With a keen eye for the trends shaping travel and tourism, hospitality expert Katarina Railko has become a key voice in the industry, particularly in the world of entertainment and events. We sat down with her to discuss the recent Night of a Thousand Stars Gala, an event that not only celebrates the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of the hotel world but also invests heavily in its future. Our conversation explored the dual purpose of such high-profile gatherings, the importance of recognizing talent at every level, and what it truly means to build a legacy of leadership and social impact in today’s hospitality landscape.
The Night of a Thousand Stars gala raised over $1.1 million while celebrating industry professionals. How do you balance the event’s fundraising and celebratory goals, and could you detail how those funds directly support career development through specific programs like scholarships and apprenticeships?
It’s a beautiful synergy, really. The celebration is the engine for the fundraising. You bring together nearly 400 industry leaders, not just to network, but to feel the energy and passion of the people being honored on stage. That emotional connection inspires generosity. This isn’t just a party; it’s a powerful reminder of why investing in our people matters. That staggering $1.1 million goes directly into the AHLA Foundation’s mission to champion careers at every stage. This means tangible support through scholarships for students like Jazmen Wilkerson, robust apprenticeship programs that offer hands-on training, and vital mentorship opportunities that guide emerging leaders. The funds ensure that we’re not just applauding today’s stars but actively building the infrastructure for tomorrow’s.
The awards recognized a wide range of roles, from a guest services agent to a maintenance professional. What does this diverse recognition signal about the many essential contributions that define an excellent guest experience, and how are these frontline roles evolving?
This diverse recognition sends a powerful and necessary message: an exceptional guest experience is a team effort, and every single role is critical. For too long, the spotlight has been narrow, but celebrating Anntoinette Peterson from guest services alongside Daniel De La Cruz from maintenance shows a profound understanding of modern hospitality. A guest’s perfect stay isn’t just a friendly check-in; it’s a flawlessly working air conditioner, a spotless room, and a sense of safety and care that permeates the entire property. These awards publicly declare that the people who ensure that seamless background operation are just as heroic as those in customer-facing roles. They are, as the Foundation says, the very backbone of our industry, and recognizing their dedication is crucial.
Mit Shah received the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award for his work in access and opportunity. Can you share more about how his efforts reflect the legacy of social impact and community engagement the award was designed to honor?
This award is about more than just business success; it’s about using one’s influence to create positive societal change, a principle the late Arne Sorenson embodied. Mit Shah’s selection by his peers on the AHLA Executive Committee speaks volumes. His focus has been a tireless championing of access and opportunity within hospitality. He fundamentally understands that our industry’s strength comes from reflecting the diverse communities we serve. While the award highlights his overall commitment, this philosophy translates into creating pathways for people from all backgrounds to not only enter the industry but to thrive and lead within it. This directly honors Sorenson’s legacy by ensuring the industry is not only profitable but also equitable and deeply engaged with the world around it.
The Stevan Porter award honored a general manager under 30. Why is it critical for the industry to identify and elevate young leaders like Brandon Markle, and what mentorship or development pathways does the Foundation provide to help them navigate their early careers?
Identifying and elevating young leaders like Brandon Markle is absolutely essential for the industry’s vitality. Bringing in someone under 30 who energizes their team with a fresh perspective is how we prevent stagnation and drive innovation. Young leaders challenge the status quo and inspire those around them, representing the future of hospitality leadership. The industry needs their energy. This is precisely why the Foundation’s work is so crucial. The funds raised at events like the gala support the very mentorship and professional development programs that help these emerging leaders navigate the complexities of their early careers. It creates a supportive ecosystem where potential is identified, nurtured, and ultimately celebrated on a national stage.
The Hotel Hero award recognizes an employee who acted selflessly in a time of need. Beyond this award, what practical steps can hotel managers take to build a culture where every team member feels empowered to take decisive, positive action during unexpected events?
The Hotel Hero award is a fantastic way to recognize extraordinary actions, but building a culture of heroism is an everyday commitment. It starts with trust. Managers must create an environment where employees aren’t afraid of making a mistake when trying to do the right thing. This means providing clear training for unexpected situations but also empowering them with the autonomy to make decisions on the spot. It’s about consistently communicating that their judgment is valued and that the priority is always the well-being of guests and colleagues. When a team member like Daniel De La Cruz acts selflessly, it’s often because they work in a culture where they feel secure and supported enough to put others first, knowing management has their back.
What is your forecast for the future of hospitality career development?
My forecast is one of intentional, holistic growth. The industry is moving beyond simply filling jobs and is now focused on building sustainable, rewarding careers. We will see an even greater emphasis on structured pathways like the apprenticeships and mentorship programs the AHLA Foundation champions. Technology will play a role in training, but the core focus will remain on human-centric skills—empathy, problem-solving, and creating genuine connections. The future lies in making hospitality a “destination career” where employees at every level, from a guest services agent to a CEO, feel valued, see a clear path for advancement, and are proud to be part of an industry that truly takes care of its people.
