Highlights from the ARDA Conference 2022

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) hosted its annual conference on May 1-4 in Hollywood, Florida at The Diplomat Beach Resort. On Wednesday, May 4, ARDA held its Awards Ceremony with the Timeshare Together Spring Conference and recognized some of the leaders in the vacation ownership industry.

The ARDA Conference brings key industry brands and leaders together to discuss the timeshare industry and share insights to further enhance travel and vacation opportunities.

ARDA Conference Award Winners

There were dozens of awards given out at the ARDA Conference, with many top brands and players taking home several.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

Hilton Grand Vacations was honored with 17 ARDA awards. This is the most awards the company has received in the history of the ARDA Conference. They were recognized with two coveted ARDA Circle of Excellence (ACE) Awards for Employee of the Year and Emerging Leader.

The ACE Employee of the Year Award was given to Ivan Cesar and the ACE Emerging Leader Award was given to Eric MacMartin.

Mark Wang, president and CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations commented:

“To say we are immensely proud of our 17 ARDA Award winners, along with the 38 finalists who represented our company and their ongoing commitment to excellence, would be an understatement. This is the first time in HGV’s history that we’ve had this many winners recognized at ARDA, and what a prestigious honor that is. I am proud of the extraordinary efforts and spirit of hospitality from our team members and the immense impact they have on our owners and guests each and every day.”

Wyndham Destinations

Wyndham Destinations received 10 ARDA Awards on May 4th. This includes recognition for their marketing program, Wyndham Destinations Tango Premium Program, and recognition for their owner/customer relations team, Wyndham Destinations Timeshare Owner Priority Team.

Jeff Myers, chief sales and marketing officer at Wyndham Destinations, spoke on his pride in the awards and the timeshare industry as a whole:

“On behalf of Wyndham Destinations, it is an honor to be recognized by ARDA for the incredible contributions of our teams and individual associates throughout the past year. As the world returned to leisure travel, their creativity and grit helped break through the noise, continuing to drive home the many benefits of vacation ownership. Congratulations to our amazing winners and nominees.”

Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Marriott Vacations Worldwide was recognized with 5 ARDA Awards at the 2022 conference. The most notable was the ACE Innovation Leadership Award being presented to Stephen Weisz, CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide.

This specific award honors industry professionals that have revolutionized the industry and left their mark as a leader. Weisz started with Marriott when the company first entered the timeshare industry. Plus, he is the one responsible for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

Westgate Resorts

Westgate Resorts was presented with 7 ARDA Awards including the impressive ACE Project of Excellence Award for the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. This premier ranch resort has taken luxury glamping to the next level with its introduction of Luxe Teepees and Conestoga Wagons. Plus, the resort opened a new upscale steakhouse and hosted their successful Nashville Singer-Songwriter Concert Series.

The company was additionally recognized with the Best Information Technology Team, Integrated Marketing Campaign or Program, and more.

Jared Saft, chief business officer of Westgate Resorts and member of the ARDA Board of Directors, commented:

“We are honored to have been recognized by ARDA, the leading organization advocating for the highest standard of excellence within the timeshare industry. These awards recognize the dedication and outstanding efforts of our incredible teams and individual team members across the company.”