The International Society of Hospitality Consultants is presenting White Lodging founder Bruce White posthumously with the 2026 Pioneer Award.
The Pioneer Award recognizes an individual who is considered a pioneer in their field by making an outstanding contribution, achievement or improvement in the hospitality industry.
The award presentation will take place Jan. 27, 2026, during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit. It will include an interview with Beth White, White Lodging chair, and Conner White, vice chairman and chief investment officer.
“Our family, and everyone affiliated with White Lodging past and present, take great pride in what my father built and his relentless passion for the hospitality industry,” Conner White said in a press release. “He was never satisfied with the status quo and wanted to help transform the industry, which is exactly what this award celebrates.”
Andrea Belfanti, International Society of Hospitality Consultants CEO, called it a privilege to honor White’s lasting impact through the Pioneer Award.
“Bruce White embodied the visionary spirit that drives our industry forward,” Belfanti said. “His innovative approach continues to shape how hospitality leaders think, operate and invest.”
Jeff Higley, The BHN Group by Northstar president, said White’s legacy is synonymous with changing the landscape between franchising companies and hotel investors and operators.
“The period of exponential growth experienced in hotel franchising by third-party investors and operators was heavily influenced by Mr. White’s forward thinking and determined approach,” Higley said. “The ALIS team is honored to be a part of this recognition of Mr. White’s influence on the industry.”
Bruce White founded White Lodging in 1985, with a single hotel in Northwest Indiana. Throughout his career, White developed, owned and managed more than 225 new hotels over the last 40 years on behalf of White Lodging and other partners. White passed away in early 2023.
