Host Sponsor
Platinum Event Sponsors
The 35th Annual South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Starlight Gala Welcome & Greetings Prosecco Toast Sponsored by Valdo Greetings from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Special Performance from Nicole Henry Sponsored by the GMCVB Dinner Sponsored by the JW Marriott Miami-Brickell Special Performance by Arts Ballet Theater of Florida Matching Funds Campaign Special Performance from Hialeah Gardens Senior High Salsa Club Special Performance from Nicole Henry Sponsored by the GMCVB Presentation of Nominees and Award Raffle
Special Tribute Performance
Sponsored by
VIP Platinum Table Sponsors Amerant Bank Carnival Cruise Line Encore Florida International University Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Miami Dade Chapter Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority Marriott Connection Hotels Marriott Select Brands MDM Hotel Group Miami Beach Convention Center
Diamond Sponsors Carnival Cruise Line Suviche Grove Bay Hospitality Florida Education Institute Sunny Isles Marketing Council
Emerald Sponsors Arts Ballet Theatre Bacardi Boston Beer Co. Chef Christian Culture Kitchen Contempo Linen & Event Rentals Miami Downtown Development Authority Quore Santorini Greek Restaurant by Georgios Toral Wines & Spirits Valdo
Special Performances Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida
Jon Sax Sponsored by Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
Hialeah Gardens Dance Team The Emeralds
South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Distinguished Awardees
2025 Freddie Peterson 2024 Julissa Kepner 2023 Gene Prescott 2022 Steve Adkins 2021 Dr. Peter Ricci 2019 Dr. Paul George 2018 Alyce Robertson* 2017 George Neary 2016 Wendy Kallergis 2015 Henry Delgado 2014 Kimberly Wilson 2013 Rocco Angelo 2012 Shawn Hauver 2011 Tony Goldman* 2010 Joan Remington 2009 Alvin L. West 2008 Lee Dickson*
2007 Arthur Hertz* 2006 Bob Dickenson 2005 Michael Aller* 2004 Farooq Rehmatwala 2003 Juan Romero 2002 William D. Talbert, III 2001 Cheryl Carter* 2000 Alexandra Villoch 1999 Gary D. Dellapa 1998 Maria A. Sastre 1997 Horace Hord 1996 Merret R. Stierheim* 1995 Stuart Blumberg 1994 Roger M. Carlton 1993 Jeanne Westphal* 1992 Sherwood Weiser* 1991 Sherman Winn* *Deceased
Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board
EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS CHAIR VICE-CHAIR SECRETARY TREASURER IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Joel Gonzalez, TPG Hotels & Resorts Mildred Riscigno, JW Marriott Miami Nashara Frazier, Expedia Aka Ali-Kerr, Andaz Miami Beach Wendy Kallergis, Retired
COMMITTEE CHAIRS FUNDRAISING CORPORATE RELATIONS GOVERNANCE & MEMBERSHIP STUDENT/STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Sonia Fong Josie Podesta Soto Greg Bohan Crystal Harvey and Leonie Timothee
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS AHA Hospitality, Andaz Miami Beach, Big Bus Miami Operations, Crystal Clear Hospitality, Dance Now! Miami, Enterprise, Expedia, FAME, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association, The Heafey Group, Hyatt Regency Miami, InterContiental Hotel Miami, Juicing with Art, Marriott Airport Connection, Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority, Miami Dade College/ Miami Culinary Institute, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, MDM Hotel Group, Miami Dade Aviation Department, MKT2000 Plus, Show Technology, TPG Hotels & Resorts, Washington Avenue Business Improvement District
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Lupe Ferran Diaz, Ph.D, Ann Fields, Margarita Mena
Special Thanks
Hialeah Gardens Senior High John A. Ferguson Senior High Encore J.G.T. Seasonings Miami Dade College GMCVB Nicole Henry Jon Sax Sergios Printing Groupe GM - Exclusive Amentities ae airessentials Arts Ballet Theatre Limo Miami Miami Downtown Development Authority Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Miami Dade Chapter Suvice Grove Bay Hospitality Santorini by Georgios Qoure Gelato Valdo Prosseco Toral Wines Chef Allen Susser Florida Education Institute Sodexo Chef Christian Culture Kitchen Saks Fith Avenue 305 Transportation Zeek Mathias Connie Kinard
Special Thanks
This event would not be possible without the hard work of our volunteers from the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism Advisory Board Event Committee Event Chairs
Josie Podesta Soto
Mildred Riscigno
AOHT Fundraising Chair
Sonia Fong Committee Members
Doris Diaz
Joel Gonzalez Ann Fields
Maggie Mena
Joe Louissaint
Leonie Timothee Julie Kennedy
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Miami Dade Chapter Congratulates all of the Nominees for the 35th South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year! FRLA is a proud supporter of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism and Miami-Dade County Public Schools!
Auction
The Silent Auction Closes at 9:30 P.M. Special Thank You to all of our Auction Donors!
Raffle Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Raffle Tickets! Prizes: 4 Day/ 3 Night Virgin Voyage Valued at $1500 Dinner at Mirabella Coastal Italian Restaurant at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Valued at $250 Tickets 1 for $25 3 for $50 5 for $100 Drawing will be after the Award Presentation
The Florida Restaurant Lodging Association Miami-Dade Chapter Congratulates Freddie Peterson on his South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Nomination
The Florida Restaurant Lodging Association Miami-Dade Chapter Congratulates Florencia Tabeni on her South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Nomination
The Florida Restaurant Lodging Association Miami-Dade Chapter Congratulates Shelly Fano on her South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Nomination
The Florida Restaurant Lodging Association Miami-Dade Chapter Congratulates Heiko Dobrikow on his South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year Nomination
2025 FRLA Hotelier of the Year