Awards
ORLA Hospitality Awards
The ORLA Hospitality Industry Awards honor outstanding individuals in Oregon's hospitality industry. Whether it’s an employee who shows up every day with passion and pride, or a team leader who lifts others and drives excellence, recognizing these individuals is about showing the rest of the state the caliber of talent, dedication, and care that exists in your operation.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Honorees
The following Oregon Hospitality Industry Award Winners will be honored during the ORLA Hospitality Conference, this year in Bend, Oregon on September 13, 2026.
- Employee of the Year:
- Alex Canete, Seven Feathers Casino Resort
- Team Leader of the Year:
- Tucker Nadal, Courtyard Portland City Center | Sage Hospitality
- Restaurant Operator of the Year:
- Judith Boyd, Weber Enterprises, Inc. | Columbia Bells LLC & Weber Coastal Bells LP
- Lodging Operator of the Year:
- Jason Coleman, The Coho Oceanfront Lodge | VIP Hospitality Group
- Allied Partner of the Year:
- Stoller Wine Group
- Workforce Champion:
- Matthew Miller, Miller's BBQ & Catering
Award Process & Eligibility
Applications for any of the six categories below can be submitted as a peer nomination or self-applied. Considerations will be given to member restaurant and lodging employees; Allied Partner award nominations are limited to allied / vendor members. All recipients will be formally honored at the ORLA Hospitality Conference in the fall.
Nominations for 2027 will open October 1, 2026.
Employee of the Year
This award celebrates line-level hospitality employees (including back of the house) who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. These individuals do not hold formal management or supervisory positions but make an exceptional impact on guests, team morale, and workplace culture through their dedication and service excellence.
Ideal nominees include:
- Servers, hosts, line cooks, dishwashers
- Housekeepers, maintenance staff, front desk agents
- Any non-supervisory, non-managerial staff member
Team Leader of the Year
This award recognizes individuals who lead teams or departments within a hospitality organization, playing a crucial role in day-to-day operations and staff development. These professionals are not owners or executives, but they hold key responsibilities in managing people and ensuring excellent service delivery.
Ideal nominees include:
- Mid-level managers, supervisors, or department directors (non-owner/exec)
- Shift managers or department heads (e.g., front desk manager)
- Operational directors below executive leadership
Workforce Champion Award
This award honors a hospitality professional who demonstrates a strong, ongoing commitment to building Oregon’s future workforce. The recipient goes above and beyond to engage with local schools, participate in classroom or career-connected learning programs, and inspire students to pursue careers in the hospitality industry.
Ideal nominees include:
- Industry champions who partner with schools on workforce pipeline programs
- Mentors or who offer tours/internships
- Individuals deeply involved in hospitality-focused education initiatives
Restaurant Operator of the Year
This award honors a senior-level leader who has ownership or executive responsibility over a restaurant business. The recipient should demonstrate outstanding leadership in excelling in business operations, supporting their team, helping advance the industry, and actively contributing to their local community.
Ideal nominees include:
- General Managers of restaurants
- Business owners
- Franchise managers
Lodging Operator of the Year
This award honors a senior-level leader who has ownership or executive responsibility over a lodging business. The recipient should demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing the industry, excelling in business operations, supporting their team, and actively contributing to their local community.
Ideal nominees include:
- General Managers of hotels / lodging properties
- Business owners
- Property managers
Allied Partner of the Year
This award recognizes a company or organization that has made significant contributions to Oregon’s hospitality industry. Nominations should demonstrate innovative contributions, outstanding support, and a strong partnership with hospitality businesses through service, advocacy, or collaboration.
Ideal nominees include:
- Allied companies or vendors that provide products, services, or resources directly to the hospitality industry in Oregon