Supporting the People Who Make Colorado Events Possible
CEA’s Heart of Hospitality
A Gift for The Frontline of Our Hospitality Community
The Colorado Event Alliance believes in taking care of the people who take care of our industry.
The Heart of Hospitality Award is a give-back initiative that celebrates people who show up—consistently, selflessly, and wholeheartedly. The people who step in without being asked. The ones who keep going when the work is hard. The ones who care deeply work tirelessly and rarely seek recognition. It honors the people who quietly make it all happen, often with little recognition and modest pay, despite the enormous value they bring.
It doesn’t recognize a job title. It is not about visibility or status. It honors the people who make things happen behind the scenes.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Nominations may be submitted by companies or individuals with an active, good-standing membership in the Colorado Event Alliance.
Eligible nominees must be a current:
Full-time employee
Part-time employee
Frequent 1099 contractor
Nominations should reflect who a person is, not just what they do. The nominee should embody the spirit of hospitality through a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and genuine pride in their work. They show up for their team, the event, and the guests without seeking praise or credit.
You know the person: the one who wants the best for the company and the industry, and who goes the extra mile to make it happen. This is an opportunity to recognize both what they do and the care they bring to doing it.
What Does the Recipient Receive?
Awards are based on the resources available within the fund and the specific needs of the recipient.
Support may include a one-time financial gift, generally ranging from $500–$2,500, from members of the CEA community.
In-kind support could include things like:
Whenever possible, CEA will work to make the support meaningful to the individual situation rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Nominate Someone
Know someone in our hospitality or events community who deserves to be recognized?
The nomination is designed to be simple. We’ll ask you to tell us:
Their Story
How has this person contributed to their company, community or Colorado's hospitality and events industry?
The Impact
That this individual makes and how would a gift make a difference for them?
Public or Private Recognition
Recipients may choose whether they would like their story and award shared publicly or prefer to remain anonymous.
CEA loves celebrating the people who make our industry special, but the comfort and privacy of the recipient will always be respected.
How Recipients Are Selected
Nominations are reviewed by a rotating Selection Committee made up of CEA Board members and/or designated volunteers.
Committee members are required to maintain the confidentiality of all nominee information throughout the selection process.
Awards are based on demonstrated need, potential impact and available resources within the fund.
Help Us Keep Giving
This program is powered by the Colorado events community.
Funding comes from a combination of CEA resources, member contributions, community fundraising and corporate sponsorships.
Ways to support the program include:
Giving during CEA networking events
Becoming a program sponsor
Making a direct contribution to the award fund
Donating a product or professional service that could help a future recipient
Every contribution helps create a stronger safety net for the people behind Colorado's events.
An Industry That Takes Care of It's Own
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An Industry That Takes Care of It's Own 〰️
Events don't happen without people.
They happen because of servers, bartenders, cooks, venue teams, rental crews, planners, technicians, drivers, designers, florists and countless other professionals working behind the scenes.
This program is our opportunity to show up for them.
The Colorado Event Alliance community is here.