Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Distinction Awards will be rescheduled for 2021.

About the Awards

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

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.

The LVHA Distinction Awards

The Rising Star Award

This award was created to recognize and honor an LVHA member, who has been extensively 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.

Criteria:

• Must be an active member of LVHA

• Cannot be a current member of the board of LVHA

• Supports, volunteers and participates on LVHA committees

• Exhibits outstanding service to LVHA and its members

Past Award Recipient:

• Ashley Lowe, Caesars Entertainment

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 Recipient:

• Amy Riley, CEM, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

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 Recipient:

• Michael Dominguez, MGM Resorts International

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 Recipient:

• Chuck Schwartz, Chairman - ConvExx

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 Recipient:

• Consumer Technology Association CES/CTA