Traverse City Tourism honored 11 regional hospitality professionals during its annual meeting on May 17 at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, spotlighting individuals who deliver standout guest experiences across the region’s tourism and service sectors. The High Five Hospitality Awards program, now in its second year, recognizes front-line employees, managers, and business owners working in lodging, food and beverage, attractions, and events.
“This is our way to recognize people who bend over backward every day to make people’s days a little brighter and their memories a lot richer when they come to visit,” says Trevor Tkach, president of Traverse City Tourism, in a prepared statement. “This is a premier travel destination, not only in the Midwest but also around the country. We have a responsibility to keep this place magnificent, [and] it’s people like our award winners who take that responsibility seriously.”
This year’s recipients were recognized in 10 categories:
- Front of House–All Venues: Stephen Brotschul, River Club Glen Arbor/Broomstack Kitchen & Taphouse
- Front of House–Lodging: A.J. Anderson, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
- Back of House–Lodging: Matthew Byers, Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City
- Group Sales & Meeting Services: Katie Leonard, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
- Marketing, Finance & Operations: Brittany Roberts, Crystal Mountain
- Tastemaker: Alaina Hogerheid, Cultured Kombucha Co.
- Cheer-Leadership: Mike and Gina Sheldon, River Club Glen Arbor
- Festivals, Events & Attractions: Alexis Bremer, The Festival Foundation
- Hospitality All-Star: William Authenreith, Chateau Chantal
Plus, a newly introduced Community Impact Award was presented to Joe Short, founder of Shorts Brewing Co., for his leadership and commitment to the local hospitality community.
At the annual meeting, Traverse City Tourism also shared updates on national accolades earned in the past year. The region was named one of the “10 Best Places to Go in 2025” by The Wall Street Journal and was voted one of the top 10 wine regions in the U.S. by USA Today readers.
Looking forward, Tkach revealed Traverse City as the host city for the 2026 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, to be held at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The conference is expected to draw industry professionals from across the state and place a renewed emphasis on the area as a destination for both leisure and business travel.
