The Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association

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The Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association

Uniting hospitality & tourism partners in greater Huntsville / Madison County area, including Lodging, Restaurant, Tourism & Travel and Allied Industries.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 As we celebrate 250 years of America's Independence Day, the Huntsville Madison County Hospitality Association extends our sincere appreciation to our members and the dedicated hospitality professionals who help make our community a welcoming destination every day.

Whether you're serving guests, hosting visitors, supporting travelers, or celebrating with family and friends, thank you for the passion and commitment you bring to our industry.

We wish you a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day. Here's to celebrating our nation's spirit and the people who make hospitality shine across Huntsville and Madison County.

Drop your 4th of July plans in the comments⬇️

Happy Fourth of July! 🎆

06/15/2026

HMCHA June 2026 Membership Spotlight 💫

This month, we're excited to feature Samantha Nielsen, who serves as Director of Marketing & Public Relations at the Von Braun Center where she leads marketing strategy, branding, communications, and media relations for one of North Alabama’s premier event destinations! With more than six years at the VBC - and a career rooted in Huntsville’s hospitality and tourism industry - Samantha is passionate about telling the story of the Rocket City and creating meaningful, memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.

A graduate of the University of North Alabama with a degree in Communication, Samantha began her career in local media at WRSA before expanding her experience across key community organizations, including the Port of Huntsville and the Huntsville Museum of Art. This diverse background gives her a unique perspective on how marketing, tourism, and community development intersect.

At the VBC, Samantha thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment - developing campaigns, managing media relations, and enhancing the guest journey from first impression to final experience. She played a key role in the VBC’s 50th anniversary celebration, leading an integrated campaign that included signature events, an archival book, and the launch of a refreshed brand and website. Her work is grounded in a guest-first mindset and a commitment to elevating Huntsville as a destination.

Samantha is deeply engaged in the local hospitality community. She recently completed two consecutive terms on the Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association Board, serving as Communications Chair and Treasurer. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville’s Connect-25 class, the Alabama Leadership Initiative Class-7, and has served in leadership roles with organizations such as Free 2 Teach and the American Advertising Federation of North Alabama.

Samantha, thank you for being a true servant member of the Huntsville Madison County Hospitality Association. We appreciate your continued commitment to strengthening our local hospitality industry!

As fellow hospitality professionals, we encourage you to learn more about the Von Braun Center, support any of their events, and connect with their team. Our members are strongest when we champion one another and build meaningful relationships throughout the Huntsville and Madison County Hospitality Community!

06/05/2026

Looking for a great way to connect with fellow hospitality professionals, learn something new, and grow your network? Join us at our next monthly Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association Luncheon!

Each month, we bring together industry leaders, business professionals, students, and community partners for great food, engaging speakers, and meaningful conversations that strengthen our local hospitality community.

Check out these moments from our last luncheon at MidCity District with lunch from Blue Oak BBQ!

Don't miss your chance to connect, collaborate, and be inspired! ANNOUNCEMENT of this month's luncheon coming soon!

📍 Great networking
🎤 Informative guest speakers
🤝 Community connections
✨ Opportunities for growth

Tag a hospitality professional who should join us at the next luncheon!

02/04/2026

🍍✨ What a night celebrating the very best of hospitality in Huntsville & Madison County!

The Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association proudly hosted the 29th Annual Pineapple Dinner & Awards Ceremony at Burritt on the Mountain - an evening filled with incredible people, outstanding achievements, and a shared love for our local hospitality industry.

From honoring future industry leaders through our scholarship recipients, to celebrating culinary excellence with the return of Taste of Huntsville, and recognizing those who go above and beyond through our People’s Choice, Red Ribbon, and Pineapple Awards - the night truly showcased the heart of hospitality in our community.

👏 Congratulations to all of our 2026 award winners and scholarship recipients - your passion, leadership, and dedication continue to elevate Huntsville as a premier destination!

Scholarships:
•B’Lisa King Professional Development Scholarship: Mariah Hammond, Alabama A&M University
•Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College Scholarship: Jeremiah McDow, Alabama A&M University
•General Scholarship: Khalia Harvey, Holiday Inn Research Park

Taste of Huntsville Winners:
•Best Appetizer: Sysco
•Best Entrée: Phil Sandoval’s Mexican Restaurante
•Best Side Dish: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
•Best Dessert: Southern Dash Catering by MellMee

People's Choice Award Winners:
• Rising Star: Joe Langford, Von Braun Center
• Outstanding Team: Touronimo

Red Ribbon Award Winners:
•Food & Beverage: Chef Jimmy Johnson, Von Braun Center
•Travel & Tourism: Charles Winters, Huntsville-Madison County Hospitality Association
•Allied Services: Kelley Middlebrooks, Redstone Federal Credit Union
•Community Service: Jeff White, Jeff White Photography

Pineapple Award Winner:
•Leslie Walker

A heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsor Sysco, scholarship sponsor Redstone Federal Credit Union, our amazing partners (Burritt On The Mountain, America's Party Pros, Easyl Engraving, Jeff White Photography, 333 Designs, and Bubba's Catering), and everyone who joined us to make the evening so special.

Here’s to another exciting year ahead of connection, growth, and unforgettable experiences! 🥂

01/19/2026

We've extended the scholarship application due date to this Wednesday, January 21!

Link to Scholarship App: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6AjZTskmp3Y4yUHfdnlE7iB3OI2XV0A5vShGswNrLo9Nqow/viewform?usp=header

Registration for event tickets closes today - act fast to secure your seat!

Link to purchase tickets:
https://www.huntsvillehospitality.org/pineapple_dinner_awards.php

Join us for the 29th Annual Pineapple Dinner & Awards Ceremony presented by Sysco!

LOCATION: Burritt on the Mountain
DATE: Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5:30p

01/14/2026

🚨 VOTE TODAY! 🚨

The nominations are in for the People's Choice categories:

⭐️Rising Star Award Nominees:
--Kevin Schneider, The Blind Tiger
--Keller Beasley, Townplace Suites/Fairfield/AC Hotel
--Joe Langford, Von Braun Center

🫶 Outstanding Team Nominees:
--Courtyard Marriott Huntsville
--Touronimo Destination Management Group

Cast your votes by January 16th through this link: https://forms.gle/8TVeM2sYkqR531kY7

Winners will be announced at the 29th Annual Pineapple Dinner & Awards Ceremony presented by Sysco at Burritt on the Mountain on Thursday, January 29th. Reserve your seat today - limited capacity event!

Reservations: https://www.viethconsulting.com/members/evr/reg_event.php?orgcode=HMCH&evid=60585217

01/08/2026

DEADLINE IS TOMORROW!

Get those award nominations and scholarship applications submitted by end of day tomorrow, and then reserve your seat (or table) for the 29th Annual Pineapple Dinner & Awards Ceremony happening this year at the beautiful Burritt on the Mountain on January 29!

Tell your coworkers, nominate your stars, and be part of a night that celebrates our industry.

📲Learn More: https://bit.ly/HMCHAPineapple2026

12/23/2025

🍍 Calling All HMCHA Members! 🍍

Tickets are on sale for the 29th Annual Pineapple Dinner & Awards - January 29 at Burritt on the Mountain.

✨ Nominations for awards & scholarships are now open!
✨ Silent auction items and sponsorships welcome!

Tell your coworkers, nominate your stars, and be part of a night that celebrates our industry.

📲Learn More: https://bit.ly/HMCHAPineapple2026

Address

PO Box 322
Huntsville, AL
35801

Website

http://www.huntsvillehospitality.org/

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