Ashley Akright Colon, CMP

Ashley started her career with the Gaylord Hotels as an intern in Kissimmee, FL at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center and 13 years, 10 roles and 3 hotels later, Ashley is still proudly with the Gaylord brand. Building her career in events, Ashley now serves as Director of Operational Excellence + Innovation. This is an executive committee level position that analyzes the voice of the customer and operational productivity to achieve maximum results. Ashley received her Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from the Pennsylvania State University. She serves as President for Penn State Hotel & Restaurant Society (PSHRS), an alumni organization founded with the purpose of supporting student industry involvement, providing scholarships, and enhancing the reputation of the Hospitality Management program. Marriott Colorado Business Council named her an Excellence MVP in 2019. Also in 2019, Ashley was awarded the Trailblazer Award of Integrity for the Gaylord Rockies. In 2014, Ashley was awarded PCMA 20 in their twenties and PSHRS’ Emerging Leader awards for contributions to the meetings industry. Meetings Connect magazine named Ashley a 40 under 40 future leader in the industry in 2011.