On May 7, Visit Fort Wayne held their annual Power of Tourism event at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

The event centered around the Hospitality Awards, given to recognize the thousands of hospitality and tourism professionals in our community who work to serve the 9.2 million visitors who come to Allen County every year, bringing over $1.1 billion in spending to our community.

This year's award recipients included:

Rising Star Award - Recognizes individuals who have been in the hospitality industry for fewer than five years and are consistently achieving excellence in their current role.   
Adam Heller, Dana's On The Landing

Service Excellence Award - Recognizes employees who provide exceptional service. Nominees are evaluated on attitude, workplace knowledge and familiarity with the community, communication skills, and ability to exceed visitor expectations. These nominees are ambassadors of outstanding service.
Susie Bruick, Grand Wayne Convention Center

Hospitality Leadership Award - Recognizes a management-level employee for leadership in the local hospitality industry. Nominees are evaluated on management, leadership skills, and their vision for the hospitality industry. These nominees display foresight and exceptional leadership skills and have positively impacted the Fort Wayne/ Allen County hospitality industry and the community.
Nathan Dennison, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

Diversity Champion Award - Recognizes an individual or organization who, by advocating, educating, developing programs, and raising awareness of DEI and/or accessibility, has strengthened and affected meaningful change to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or accessibility in our hospitality and tourism industry.
Luke Labas, The League

Power of Tourism Award - Recognizes an individual who has distinguished themselves in the Fort Wayne/Allen County Tourism industry by exemplifying the highest level of leadership and service. As well as taking steps to improve and invest in the future. Nominees are evaluated on professional excellence, values and integrity, and achievements representing our destination's best.
Jake & Jes Ferris, Tattoo Festival & Big Fort Fest

Organization or Business Service Excellence Award - Recognizes the best practices and achievements of an organization or business within our local hospitality and tourism industry. Nominees are evaluated on tourism innovation, community engagement, and customer service. These nominees highlight the best organizational practices that represent outstanding service towards visitors and the community. 
Fort Wayne Zoo

Thomas C. Henry Destination Development Award
Fort Wayne TinCaps

Host Them Here Award
David Jones, North American Brass Band Association

We were pleased to celebrate each of the deserving nominees and award the recipients.

Media Contact:

Kristen Guthrie
Director of Marketing
Visit Fort Wayne
(260) 424-3700
kristen@visitfortwayne.com

Visit Fort Wayne, is the official destination marketing organization for Fort Wayne and Allen County. Each year, over 9.2 million people visit Fort Wayne and generate $1.1 billion in direct economic impact.