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Star of the Bar

Presented by Warfield Distillery, featuring Warfield Sun Valley Whiskey and Warfield Organic Vodka.

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Awards dinner & ceremony

Celebrate the people strengthening hospitality across Arkansas.

Already registered? We look forward to celebrating with you. For questions about your existing registration or guest information, contact AHA at 501-376-2323. Event details and existing reservations remain available; no new tickets or tables are being offered through public registration.

Find the right award for your nominee

Explore employee, management, ownership, and special honors. Select an award for its description.

Employee Excellence

Restaurant/Bar Employee of the Year

This award honors a restaurant employee who consistently excels in their role, whether in the front or back of the house. Their commitment to teamwork, outstanding work ethic, and passion for delivering exceptional service make them an integral part of the restaurant's success.

Lodging Employee of the Year

This award honors a hotel or lodging staff member who goes above and beyond in their role, whether in guest services, maintenance, or housekeeping. Their dedication to ensuring an excellent guest experience, attention to detail, and willingness to step up wherever needed set them apart.

Tourism Employee of the Year

This tourism professional makes a significant impact, whether as a guide, shop attendant, or ranger. Their enthusiasm for sharing the local culture and providing top-notch service enhances the overall visitor experience and contributes to the region's tourism success.

Management Excellence

Restaurant Manager of the Year

This nominee excels in overseeing both front and back of house operations. Their strong leadership, ability to foster a positive team environment, and commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences make them an invaluable asset to the restaurant's success.

Lodging Manager of the Year

This nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership in managing operations, guest services, and staff development. Their dedication to maintaining high standards, enhancing guest satisfaction, and ensuring smooth daily operations makes them a key contributor to the establishment's success.

Tourism Manager of the Year

This nominee excels in guiding their team, managing resources, and enhancing the visitor experience. Whether managing a park, attraction, or travel-related business, their leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence drive the success of the tourism operation.

Ownership & Destination Leadership

Salut au Restaurateur

Presented to the restaurant owner who epitomizes excellence in dining, fostering an exceptional team, ambiance, and culinary experience.

Golden Key Award

Presented to the hotel owner or group that exemplifies excellence in lodging, creating an outstanding team, atmosphere, and hospitality experience.

Silver Cup Award

Presented to the tourism destination owner who exemplifies excellence in creating unforgettable visitor experiences, cultivating a remarkable team, and providing an outstanding atmosphere for guests.

Pinnacle of Promotion Award

Presented to the Destination Marketing Organization that exemplifies excellence in elevating their location’s profile through innovative, impactful, and inclusive marketing strategies, setting a new standard for destination promotion within the industry.

Distinguished Service & Special Honors

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award celebrates a hospitality leader whose creativity, dedication, and community involvement point to a bright future for Arkansas hospitality.

Industry Educator of the Year

This award recognizes a secondary or post-secondary educator teaching a hospitality, tourism or culinary curriculum who demonstrates commitment to their students and a true passion for their subject.

State Park Guardian Award

The State Park Guardian Award honors someone who advances Arkansas’s state parks and outdoor heritage through conservation, public access, education, or community partnership. Recipients may serve on the ground or contribute through leadership, advocacy, and support in the wider community.

Montine McNulty Women in Hospitality & Tourism Award

This award recognizes a female hospitality professional who exemplifies outstanding leadership and serves as a role model within Arkansas's hospitality industry. Named in honor of former Arkansas Hospitality Association CEO Montine McNulty, the award celebrates her enduring legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to strengthening our hospitality community.

Maurice E. Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award

This award recognizes an individual who has dedicated a lifetime or more than 10 years in this dynamic industry. Someone who truly embodies Hospitality, Leadership, Teamwork and Selflessness.

Meet the 2025 honorees

Celebrating the people and organizations recognized at our 2025 Stars of the Industry luncheon. Select a category to view the recipients.

Employee Excellence

Restaurant Employee of the YearWayne PylandTrio’s Restaurant
Lodging Employee of the YearStephanie BeasleyLittle Rock Marriott
Tourism Employee of the YearMiranda SmithTurpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Management Excellence

Restaurant Manager of the YearMike CoatsMike’s Place
Lodging Manager of the YearMarilu SnellgroveLittle Rock Marriott
Tourism Manager of the YearPenny ToombsArkansas State University Heritage Sites

Ownership & Destination Leadership