SoCal ASTA recently presented this year’s Diamond Awards at its annual black-tie gala, honoring those professionals who have made distinguished contributions to the travel industry. Held at The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., this year’s sold-out gala had more than 120 guests in attendance.
Attendees were welcomed to the gala with a red carpet entrance before being escorted to a champagne reception, a silent auction benefiting the American Cancer Society, dinner and the awards ceremony. Singled out for distinction for their leadership in the Southern California travel industry were three honorees: Randy Garfield of Disney Destinations; the McClure family of Montrose Travel; and the Orens family of Plaza Travel. Also in attendance were several previous Diamond Award recipients and presidents of SoCal ASTA. Past presidents Ada Brown, Stan Jones and Susan D. Tanzman were acknowledged for their contributions to the society. Barbara Lamel received the Elaine Kirschner Travel Agent of the Year Award, and Sheri Machat won the Allied Member of the Year Award.
