The committee has chosen a very special class of 11 inductees representing many aspects of Hotelie successes. While we didn’t start out with a theme for this class, as we selected the inductees, the theme of “Game Changers” emerged. These Hotelies didn’t just play the game better than others, they literally changed the game for the industry.
Click on the images below to read their stories.
James W. McLamore ’47
John Harney ’56
Harris Rosen ’61
Burton “Skip” Sack ’61
Annabella Santos Wisniewski ’65
Steve Rushmore ’67
James J. Eyster ’69
Leland C. “Lee” Pillsbury ’69
Cindy Estis Green ’79
Chiaki Tanuma ’80
Evan Frazier ’92
Rising Star:
Karim Abouelnaga ’13
Videos
Opening Remarks Video
Closing Remarks Video
Videos from the award presentations can be found on the individual inductee pages.
Industry Panel Discussions – 2023
Panel Title: Nourishing Tomorrow: Exploring the Future of Restaurants
Panel Description: A thought-provoking discussion on the future of the restaurant industry as we explore a spectrum of topics crucial for its evolution. Our distinguished panelists will delve into pressing issues, emerging trends, and innovative solutions, providing valuable insights for both current and future food and beverage leaders.
Moderator Dana Beninati MMH ’15.
Panelists:
- Burton “Skip” Sack ’61
- Annabella Santos Wisniewski ’65
- Chiaki Tanuma MPS ’80
Panel Title: Intentional DEI During the Age of Disruption
Panel Description: What does it take for companies to advance DEI efforts with intention, moving from merely transactional “window dressing” to truly transformational change? This panel delves into the definition of equity, the benefits of identifying one’s “why,” the significance of intentionality, and other crucial elements required to propel the industry’s DEI endeavors forward. Moreover, in light of the Supreme Court’s June 2023 ruling against the DEI initiatives of Harvard and the University of North Carolina, as well as recent data revealing that 60% of Chief Diversity Officers at S&P 500 companies have departed from their roles, we will discuss the future of corporate DEI efforts.
Moderator Lan Elliott ‘90
Panelists:
- Dan Fenton ‘81
- Evan Frazier ‘92
- Karim Abouelnaga ’13
Panel Title: Next-gen Hotel Investment
Panel Description: The Hotel Investment climate has substantially changed with higher interest rates, new workplace behavior, evolving business, group and leisure demand, challenging labor market driving new operating models, growth in digital platforms, emerging technologies and more. How will hotel investors and owners respond to the new environment? What will future leaders need to be successful?
Moderator Bill Minnock ‘79
Panelists:
- Steve Rushmore ’67
- Leland C. “Lee” Pillsbury ’69
- Cindy Estis Green ’79
