2026 Employee Appreciation Day Winners!
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the teams who participated in this year's events!
2026 Annual Gala Recap Reel
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors and in-kind partners for making the 2026 MCHA Annual Awards Gala possible. We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered and showed support—your presence helped make the evening truly special. Thank you to Love Unique Studios for this beautiful recap video!
MCHA Hospitality Professional of the Year: Rod T. Schinnerer
2025 Hospitality Professional of the YearRod T. SchinnererThe Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach Company Rod was born and raised in beautiful Albany, New York as one of four sons to his wonderful parents, Pat & Andy. Rod started his hospitality career at age 16, when he walked into the Thruway Hyatt House in Albany and […]
Extraordinary employees take top honors at 35th MCHA Hospitality Recognition Lunch
The 2024 awards spotlight excellence in guest service, safety, longevity and teamwork MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 6, 2024 – Nearly 600 people celebrated local hospitality employees and their community impact at the 35th annual MCHA Hospitality Recognition Lunch. Nine standout professionals received special awards during the November 6 event, which was hosted by the Monterey County […]
2024 MCHA Employee Appreciation Day - Final Results
Congratulations to our 2024 competition winners! 2024 MCHA Employee Appreciation Day – Final Results Overall Competition Winner 1st Pebble Beach Company 2nd (tie) Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa – InterContinental The Clement Monterey Bell Staff Team – 1st place Inns of Monterey Tallest Tower– 1st place Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Bartending, Martini– 1st place InterContinental The Clement Monterey Chili […]
MCHA announces community celebration for National Travel & Tourism Week and California Tourism Month
Monterey Bay F.C. festivities anchor May events honoring 26,000+ local hospitality employees MONTEREY, Calif., May 15, 2024 – As California’s tourism industry rebounds from a pandemic-related slowdown, upcoming events will recognize the friends and neighbors who keep local hospitality businesses running strong. On May 29, the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) will hold a public […]
Spotlight on Hospitality: March hospitality event celebrates community with local chef collaboration
On March 1, accomplished chefs from several local businesses will take center stage at the Monterey Marriott. Together, they’ll create a multi-course meal highlighting Monterey County ingredients. The collaboration headlines A Night of Gold, an awards gala and fundraiser presented by the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA). While the annual event raises funds for advocacy, […]
Thank You 2023 Golf Tournament Sponsors
Thank you to all of the attendees, sponsors, volunteers, on course vendors and fabulous golf committee for another fun-filled day at Quail Lodge & Golf Club!
Spotlight on Hospitality: Employee Appreciation Day brings tourism professionals back together
Hardworking hospitality professionals will enjoy a well-deserved celebration on June 14, when Employee Appreciation Day events return after a three-year pandemic pause. The Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) hosts this annual gathering that features food, fun and friendly competitions for cooks, dishwashers, hotel housekeepers, retail clerks, and other guest-facing tourism professionals and their families. About […]
Annual Rancho Cielo Program Culminates with MCHA Career Fair
Leading employers guide local Rancho Cielo, high school and college culinary students to explore careers in hospitality. More than twenty leading hospitality employers welcomed Rancho Cielo and local area students on May 16 for Monterey County Hospitality Association’s (MCHA) Hospitality Career Fair at the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa. The Career Fair marked the culmination […]
2023 Annual Gala & Auction Sponsors
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our 2023 Annual Awards Gala and Auction. We are incredibly grateful to our members, sponsors and community for making the evening such a success. We look forward to next year!
Spotlight on Hospitality: Tourism Professionals Recognize Industry Legends and Legacies
More than 21,600 people work in Monterey County's hospitality industry, creating unforgettable experiences for the guests who make a $2.5 billion annual economic impact. And each year, the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) honors one outstanding industry member as its Hospitality Professional of the Year. For four decades, the honor has recognized ongoing service and […]
MCHA Honors Hospitality Professional of the Year at Annual Event
Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) will honor the Hospitality Professional of the Year on Friday, March 31st at their Annual Awards Gala at Portola Hotel & Spa. This year’s honoree, Chef Bert Cutino, CMC, Cofounder/C.O.O. of The Sardine Factory Restaurant will be recognized for his on-going service and commitment to the local hospitality industry.
Spotlight on Hospitality: Women talk leadership during March hospitality event
Kris Markus launched Illusions of Grandeur, her Monterey Peninsula event design and custom rental business, 38 years ago. She’s employed several team members for 15 years or more, and one has been with the company for nearly three decades. In addition to a overseeing a full-time staff of 10, Markus engages a network of part-time […]
