Honoring Arne Sorenson’s legacy

Arne Sorenson, the former president/CEO of Marriott International, who died in February of pancreatic cancer, was honored with the 2021 Above and Beyond Lifetime Achievement Award at the conference.

Sorenson’s wife, Ruth, accepted the award, which is given to an individual who has provided outstanding, lifelong contributions to the hospitality industry.

“Arnie Sorenson was an industry icon,” said Harry Javer, producer/founder, The Lodging Conference. “He went beyond the industry; he was, in many ways, a worldwide phenomenon. And he loved the hotel industry. Arnie was devoted—his service, his whole life. He gave to his community. He gave to his family, and he gave his voice to those who needed a voice.”

Liam Brown, group president, U.S. and Canada, Marriott, who presented the award, praised him. “His curiosity helped him to anticipate where the hospitality business was headed, and it made him a better leader for us and for our industry,” he said. “He has really, truly left behind a lasting legacy, not just at Marriott, but on the entire industry. And he was just a remarkable man.”

“I imagine Arne would have been especially pleased to have been given this particular award because it is from an industry that he respected and loved so much,” said Ruth Sorenson when accepting the award. “He believed deeply in the commitment to extend hospitality to all.

Over the past months since his death, one of the most meaningful gifts we have received are stories about Arne. I have been so moved by the outpouring of cards and letters and stories shared by the remarkable Marriott community, and it has been a gift to be a part of this community.”