Hospitality D&I Awards – HDIA
About
The Hospitality D&I Awards (HDIA) celebrate excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the hospitality industry. From hotels to restaurants, travel agencies to event management, the hospitality industry thrives on its ability to serve diverse communities. HDIA recognizes those organizations and individuals who go above and beyond to foster inclusive environments, drive equitable practices, and champion diversity across the sector.
Mission
Our mission is to highlight and honor the hospitality leaders and businesses committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The HDIA aims to promote best practices in creating inclusive workplaces and equitable opportunities while encouraging the hospitality industry to continue evolving toward more inclusive guest experiences.
Vision
We envision a hospitality industry where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of business operations. Through the HDIA, we strive to inspire hospitality organizations to set higher standards for inclusion and to ensure that every guest, employee, and partner feels valued and respected. Our vision is to create a global community of hospitality professionals committed to building a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Founder’s Welcome
Welcome to the Hospitality D&I Awards, where we celebrate the dedication and innovation of those driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hospitality industry. Hospitality has always been about welcoming and serving people from all walks of life. But today, it’s not just about service—it’s about creating environments where diversity is celebrated, and equity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of operations.
I founded the HDIA to spotlight the incredible work being done in this space. In a world where the hospitality industry connects cultures, facilitates experiences, and builds communities, it is more important than ever that our industry leads with a commitment to DEI. Whether through inclusive hiring practices, equitable customer experiences, or efforts to uplift underrepresented voices, the individuals and organizations we recognize today are making an impact that extends far beyond their walls.
As we honor this year’s awardees, I am inspired by the steps the hospitality industry is taking toward a future where everyone—guests and employees alike—feels a sense of belonging. Thank you for joining us in this celebration of progress, and for your own contributions toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive hospitality sector.
Dennis Kennedy
Founder
Hospitality D&I Awards – HDIA
Training
The HDIA offers tailored training programs designed to support hospitality professionals in advancing DEI within their organizations. Our training covers key topics relevant to today’s hospitality leaders, including:
- Inclusive Guest Experience Management: Best practices for delivering inclusive service to a diverse range of guests.
- Culturally Competent Leadership: Developing leadership skills to create inclusive and equitable work environments.
- Bias in Hospitality Operations: Identifying and addressing systemic biases in hiring, service, and management.
These training programs are available on-demand, ensuring that hospitality professionals can access the knowledge they need to create inclusive and equitable hospitality spaces at their own pace.
We offer on-demand training to make these programs accessible to all.
We would love to have your participation, please use this link to sign up for training.
Recognition
HDIA celebrates the individuals and organizations that are setting the standard for diversity, equity, and inclusion in hospitality through the following awards:
- Top Diversity Leaders in Hospitality: Honoring individuals who have championed DEI efforts in their organizations.
- Inclusive Hospitality Practices: Recognizing companies that have implemented innovative, inclusive practices in guest services and employee relations.
- Diversity Innovator Awards: Celebrating hospitality leaders who have introduced groundbreaking DEI initiatives in the industry.
- Equity in Hospitality Awards: Highlighting organizations that promote equity in hiring, promotions, and guest relations.
We would love to have your participation, please use this link to sign up for training.
"*" indicates required fields
Schedule (2025-2027)
Each year, the Hospitality D&I Awards (HDIA) bring together hospitality professionals and DEI leaders to celebrate accomplishments, share insights, and explore the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry. The three-day event features inspiring keynotes, expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, culminating in an awards gala honoring those who are making a difference in the hospitality sector.
2025:
- April 21-23, 2025: Hospitality D&I Conference and Awards
- Opening Keynote: “The Future of DEI in Hospitality”
- Panel: Inclusive Hospitality – Practices and Challenges
- Awards Gala: Recognizing Leaders in Hospitality DEI
2026:
- Day 1 (April 20, 2026):
- Opening Keynote: “Driving Inclusion in the Guest Experience”
- Panel: Building Equitable Workplaces in Hospitality
- Networking Reception: Connecting Hospitality DEI Leaders
- Day 2 (April 21, 2026):
- Workshop: Creating Inclusive Guest Experiences
- Training: Leading Diverse Hospitality Teams
- Panel: Addressing Bias in Hospitality Services
- Day 3 (April 22, 2026):
- Closing Keynote: “The Future of DEI in Hospitality”
- HDIA Awards Gala: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in Hospitality
2027:
- Day 1 (April 19, 2027):
- Keynote: “Equity and Innovation in Hospitality”
- Workshop: Inclusive Operations Management
- Panel: Diversity and the Future of Hospitality Workforce
- Day 2 (April 20, 2027):
- Training: Building Inclusive Cultures in Hospitality
- Panel: DEI Strategies for Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Networking: Diversity Leaders in Hospitality
- Day 3 (April 21, 2027):
- Closing Keynote: “The Role of DEI in Shaping Hospitality’s Future”
- HDIA Awards Gala and Networking Reception
Register
Please click here to register.
Contact Us