Traverse City Tourism held its Annual Meeting on March 19, recognizing industry professionals with High Five Hospitality Awards. The awards are meant to recognize figures in the area hospitality industry who work in hotels, attractions, restaurants, beverage service, and festivals—and who make Traverse City a thriving host city.
Winners include Molly Kreykes from Crystal Mountain, in the group sales and meeting services award category, as well as individuals from Black Star Farms Winery, Shorts Brewing Co., National Cherry Festival, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern at Delamar Traverse City, and more, all representing key venues and attractions for planners considering Traverse City for their next host city.
“The program recognizes the talents and personal drive of the thousands of people who welcome attendees each day and create exceptional experiences in the greater Grand Traverse region,” says Whitney Waara, chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism. “For event planners, this means working with a hospitality workforce that is motivated, celebrated, and deeply committed to attendee satisfaction.” According to Waara, the award program serves as a meaningful signal of the high quality of service meeting and events professionals can expect when they bring their groups to Traverse City.
The High Five Hospitality Awards touch on key areas of the meetings and events experience, from front-of-house service to experience creation and culinary programming, which contribute to their success. “The group sales and meeting services [award category] nominees and awardees directly support event planners navigating proposals, logistics, and on-site execution,” says Waara.
“The High Five Awards give meeting planners a vetted view into the talent across Traverse City’s hotels, resorts, restaurants, and venues,” adds Waara. “Properties like Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Crystal Mountain, Chateau Chantal, and others represented in the 2026 winners list are recognized not just for their facilities, but for the people behind them—which is ultimately what makes or breaks a group event.”
