Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards Celebration
Join industry leaders, colleagues, alumni, and faculty at the 16th Annual Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards Celebration!
June 3, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. | Edison Ballroom | 240 W 47th St | NYC
Registration is LIVE!
About the Cornell Icon of the Industry Award
The Cornell Icon of the Industry Award honors the lifetime achievements of a hospitality and travel industry visionary who has transformed the global industry with their professional and philanthropic contributions.
The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration has selected Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, to receive the 2025 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award. Read the full press release.
Mark Hoplamazian
President & CEO
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
About the Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award
The Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award celebrates extraordinary leaders who have revolutionized the hospitality and travel industry through innovations. Presented annually at the Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards Celebration by the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration, this award honors those who have pioneered contemporary, market-leading innovations in the hospitality industry.
This year’s Cornell Hospitality Innovator of the Industry has been announced. The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration has selected Cindy Estis Green ’79, CEO and Cofounder of Kalibri Labs, to receive the 2025 Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award. Read the full press release.
Cindy Estis Green ’79
CEO and Cofounder
Kalibri Labs
THANK YOU, 2025 SPONSORS!
Title Sponsor
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors for supporting Cornell’s tenacious pursuit of excellence and innovation. To sponsor this year’s prestigious celebration of achievement, please contact Jennifer Mayo ’13 (CALS), senior director of external relations, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, at js372@cornell.edu or 607.255.3101.
Past Recipients of the Icon Award
Keith Barr '92 (2024)
Global Hospitality Executive
Former CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts
Danny Meyer (2023)
Founder, Executive Chairman, and former CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group
Randy Smith (2021)
Co-founder and Former Chairman, STR
Chris Nassetta (2019)
President and CEO, Hilton Worldwide
Arne Sorenson (2018)
President and CEO, Marriott International
Isadore Sharp (2016)
Founder and Chairman, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Barry S. Sternlicht (2015)
Chairman and CEO, Starwood Capital Group
The Mariani Family (2014)
The Mariani Family &
Banfi Vintners (2014)
James Mariani MBA ’91
Virginia Mariani-Kitt ’82
Harry Mariani
Cristina Mariani-May
John Mariani ’54 (not pictured)
Tom Pritzker (2013)
Executive Chairman, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
The Tisch Family (2012)
The Tisch Family (2012)
James S. Tisch ’75
Andrew H. Tisch ’71
Jonathan M. Tisch
Charles F. Feeney '56 (2010)
Co-Founder, Duty Free Shoppers; Founding Chairman,The Atlantic Philanthropies