HotelChatter

So, what kind of message does the Icon of the Industry have to share with today's hospitality leaders and the industry bigwigs of the future? Only positive messages — delivered in an admirably humble speech. "Like Elizabeth Taylor told her seventh husband, I won't keep you long," (awww!) was how the speech began — and, as we noted yesterday, it ended with the hopeful message that these tough times for the business world (and especially the hospitality industry) would end.

We'd noticed today that he even dedicated a special blog post to the graduating class of 2009: "There is light at the end of the tunnel and many opportunities for success," he says, "to those who are prepared and determined to take advantage of them." And really, when it comes out of Bill Marriott's mouth — and we can tell you this from watching his acceptance speech the other night — you sorta do believe it.

The theme of the evening was definitely about optimism, and it was a celebration of Mr. Marriott's career as much as it was a time for the industry's biggest movers and shakers to get a bit of inspiration from someone who's been through it all — and who maintains a legendary warmth and that world famous "take care of your employees, and they will take care of your guests" approach to running a hotel company. Everyone in that room could learn a little somethin' from Billy-Bill.

The proceeds from the evening were donated to the School of Hotel Administration, and the founders of TIG Global (an interactive hospitality and travel marketing company), Fred Malek and Trip Schneck, were also honored as Hospitality Innovators of the Year.

Our warmest congratulations go out to Mr. Marriott — we heart you just as much as we always have.