About the Awards

The LVHA Distinction Awards honors four special recipients and one organization whose contributions to our industry have made a difference.

2025 Distinction Awards

Las Vegas Hospitality Association Announces 2025 Honorees for the 8th Distinction Awards

Las Vegas, NV – March 20, 2025 – The Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA) is proud to announce the honorees for the 8th LVHA Distinction Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the Las Vegas hospitality, tourism, and convention industry.

Taking place in September 2025 at Circa Resort & Casino, the LVHA Distinction Awards is the organization’s largest biennial event, bringing together industry leaders to celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation. All proceeds from the gala directly benefit the LVHA Scholarship Fund, supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals.

2025 LVHA Distinction Award Honorees

• Award of Excellence – Bryan Kroten, Maverick Helicopters
• Organization of the Year – Shepard
• Legacy Award – Chris Flatt, Wynn Las Vegas
• Spirit Award – Deanna Burgess, Station Casinos

“The LVHA Distinction Awards Gala is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a night to honor our industry’s finest, support the future of hospitality, and bring together the best of Las Vegas,” said Michael Printy, President of LVHA. “Each of these honorees has made an immeasurable impact on our city’s hospitality and tourism industry, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements.”

In addition to honoring this year’s distinguished recipients, the gala will be a spectacular evening of celebration, connection, and recognition for Las Vegas’ hospitality industry. 

8th Distinction Awards - Highlight Video

The Las Vegas Hospitality Association proudly presents the highlight video from the 8th Distinction Awards, an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, innovation, and excellence in Southern Nevada’s hospitality and tourism industry. Thank you to Big Shot Photo & Video for capturing the moments featured in this video.

2025 LVHA Distinction Awards Program

2023 Distinction Awards - Photos

Photos from our 2023 Distinction Awards held at Las Vegas Convention Center - West Hall are available to view online here.

2018 Distinction Awards - Photos

Photos from our 2018 Distinction Awards held at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts – Reynolds Hall are available to view online here.

Past Award Recipients

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award was created to recognize and honor an LVHA member, who has been involved on committees, participated in meetings and with the development of LVHA over the past five years. This person has exhibited ambition and drive to become a future leader in the hospitality industry.

Past Award Recipients:

• Jordan Clark (2008)
• Jennifer Cheung (2010)
• Debby Jacobs Felker (2012)
• Ericka Aviles (2014)
• Ashley Lowe (2016)
• Alyson Lyden (2018)

The Spirit Award

This award was created to honor a person who has exhibited outstanding passion and enthusiasm with their involvement in the development and expansion of the hospitality, travel and tourism industry.

Criteria:

• Must be an active member of LVHA for a minimum of five years
• Cannot be a current member of the board of LVHA
• Active within the hospitality, travel & tourism industry and community for more than five years
• Holds a position in the hospitality, travel or tourism industry
• Is actively involved with the development, expansion and mentoring of the industry and their community

Past Award Recipients:

• Don Ross (2008)
• Karen Gordon (2010)
• Lynda Richardson (2012)
• Alan Waxler (2014)
• Amy Riley (2016)
• Stacey Purcell (2018)
• Michelle Sharples (2023)

Award of Excellence

The Award of Excellence was created to honor and acknowledge a member of LVHA whose distinguished achievements for LVHA have resulted in significant positive change in improving and progressing LVHA.

Criteria:

• Past or Current leader whose distinguished achievements have resulted in quantitative and significant progress for LVHA and its membership.
• Involved with LVHA for more than 10 years through board positions, volunteering and philanthropic endeavors; cannot be a current member of the board.
• Recognized by their peers as a leader and shows excellence in leadership for LVHA membership and community and motivates others to become involved with LVHA and its mission.
• Makes a significant difference for LVHA through contributions, volunteering and serving LVHA and the hospitality, travel and tourism community.

Past Award Recipients:

• Tami Hance-Lehr (2023)

The Industry Leader Award

This award was created to honor and acknowledge an active industry leader who has made exemplary contributions professionally and personally advancing the hospitality, travel and tourism industry.

Criteria:

• Does not have to be a member of LVHA
• Cannot be a current member of the board of LVHA
• Active in the hospitality, travel, tourism industry and community for more than 10 years
• Significant contributions advancing the hospitality, travel & tourism in Southern Nevada
• Recognized as a mentor by their peers

Past Award Recipients:

• Val Moon (2008)
• Chris Meyer (2010)
• Chuck Bowling (2012)
• Danielle Babilino (2014)
• Michael Dominguez (2016)
• John Unwin (2018)
• Stephanie Glanzer (2023)

The Legacy Award

This award honors someone who has impacted and shown exceptional awareness, professional expertise and dedication to the hospitality, travel and tourism industry for the past 20 years.

Criteria:

• Does not have to be a member of LVHA
• Cannot be a current member of the board of LVHA
• Active in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry for at least 20 years
• Has set hospitality standards, enhanced tourism and generated outstanding contributions to the industry
• Established a legacy by which they will be remembered
• Has recognized accomplishments within the hospitality, travel and tourism industry
• Actively involved in their local community

Past Award Recipients:

• Rossi Ralenkotter (2008)
• Bill Hornbuckle (2010)
• Larry Lee (2012)
• Jackie Gaughan & Family (2014)
• Chuck Schwartz (2016)
• Mark Hellrung, presented posthumously (2018)
• Michael Massari (2023)

The Organization of the Year Award

The Organization of the Year award is presented to an LVHA member company or organization that does business in Las Vegas and practices exemplary service, has made significant contributions, and has positive influence in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry.

Criteria:

• Active LVHA member company for a minimum of three years or organization that does business in Las Vegas
• Supports, encourages, sponsors and participates in LVHA committees and at
• Recognized achievements in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry
• Has shown outstanding contributions in their community
• Has shown outstanding contributions in their community

Past Award Recipients:

• Freeman (2008)
• Harrah's Entertainment (2010)
• LVCVA (2012)
• MGM Resorts International (2014)
• CES (2016)
• Vegas Golden Knights (2018)
• By Dzign (2023)