Sprague Hotel Developers Celebrates Four Recipients of 2026 Hoosier Hospitality Awards



2026 IDDC Hoosier Hospitality Awards
INDIANAPOLIS (November 2, 2026) – The Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC), in conjunction with Governor Mike Braun and Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich, recognized 18 tourism industry professionals with the 2026 Hoosier Hospitality Award during a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse. The awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional service and make a meaningful impact on Indiana's tourism and hospitality industry through their work at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and other visitor destinations.

Among this year's honorees, four award recipients represent Sprague Hotel Developers, accounting for more than 22% of all statewide award recipients. The achievement reflects the company's commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and the dedication of the individuals who bring its hospitality values to life every day.

Janeen Sprague, President and CEO of Sprague Hotel Developers, expressed tremendous pride in the four honorees and gratitude for the commitment demonstrated by team members across the organization. "Hospitality is much more than providing a place to stay. It's about making people feel welcome, creating meaningful experiences, and leaving a lasting impression. These four individuals embody everything we believe hospitality should be, and I couldn't be prouder to see their efforts recognized at the state level," said Sprague.

She added, "An award like this is a reminder that our greatest asset has always been our people. We have incredible individuals throughout our organization who take pride in serving others and making a difference in the communities where we operate. While we're celebrating four award recipients today, this recognition represents the hard work and dedication of an entire team. We are truly fortunate to have them representing Sprague Hotel Developers."

The Hoosier Hospitality Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals whose outstanding service strengthens Indiana's reputation as a welcoming destination. For Sprague Hotel Developers, having four of the state's 18 honorees recognized is a meaningful milestone and a testament to the people-first culture at the heart of the organization.

The 2026 Hoosier Hospitality Award winners:

Terril Beaver – Residence Inn by Marriott Indianapolis South / Greenwood (Marion County)

“Terril Beaver of Marion County shines as a front desk and guest services associate at the Residence Inn Indianapolis South. Known for truly understanding that hospitality is more than offering a place to stay, Terril brings heartfelt compassion to every guest interaction. When a longtime guest returned after losing her husband, Terril embraced her with genuine care, offering comfort during a deeply difficult moment. Her kindness reflects the spirit of true Hoosier hospitality and helps fuel the hotel’s #1 Guest Service ranking among all Residence Inns in the U.S. and Canada in 2026.”

Dragana Ilic- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus / Edinburgh (Bartholomew County)

“Dragana Ilic, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus/Edinburgh, embodies Hoosier Hospitality through her blend of luxury-level standards and heartfelt personal care. She creates an atmosphere where every guest feels genuinely welcomed, not just checked in. Her dedication shines in moments like surprising a couple celebrating their 10-year anniversary with an elegant in-room celebration she curated herself. From birthdays to milestones, Dragana goes above and beyond to make guest stays truly memorable. Her warmth and leadership set the tone for unforgettable experiences."

Ben Rewers – Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis / Fishers (Hamilton County)

“Ben Rewers, lobby ambassador at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Fishers, brings genuine warmth and kindness to every guest he meets. For four years, he has been a bright presence in the hotel, creating memorable moments that make visitors feel truly welcome in Indiana. His Hoosier Hospitality shined when he connected with a youth baseball team—sharing laughs, creating secret handshakes, and making each child feel important. The connection meant so much that the team FaceTimed him on his day off and invited him to their game. Ben’s natural ability to make guests feel valued and at home is exactly what this award celebrates.”

Yara Rodriguez – Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis South / Greenwood (Marion County)

“Yara Rodriguez, General Manager at Home2 Suites Indianapolis South Greenwood, is recognized for her kindness, dependability, and genuine compassion—qualities that define true Hoosier Hospitality. When an elderly couple struggled with their reservation and directions, Yara patiently guided them by phone, helped them book their stay, talked them through the route step-by-step, and personally unloaded their luggage upon arrival. Remarkably, she did all of this while managing the front desk alone. Her commitment to making every guest feel cared for inspires return visits and glowing recommendations. Yara’s dedication helps create a welcoming Indiana experience guests never forget.”

Click the link for more information on the 2026 IDDC Award Ceremony.

About Sprague Hotel Developers:
Sprague Hotel Developers is a hotel management and development company that operates hotels in central and southern Indiana. Our portfolio consists of Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and Residence Inn by Marriott hotels. We are an approved hotel management company for Hilton Worldwide, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Choice Hotels, and Marriott International. Our company is owned and operated by Janeen M. Sprague and is a certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. We pride ourselves on operating award-winning properties that strive to be the best hotels in their respective brand.
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