Media release

61st Anniversary Winners List:
Calgary's best in customer service have been recognized in 20 categories

May 14, 2024 (Calgary, AB) – This evening, Tourism Calgary hosted the 61st anniversary of the Calgary White Hat Awards, to a sold-out crowd of 1,600 people at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.

The highly anticipated annual gala event is a celebration of employees within the hospitality and tourism industry in Calgary and recognizes outstanding frontline and heart of house nominees and winners in 20 different categories. This year over 800 nominations were received for consideration.

As the face of Calgary, these winners have delivered consistent excellence in customer service and go above and beyond in their work to make sure visitors and locals alike feel welcome and safe in our city.

The complete list of 2024 Calgary White Hat Award winners:

Exceptional Rising Leader
Alexis Wignaraja, Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District

Exceptional Server: Centre City
Hayley Cusack, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation

Exceptional Service: Airport/Airline
Sheena Hazime, WestJet

Exceptional Service: Heart of House
Iryna Afutina, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

Exceptional Server: North
Stephanie Sytsema, Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel

Exceptional Service: Tourism Volunteer
Vivian Crandall, Calgary Airport Authority

Exceptional Service: Housekeeping
Twyla Nearing, Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary South

Exceptional Service: Driver
David Foster, Ambassador Limousine Service

Exceptional Service: Guest Relations
Jill Marven, Fairmont Palliser

Exceptional Server: South
Michelle Stockert, Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary South

Exceptional Service: Administration
Angela Hendy, Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North

Exceptional Service: Reception/Reservations
Per Jensen, Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary Airport

Exceptional Service: Non-Server
Rio Wittwer, Heritage Park Historical Village

Exceptional Service: Beverage Specialist
Douglas Lee, The Dorian, Autograph Collection & Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Exceptional Service: Attractions
Don Hanna, Heritage Park Historical Village

Exceptional Server: Banquets/Events
Steve McMullen, Calgary Stampede

Exceptional Service: Tour Escort/Guide
Dan Fraser, Toonie Tours

Exceptional Service: Culinary
Stanislav Lomanovskyy, Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Mayor's White Hat Award (Honorary Award)
Jen Duffy, TELUS Spark Science Centre

Doug Johnson Service Award (Honorary Award)
Linda Ehman, Calgary Airport Authority

 

"This is my final Calgary White Hat Awards, and I will be forever proud of this event and what it means to our industry,” says Cindy Ady, outgoing CEO at Tourism Calgary. “These nominees and winners take great pride in their work and help create memorable experiences that represent the diversity of our amazing city. They are what sets Calgary apart as a warm and welcoming destination and are instrumental to keep visitors coming back."

Every winner receives a coveted white Smithbilt hat to acknowledge their outstanding contributions to Calgary’s hospitality and tourism industry.
 

About The Calgary White Hat Awards

Since 1962, Calgary has been home to one of the most unique tributes to outstanding customer service – the Calgary White Hat Awards. Throughout 2023, more than 800 nominations were received, submitted by co-workers, managers, or supervisors of individuals in the service industry who have direct, daily contact with visitors and guests. Nominees are invited to interview with industry professionals who evaluate the candidates according to a pre-established grading system assessing their enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication to the tourism and hospitality industries. Final scores are tabulated, and three finalists are identified in each category with one individual selected as the recipient of the award.

About Tourism Calgary

Tourism Calgary is the official destination management organization for Calgary's tourism industry. For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice. With a vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary markets the city locally, nationally, and internationally and advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The organization hosts and attracts visitors, conventions, and events, and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable, memorable experiences. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4 million visitors and a resulting visitor spend of $2.9 billion.

For more information about Tourism Calgary:
Twitter: @TourismCalgary
Facebook: Tourism Calgary
Event Hashtag: #whitehatyyc

Media Contact:
Lorèn Lailey-Irvine
Sr. Director, Communications & Sustainability
Tourism Calgary
587-223-8500
lorenl@tourismcalgary.com