Paul Hastings Becomes Title Sponsor of Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards

Paul Hastings, an international law firm, has been confirmed as the title sponsor of the seventh annual Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards, which will take place on 2 June 2015, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

At this premier event, Peter Greenberg, travel editor for CBS News, will serve as master of ceremonies, helping to honor Barry S. Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, recipient of the Cornell Icon of the Industry Award, and Damian J. Mogavero, CEO and founder of Avero, recipient of the Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award.

"Paul Hastings LLP is proud to contribute to the success of Cornell and to Starwood Capital and Barry Sternlicht's tremendous record of achievement," said Philip Feder, global chair of the real estate department of Paul Hastings LLP. "We are particularly thrilled to share Barry's vision of completing creative global hotel transactions and also giving back to the community and to institutions such as Cornell in training the next generation of industry leaders."

Since its inception in 2009, the Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards has grown to be the largest event on the SHA calendar, attracting more than 700 of the most influential leaders and innovators in the hospitality and travel industry from seventeen countries.

The 2015 awards ceremony currently has more than 50 corporate sponsors, including: The Icon Benefactor Scholarship sponsor Barry S. Sternlicht and The Sternlicht Family Foundation; Title Sponsor Paul Hastings LLC; Exclusive Media Host USA Today; Diamond sponsors Baccarat, Banfi Vintners, Delta Air Lines, Flag Luxury Group, InterContinental Hotels Group, Marriott International, and Sweet Street Desserts.

"The Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards honors visionaries who have made substantial contributions to both the industry and humanity. This premier event also generates support for SHA scholarships and programs, and we are excited to welcome Paul Hastings LLC as title sponsor," said Meg Keilbach, associate dean for alumni affairs.