The American Hotel & Lodging Association and AHLA Foundation announced the 2026 Star of the Industry Award winners—four property-level employees and emerging leaders who represent “the excellence frontline professionals deliver to guest experiences every day”—at the eighth annual Night of a Thousand Stars Gala last night in Los Angeles. The event brought together nearly 400 industry leaders to celebrate the hotel workforce and raise funds for hospitality career development programs.
"Night of a Thousand Stars is about celebrating the people who are the backbone of our industry," said Kevin Carey, president and CEO of the AHLA Foundation. "These awards recognize the dedication of our frontline teams, and the funds we raise support our mission of championing the hotel industry, one career at a time, and helping employees find their home in hospitality at every stage of their journey."
The gala raised more than $1.1 million to fuel Foundation programs, including scholarships, apprenticeships, mentorship and professional development for hotel employees.
At the event, AHLA also honored Mit Shah, founder and CEO of Noble Investment Group, with the 2026 Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. Introduced in 2022, the award honors the legacy of the late Marriott International president and CEO, who was known for his commitment to social impact, diversity, and sustainability. It is presented each to a senior lodging executive who demonstrates extraordinary efforts to advance positive societal change through leadership and community engagement. Recipients are selected by their industry peers on the AHLA Executive Committee.
“Mit has been a tireless champion of access and opportunity across hospitality,” said Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of AHLA. “He understands that our industry is strongest when it reflects the communities we serve, and he's committed his career to making that vision a reality.”
The 2026 Star of the Industry Award Winners are:
North Star Award - Lodging Employee of the Year
Anntoinette Peterson, Club Guest Services Agent, InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center, Cleveland.
The North Star Award recognizes the industry's superstar who goes above and beyond daily, makes guests feel special, and demonstrates unwavering commitment to their property and passion for hospitality.
Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year Award
Brandon Markle, General Manager, Concord Hospitality/Courtyard Marriott, Lansing, Mich.
This award honors a young professional under 30 who energizes the industry with fresh perspective, inspires those around them, and represents the future of hospitality leadership.
Hotel Hero Award
Daniel De La Cruz, Maintenance, Ramada by Wyndham, Santa Barbara, Calif.
The Hotel Hero Award recognizes a team member who went above and beyond in a true time of need—putting their own interests last to aid a guest, colleague, or property during a difficult situation or unexpected event.
AHLA Foundation Scholar of the Year Award
Jazmen Wilkerson, Hospitality Management Student, Morgan State University, Baltimore.
This award honors a hospitality student who exemplifies both academic excellence and the bright future of the industry through stellar performance and dedication to pursuing a hotel career.