2012 Annual Convention & Trade Show

We look forward to welcoming you to the Annual Convention & Trade Show, September 30 - October 2 at Tulalip Resort Casino & Spa located just 30 minutes north of Seattle.  We'll share information you need to navigate the new normal and help your business thrive in the changing economy.

Additional workshops, casino night and poker tournament, trade show with more than 50 vendor partners with resources you need to run your business and the 14th annual Stars of the Industry Awards Program will inspire you; please sign up today!

Please click here to register and call or email us for more information. 

14th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Program

One of the highlights of WLA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show is the Stars of the Industry Awards Program.  The Stars Program gives us the chance to celebrate our dedicated staff in front of an enthusiastic audience of peers, truly acknowledging our employees for making our properties the very best. 

The Stars Program will take place at WLA’s Annual Convention on Monday evening, October 1, at Tulalip Resort Casino and Spa.  Every nominee will receive honorary mention and winners will receive special recognition and a beautiful glass keepsake.  Winners will also be entered in the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Stars Program.

Please join us in taking this opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of your team who have made outstanding contributions to the success of your WLA member property by entering them in the 14th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Program.  We look forward to seeing you at the Convention . . . and to celebrating your Stars! 

Click here to read what the Stars nominating committee has to say about the 2012 awards.

Click here to submit your nomination. Stars nominations will be accepted via email only.  Deadline to enter your Stars is Friday, August 31, 2012, so don't delay!

Sponsored by: 

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Please join WLA in taking this opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of those on your team who have made outstanding contributions to the success of your WLA member property by entering them in our 14th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Program.
 
The Good Earthkeeping Award recognizes lodging properties that have developed a culture toward integrating superior environmental management practices that improve everyday operations and the bottom line, while maintaining quality service and meeting guest expectations. Winning applications will clearly show the organization’s commitment to achieve superior environmental success in two or more of the following areas: energy conservation, solid waste reduction, effluents and emissions, water conservation, purchasing and business issues (e.g., guest demands, community issues, land use and development, training and policy).

The Prism Award for diversity recognizes the programs, initiatives and corporate culture that lead to an environment of inclusion amongst all employees and/or guests, regardless of race, gender, creed or physical ability. Proven diversity outreach in terms of marketing, hiring, retaining and promoting is equally as important as overcoming intangible barriers that lead to overall guest and employee satisfaction and recognition.

Two awards will be given for Special Events, programs or campaigns that demonstrate a creative approach to scheduled events, anniversaries, charity events, holidays or special publicity events. One award is given to a one-time event and one award is given to ongoing events; no designation for size of property.

The Rising Star Award recognizes an outstanding individual for their exceptional efforts to serve and enhance the experience of the traveling public. Nominees are new to the industry and/or to their position and embody the essence of hospitality; translating this to both the internal and external customer on a consistent basis, and demonstrate outstanding growth potential in the hospitality field.

The Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year Award gives WLA member lodging properties the chance to recognize the exemplary professionalism and exceptional service demonstrated by non-management employees.  Nominees are judged on performance that goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities, with outstanding and unusual service to the property, to the guests and/or to the community.

The Outstanding Manager of the Year Award gives WLA member lodging properties the chance to recognize the exemplary professionalism and exceptional service of a supervisory employee.  Nominees are judged on outstanding and unusual service to the property, to the guests and/or to the community.

The General Manager of the Year Award honors a general manager of a WLA property who has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and extraordinary leadership in their property, in the Association, the community and/or the industry.

The Community Service Award is given in recognition of programs that provide outstanding and extraordinary service, demonstrating outstanding professionalism and extraordinary leadership in their property, in the Association, the community and/or the industry.

The Outstanding Property of the Year Award recognizes a member property that has demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and leadership by actively participating in the Association, community and/or industry.  This award recognizes the entire team's effort, their dedication to outstanding service and their overall commitment to excellence.

Click here to submit your nomination. Stars nominations will be accepted via email only. Deadline to enter your Stars is Friday, August 31, 2012, so don't delay!

Navigating the New Normal

Showcase your business, products and services to hotel industry professionals when you exhibit at the annual trade show.  Spotlight your business as a program sponsor and strengthen your connection and relationship with industry leaders.

Members receive attractive discount rates to sponsor and/or exhibit at this event.  Being a convention exhibitor or sponsor delivers exceptional return on investment.  It presents you and your company prominently, providing ample opportunity to develop key contacts, connect with those who make the buying decisions and build sales. 

Our meeting planner, Sheri Sinn, is ready to assist you in planning for your convention participation.  You can also reach her at 509-844-2150.

SPONSORS:

Gold                                                                                 Stars of the Industry 

Entertainment                                                                Media
                                                 
 

Program                                                                              Coffee Break

                       



BreakOut Program &                                                         Kick-Off Party        
Sunday Evening Kick-Off Party 

BreakOut Program                                                             Registration                                                      

A/V                                                                                             Trade Show                                                  

Kick-Off Party Prize &
Poker Tournament Final Table    

 

EXHIBITORS:

4^th Avenue Media
Alliance 2020
Approach Management Services
Bath Fitter
Clark Nuber
Clothier & Head
CoHo-Res
Desi Labels
Digital Alchemy
Heartland Payment Systems
H.I.H.I.T. / JLR & Associates
Hospitality Real Estate Counselors (HREC)
InnCom International, Inc.
Moen, Inc.
Moss Adams LLP
Northwest ADA Center
PSAV Presentation Services
Schetky Northwest Sales
The Seattle Times
Sobel Westex
Sprague Pest Solutions
Standard Textile
Swisher Hygiene/Mt. Hood Solutions
Tri-Tec Communications
Washington Automated
Western State Design
Washington State University

connect collaborate create

2011 Thirteenth Annual Stars of the Industry Program

One of the highlights of WLA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show was the Stars of the Industry Awards Program, made possible this year by WLA allied member and 2011 Stars of the Industry sponsor Moss Adams LLP.

The Stars of the Industry Program allows you to recognize the members of your team who truly make your business shine by nominated them for an award in one of eight categories. Each Stars nominee will be recognized with an honorable mention at WLA’s Annual Convention at Tulalip Resort on October 3 in front of their industry peers -- and winners will be awarded a beautiful glass keepsake. Winners will also be entered in the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Stars Program.

Please join us in taking this opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of your team by nominating them in the 13th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Program. 

Find the nomination form here.  The deadline for nominations is August 31.

2010 Twelfth Annual Stars of the Industry Program Award Winners:
With special thanks to our allied member and 2010 Stars of the Industry sponsor Moss Adams LLP.

Special Events, On Going, Full Service
Willows Lodge Iron Vintner Challenge 2010 

Special Events, One Time Only, Full Service
Farmers Life 100th Anniversary Celebration
Bell Harbor International Conference Center

Special Event, One Time Only, Limited Service
Sweet 16 Celebration
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Pullman 

Rising Star, Full Service
Elyse Burgart, Front Desk Agent
Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center 

Rising Star, Limited Service
Andrea Dauber, Assistant Housekeeper
Phoenix Inn Suites, Vancouver 

Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year, Full Service
Robert Schnaitman, Restaurant Server
Renaissance Hotel, Seattle 

Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year, Limited Service
Brandon Peterson, Guest Services Representative
Holiday Inn Express, Spokane Valley 

Outstanding Manager of the Year, Full Service
Lee Kaufman, SPHR, Director of Human Resources
Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport & Hilton Hotel & Conference Center 

Outstanding Manager of the Year, Limited Service
Ernesto Mendez, Director of Sales
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle, Issaquah 

Outstanding General Manager of the Year
Sam Askew
Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort

Outstanding Property of the Year, Full Service
Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center

Outstanding Property of the Year, Limited Service
Best Western Bainbridge Island Suites

Prism (Diversity)
The Davenport Hotel & Tower, Spokane

Good Earthkeeping, Full Service
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle 

Community Service, Full Service
Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Community Service, Limited Service
Holiday Inn Express, Spokane Valley

connect collaborate create

WLA's 2011 Convention, Trade Show & Casino Night were made possible by the generous support and investment of our sponsors and exhibitors. To learn more about how their products and services can help you increase the success and profitability of your lodging establishment click the links below.

Put your company, products, services, name and logo in front of Washington's lodging industry by being a convention sponsor or exhibitor.

Platinum Sponsor: Regency Cleaners

Gold Sponsor: H.I.H.I.T.

Silver Sponsor: South Seattle Community College

Stars of the Industry Sponsor: Moss Adams LLP

Audio Visual Sponsor: PSAV Presentation Services

Media & Marketing Sponsor: 4th Avenue Media

   

Trade Show Sponsor:  WSU School of Hospitality Business Management

Auction Sponsor: Cairncross & Hempelmann

Program Sponsors: 

Registration Sponsor: The Seattle Times

Coffee Break Sponsors:

Breakout Program Sponsors:

Model Room Sponsor: Jeffrey Braun Furniture

Northland Furniture

Milliken Carpet

Special Sponsorships:

Clark Nuber, P.S.	Heartland Payment Systems	buuteeq
Tarmac 24

Entertainment/Master of Ceremonies Sponsor: Digital Alchemy

Water Sponsor: re:newal

Exhibitors:

Casino Night
Join WLA for the new Casino Night kick-off party.  This networking event held Sunday, October 2 will provide an exciting opportunity to collaborate and connect with both lodging and allied members.  Featuring a fun and interactive Texas Hold 'Em Fundraising Poker Tournament, as well as other casino style games, activities, food and beverages, this evening promises to kick off the Convention in style.

Casino Night Kick Off Party Sponsor: Travelocity

Casino Night Poker Tournament Title Sponsor: Clothier & Head, P.S.

Casino Night Hospitality VIP Fun-Pack Sponsor: Clark Nuber, P.S.

Poker Tournament Dealer Sponsor: Approach Management Services

Casino Night Poker Table Sponsors:

Casino Night Black Jack Table Sponsors:

Casino Night "All In" Sponsor: Baldwin Resource Group, a member company of The Partners Group

Casino Night Poker Final Table Sponsor: Precor Commericial Fitness

Casino Night Hotel Bingo Sponsor: buuteeq

Casino Night Paper Airplane Toss Sponsor: Tarmac 24