Local hospitality workers compete at annual Hospitality Olympics

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Teams raced against the clock Monday at the Sloan Convention Center during the annual Hospitality Olympics, an event designed to celebrate the workers who keep south-central Kentucky’s tourism industry running.

The competition featured events such as towel folding, toilet paper tosses and other hospitality-themed challenges, bringing together dozens of local businesses for a day of teamwork and fun.

But organizers say the event is about more than competition, it’s about recognizing workers whose efforts often go unnoticed.

“Those unsung people behind the scenes are the heartbeat of hotels and are way more important than we can ever let them know,” said Michael Nunn, president of the Southern Kentucky Hospitality Association.

Hospitality leaders say the industry continues to face challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining workers, especially in jobs that require long hours, nights, weekends and holidays.

“Hiring and retaining is as hard as it’s ever been in my 30 years doing this job,” Nunn said. “There are a lot of opportunities in our industry, and people come and go. But this industry is also a great starting point for many people.”

Organizers say the event gives hospitality workers a chance to step away from the stress of daily operations, and enjoy being recognized for the work they do.

While the games may appear lighthearted, many of the competitions reflect real-world skills used in hotels and restaurants every day: speed, teamwork and attention to detail.

“We’re all representing southern Kentucky,” Nunn said. “You can represent your brand and your company, but at the end of the day, southern Kentucky is where we are.”

Gabrielle Stiltz, front office manager at the Holiday Inn Express, said the event was a rare opportunity to be celebrated instead of serving others.

“I’m so used to service work and making sure everybody else is taken care of,” Stiltz said. “So when we’re the ones being recognized, it’s a little overwhelming, but it’s a good time.”