MONTEREY, Calif. — April 1, 2026 — Long after the final toast was made and the ballroom lights dimmed, the true impact of the Monterey County Hospitality Association’s 2026 Annual Awards Gala continues to ripple across the region.

Held March 20, the annual gathering honored two individuals whose lives in hospitality have extended far beyond service — shaping communities, mentoring generations, and preserving the character of Monterey County itself.

Alan Perlmutter of Big Sur River Inn was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Rod T. Schinnerer of The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach Company was named Hospitality Professional of the Year.

But the deeper story is not about awards. It is about legacy.

A Life Rooted in Place, People, and Purpose

For more than four decades, Alan Perlmutter has been a steady force in Big Sur — not only as a business owner, but as a community builder.

When he and his family took on the stewardship of the historic Big Sur River Inn, it was never just about operating a property. It was about preserving something meaningful — a place where travelers and locals alike could gather, especially during the region’s most challenging moments.

Through wildfires, floods, and prolonged isolation during highway closures, the River Inn became more than a destination. It became a place of connection, resilience, and care.

Perlmutter’s leadership extended well beyond the inn’s doors — supporting local schools, healthcare access, emergency services, and the countless small but critical efforts that sustain rural communities.

His legacy is not defined by a single achievement, but by decades of showing up — for his staff, his neighbors, and the place he calls home.

A Career Devoted to People

Rod T. Schinnerer’s journey in hospitality began with a simple ask for a job at age 16 — and grew into a career spanning more than 50 years, marked by leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to people.

At The Inn at Spanish Bay and throughout his tenure with Pebble Beach Company, Schinnerer has been known not just for operational excellence, but for the way he invests in others — guiding teams, building careers, and creating environments where hospitality is felt, not just delivered.

His contributions extend into the broader community through organizations like Rancho Cielo and the Monterey County Hospitality Association, reflecting a belief that success in hospitality is inseparable from giving back.

Why This Story Matters Now

At a time when the hospitality industry continues to face workforce challenges, shifting travel patterns, and economic uncertainty, the stories of Perlmutter and Schinnerer serve as a powerful reminder of what endures.

Hospitality, at its core, is not transactional. It is human.

“These honorees represent the very best of what our industry stands for,” said Kristin Horton, Executive Director of the Monterey County Hospitality Association. “Their leadership has strengthened not only our businesses, but our communities — and their impact will be felt for generations.”

Together, their stories reflect a shared truth: that the success of Monterey County’s hospitality industry is built not just on destinations, but on people — those who care deeply, lead quietly, and leave places better than they found them.

A Legacy That Continues

While the gala marked a moment of recognition, the work continues — in every guest welcomed, every employee mentored, and every community supported.

In honoring these two leaders, Monterey County is also honoring the values that define it: resilience, generosity, and a deep sense of place.

About the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA)
The Monterey County Hospitality Association represents more than 27,000 hospitality professionals and serves as a unified voice for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and visitor-serving businesses throughout the region. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, MCHA supports an industry that plays a vital role in the local economy and quality of life.

For more information, visit www.mcha.net.