Jose Mendoza
Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center
Outstanding Convention Center/Banquet Employee of the Year
Jose Mendoza, this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Convention Center / Banquet Employee of the Year, represents the true heart of service behind the scenes. His dedication, reliability, and commitment to excellence help ensure that every day at the property runs seamlessly, and he is always willing to step in wherever needed to see the entire team succeed.
From managing event setups, breakdowns, and room transitions, Jose pays close attention to every detail—often bringing a tape measure and level to ensure each space is perfectly prepared for guests.
In one high-pressure situation involving a 400-person function, the property faced multiple last-minute call-outs, including the banquet server, cook, and bartender. With only three team members available, Jose immediately stepped into action, calmly taking charge. He secured a bartender on short notice, ensured the room was flawlessly set, assisted with food service, coordinated the flow of the event, and kept operations running smoothly from start to finish.
Despite handling multiple roles at once, Jose remained professional, composed, and fully engaged with guests. His positive, can-do attitude and genuine hospitality made the event appear fully staffed and flawlessly executed.
In another example of his exceptional reputation, one of the hotel’s airline partners—who conducts all of their flight attendant training at the resort—specifically requested that Jose oversee all room and setup details for their sessions. This unprompted request speaks volumes about the trust and confidence placed in him.
These are just a few of the ways Jose’s proactive approach, attention to detail, and calm, solution-focused leadership consistently elevate the guest experience and strengthen the hotel’s reputation for excellence.