Montage Hotels & Resorts Founder and CEO to be Honored at Hospitality Uncorked
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 6, 2014
Jan. 6, 2014 - Alan Fuerstman, Founder and CEO of Montage Hotels & Resorts, will be honored for his vision and leadership to advance the ultra-luxury hospitality industry with the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award at Hospitality Uncorked on February 8 at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. Proceeds from the gala will support The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona.
Fuerstman has redefined luxury from a perception of it being pretentious and scripted to a comfortable luxury experience that is approachable, authentic and environmentally friendly. He believes that the next generation of luxury traveler is looking for a more gracious style of service but with the same incredible attention to detail, craftsmanship and quality.
“Alan has created a vision of comfortable luxury, which has equally benefited and elevated the food and beverage industry. He has created five-star environments where wearing jeans, sharing an experience with your family or an intimate evening as a couple are all equally comfortable. That uniqueness and that joy he brings his guests are something to be modeled and reasons why we are honoring him,” said Mary Niven, Vice President Disney California Adventure & Guest Services Disneyland Resort and Chair of The Collins College Board of Advisors.
Fuerstman founded Montage Hotels & Resorts in January 2002. The following year, Montage opened its flagship resort, Montage Laguna Beach, a Forbes five-star resort with a five-star restaurant, Studio, and the first-ever, Forbes five-star-rated Spa Montage. Other properties include Montage Beverly Hills, Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah and the newest addition to the brand, Montage Kapalua Bay, which will open on Maui, Hawaii in 2014.
The Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award has paid tribute to some of the hospitality industry’s most accomplished men and women, beginning with its first honoree in 1999, in whose name the award was created. Julia Child, Alice Waters, Sam Nazarian, and most recently, Caroline Beteta of Visit California, are past recipients.
“Hospitality has never been just a job for me; it is what I have lived and breathed my entire career. I am honored to be recognized by The Collins College. I look forward to supporting the future of the hospitality industry and the individuals equally dedicated to its success,” Fuerstman said.
With a nod to his imprint on the industry, the 2014 Hospitality Uncorked will make a luxurious statement about the retro glamorous times of the Roaring ‘20s. Guests will enjoy the glitz and glam of live entertainment in a Supper Club-inspired environment with fanciful and contemporary takes on cuisine and cocktails of that time. The evening will showcase guest chefs, era-inspired libations, vintner tastings, live entertainment, exclusive silent and live auctions, and an afterglow lounge designed to keep the party going with dancing and dessert.
Hospitality Uncorked is believed to be the largest event in California designed to celebrate the hospitality industry. Tickets are $350 and are available online at www.hospitalityuncorked.com or by calling Joan Wrede at (310) 574-3663. Sponsorship packages are available.