PHOENIX, ARIZ. – August 10, 2015 – The Lodging Conference, one of the hotel industry’s leading events for owners, CEOs and deal makers, today announced that Gary Mendell, CEO & Founder of Shatterproof, has been selected as the 2015 ‘Above and Beyond Award’ recipient. A national organization committed to protecting children from addiction to alcohol or other drugs, and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease, Shatterproof was founded by Mendell to spare other families the tragedy his own family experienced with the loss of his son, Brian, who died on October 20th, 2011. The award will be presented during the 21st annual The Lodging Conference on October 7, 2015.
“Gary Mendell is both a great humanitarian and a legendary hotel executive,” said Harry Javer, Co-Founder and Producer of The Lodging Conference. “His tremendous efforts on behalf of Shatterproof have already helped many and will continue to positively impact future generations. We are excited to bestow Gary with this award and support this terrific cause.”
The coveted ‘Above and Beyond Award’ is presented each year by The Lodging Conference team to a leader who is highly regarded in the hospitality industry for their distinguished humanitarian efforts. Past recipients have included Archie Bennett, Chairman, Ashford; Jack DeBoer, Chairman, Value Place; John Q. Hammons, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts; Michael Leven, President and COO, Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Joe McInerney, President & CEO, McInerney Hospitality International; Leyland C. Pillsbury, Co-Chairman & CEO, Thayer Lodging Group; Hasmukh (H.P.) Rama, CEO & Chairman of the Board, JHM Hotels; and Randy Smith, Chairman and Founder, STR.
“I am humbled to receive this award,” said Mendell. “I will be accepting on behalf of my son Brian. Brian inspires me each and every day. For Brian and my family, it is too late. However, it is not too late to protect other families from the disease of addiction. I am grateful to my peers in the hospitality industry for their incredible support.”
For more information or to register for The Lodging Conference’s 2015 events, please visit www.lodginglink.com, call 800-252-3540 or email info@lodgingconference.com. For the latest news and information, become a fan on Facebook or follow The Lodging Conference on Twitter @LodgingEvent.
