Visit Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of the ROSE Awards, Honoring Metro Detroit’s Hospitality All-Stars

DETROIT — Visit Detroit marked a milestone 30th year of honoring hospitality's best on Thursday evening, hosting the Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards at the Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel. Three decades in, the annual celebration still does one thing: put a spotlight on the hospitality professionals and volunteers across the Metro Detroit region who go above and beyond for every visitor visiting their attraction, restaurant, hotel, also those who work behind the scenes.

"Celebrating 30 amazing years of the ROSE Awards is a remarkable milestone and a testament to the incredible people who make our hospitality industry so special," said Harriet Carter, SVP, Destination Services, Partnerships & Events, Visit Detroit. "For three decades, these awards have provided an opportunity to recognize the professionals whose hard work, dedication and commitment to service have a meaningful impact across our entire industry."

This year's ROSE Awards drew 138 nominations from clients, guests, supervisors and the general public. One winner was named in each of six categories, and a panel of hospitality professionals selected one nominee as this year's overall service champion.

"ROSE Awards night is my favorite night of the year, and this year's celebration was another tremendous reminder of what makes the hospitality industry in the Detroit region so special," said Claude Molinari, President & CEO, Visit Detroit. "It was an honor to celebrate the people who go above and beyond every day to create exceptional experiences for our visitors and our community. Congratulations to all of this year's nominees, finalists, category winners, our Overall Service Champion and the William F. McLaughlin Award recipient. Each of you represents the very best of our hospitality community, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements."

The 2026 ROSE Awards Category Winners:
Volunteers: Katie Meister, Belle Isle Conservancy
Attractions and Casinos: Anita Akbar, Security Officer, MotorCity Casino
Transportation: Mia Zamora, Customer Service Agent – Above the Wing, Delta Air Lines Restaurants: Kevin Ryder, Lead Bartender, Library Bar at Hotel David Whitney, Autograph Collection
Behind the Scenes: Camille Lewis, Chef, Sodexo Live!
Hotels: Samuel Anthony, Guest Experience Agent, Shinola Hotel

Overall Service Champion: James Quinn-Johnson
Chosen from all 138 nominations, the 2026 Overall Service Champion is James Quinn-Johnson, Customer Service Agent – Below the Wing at Delta Air Lines.

Colleagues describe Quinn-Johnson as someone who approaches every task with humility, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to helping others. No responsibility is too small, no challenge too great. He serves with quiet confidence and genuine care, and he's the person others turn to in moments of uncertainty, knowing they'll be met with empathy, integrity and action.

Along with the title, Quinn-Johnson takes home $1,000 cash; two round-trip tickets courtesy of Delta Air Lines; four suite tickets to a 2026-27 season show at the Fox Theatre, plus dinner on the Loge Level beforehand; four Detroit Tigers game tickets; a crystal award; two dozen red roses; and a bottle of champagne.

William F. McLaughlin Award for Hospitality
Established on the 20th celebration of the ROSE Awards, the William F. McLaughlin Award for Service Excellence celebrates best practices and innovation in customer service. This year's recipient was Rock Events, which creates and produces experiences that bring people together around entertainment, community, sports and special events across the city.

Rock Events built its reputation on a culture of ownership, accountability and continual improvement — pairing creativity and attention to detail with a commitment to unforgettable moments. That dedication extends beyond any single event, leaving a lasting impact on clients, colleagues and the city it serves.

For more information about the ROSE Awards, go to theroseawards.com.

About Visit Detroit
Visit Detroit is the official destination marketing organization for the tri-county region of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties and the city of Detroit, dedicated to promoting Detroit as a world-class international destination for leisure and business travelers. With a focus on showcasing the region's dynamic culture, rich history, and diverse attractions, Visit Detroit aims to drive tourism, economic growth, and community pride. Visit Detroit was founded in 1896 as the world's first convention and visitors bureau, and more than 900 businesses are represented in the membership. For more information go to VisitDetroit.com.