You heard us right, and you probably heard the cheering and noisemakers all the way from Jubilee Auditorium as over 1500 industry members gathered in person for the first time since 2019 to celebrate Tourism Calgary’s 60th annual White Hat Awards.
Cindy Good, Manager, Events and Hosting with Tourism Calgary, is the energetic leader whose iron will kept the tradition alive against all odds. Cindy describes the evening as “recognizing inspiring individuals across the tourism and hospitality sector. The gala awards evening is closely linked to several other custom-built Tourism Calgary programs, all designed to train and incentivize frontline and heart-of-house staff to consistently deliver unparalleled customer service, contributing to Calgary’s reputation as an Ultimate Host City.”
And unparalleled customer service is exactly what we celebrated as the winners took to the stage to receive their legendary Smithbilt cowboy hats to deafening applause. We see the dedication to our reputation as an Ultimate Host City on the daily and look forward to celebrating the fantastic winners every year. Speaking of winners, take a look at this year’s champs. Drum roll, please!
Exceptional Leader: Joanne ter Harmsel, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Exceptional Server: Marvin Dollentas, The Dorian, Autograph Collection
Exceptional Service: Shopping Joseph Lewin, Modern Rentals
Exceptional Server: North Anna Bassi, Hotel Clique Calgary Airport
Exceptional Service: Airport | Airline Danielle Symington, WestJet
Exceptional Service: Heart of House Constantin Koster, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation
Exceptional Service: Volunteer Tourism | Hospitality Steve Clement, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Exceptional Service: Housekeeping Jun Wang, The Westin Calgary
Exceptional Service: South Bjorn Heckenstaller, The Nash
Exceptional Service: Driver Jim Wou, Concorde Airport Services
Mayor’s White Hat Award Susan Arthurs, Calgary Stampede
Exceptional Service: Guest Relations Mark Doucet, Hotel Arts
Exceptional Service: Administration Eirin Bernie, Telus Spark Science Centre
Exceptional Service: Reservations Judilyn Lucero, Hyatt Regency Calgary
Exceptional Service: Accommodation Reception Henry Mai, Alt Calgary East Village
Exceptional Service: Banquets | Events Chris Toth, The Fairmont Palliser
Exceptional Service: Beverage Specialist Andy Sevilla, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel
Exceptional Service: Attractions Chloe Hahn, Bow Habitat Station
Exceptional Service: Non-Server Stan Lee, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation
Exceptional Service: Tour Escort | Guide Rick Tulsie, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation
Doug Johnson Award Linda Craig, The Westley Hotel Downtown Calgary
Exceptional Service: Culinary Yra Yerro, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino
We are honoured and thrilled to be sponsors of this incredible endeavour, and in Cindy’s words, “in collaboration with other long-standing industry partners, help Tourism Calgary bring sparkle, magic, and glamour to the big night. OneWest Events plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and longevity of the awards and help elevate the role of tourism in our city.”
We’re blushing. If you missed the big day and want to take it all in, jump over to the live stream here. Until next year, tip your hat to our local customer service heroes and revel in the fantastic events and hospitality community we get to be surrounded by in this great city.
Photo Credit:
Visitcalgary.com
Photos with Finesse
