Nov. 7 Hospitality conference will recognize industry talent

The annual Washington Hospitality Association will host an industry conference in partnership with the Washington State University Carson College of Business at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Hilton Motif in Seattle. Participants may register onlineuntil Nov. 2 at 5 p.m.

The conference will feature a tradeshow and breakout sessions focusing on leveraging marketing technologies for business growth, navigating visas and the international workforce in hospitality, strategies for enhancing guest experience, and best human resource practices within the hospitality industry. Keynote speaker John Oppenheimer, founder and chairman of Columbia Hospitality, will be the highlight of the celebration of excellence dinner directly following the tradeshow.

In recognition of their significant accomplishments to support the hospitality industry, three outstanding hospitality leaders will be honored during the conference. Recipients are selected for their contributions to the industry by the Washington Hospitality Association and the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management.

WSU alumna Kendall Long, director of sales at the Residence Inn by Marriott Wenatchee, will receive the Rising Star Award recognizing individuals who have quickly risen in industry rank and have demonstrated contributions to the industry. Long ('20 Hosp. Busi. Mgmt.) started her career as an assistant manager at Fire by Viscontis, a Wenatchee restaurant, before deciding to move to hotels. She began working at the Residence Inn by Marriott Wenatchee in 2021 as an accountant/administrative assistant and quickly advanced from sales coordinator and sales account executive positions before becoming director of sales.

Vijay Patel, president of A-1 Hospitality Group, will receive the Burtenshaw Lifetime Achievement Award for Lodging recognizing outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry through extraordinary volunteer service. Patel and his wife, Mita, founded A-1 Hospitality Group in 1997. Over time, A-1 Hospitality Group, along with Columbia Hotel Management, expanded to own and manage 14 IHG, Marriott, Hilton, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham hotel brands across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, New Mexico, and Texas. Patel frequently collaborates on public-private partnerships aimed at fostering economic development and revitalizing communities. He serves on the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Board.

Lane Hoss, former vice president of operations at Anthony's Restaurants, will receive the Burtenshaw Lifetime Achievement Award for Restaurants recognizing outstanding contributions to the hospitality industry in restaurant entertainment and service. Hoss dedicated more than 50 years of service to the hospitality industry and is known for being one of the most impactful wine marketers in the industry. The Washington Restaurant Association named her Host of the Year in 2003. She recently retired after 42 years with Anthony's Restaurants, where she oversaw the wine and beverage program. Throughout her career, she has served on various association committees to promote the industry through political advocacy and education.