This week, hospitality leaders from across the country gathered in Denver for AHLA’s The Hospitality Show, a premier industry event focused on innovation, talent, and the future of hospitality. Held in our hometown, the event brought together top voices and changemakers—and Sage was proud to be part of the conversation.
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Awards & Recognition
We are especially thrilled to share that Erik Kreft, General Manager of One Ocean Resort & Spa, was named GM of the Year, Independent Property by Hotel Management Magazine. Selected from a nationwide pool of submissions and evaluated by an independent panel of industry leaders, Erik was recognized for creating moments of care and belonging through compassion, integrity, and humanity.
In an industry that thrives on people-first leadership, this is one of the highest honors a general manager can receive. Erik’s thoughtful, purpose-driven leadership embodies the heart of our You Belong culture and our commitment to Encouraging Success. Please join us in congratulating him on this incredibly well-deserved recognition.
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Sage was also honored to be featured across multiple panels and programs throughout the event, contributing meaningful perspectives on some of the most important conversations shaping hospitality today:
Walter Isenberg, Co-Founder and CEO, joined Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and AHLA CEO Rosanna Maietta on a mainstage panel titled Smarter Cities, Stronger Hotels. The discussion explored how urban planning, infrastructure investment, and public-private collaboration directly influence hotel performance and community impact.
Matt Schwartz, Chief Technology & Marketing Officer, spoke at the AHLA GM Summit luncheon with a talk titled Unchained from the Desk: AI Solutions for Modern Hotel Management. He offered practical insights into how AI can support hotel operations, elevate guest experiences, and drive efficiency across properties.
Lizzie Raudenbush, General Manager of The Curtis, participated in Workforce Ready: How Employers Are Rising to the Challenge, a panel hosted by the AHLA Foundation. She highlighted Sage’s approach to inclusive hiring, innovative onboarding, and long-term talent development.
Lizzie Raudenbush, General Manager of The Curtis, participated in Workforce Ready: How Employers Are Rising to the Challenge, a panel hosted by the AHLA Foundation. She highlighted Sage’s approach to inclusive hiring, innovative onboarding, and long-term talent development.
We’re honored to have had such meaningful representation at The Hospitality Show and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the conversations shaping the future of our industry. From Erik Kreft’s well-earned recognition to the insights shared by our executive and property leaders, these moments reflect the passion, purpose, and forward-thinking spirit that define Sage Hospitality Group.
As we continue creating places people go to, not through, we remain committed to leading with heart, investing in our people, and elevating the guest experience across our portfolio and the industry.