Les Clefs d'Or® International

Honouring a Visionary: Adolf Schneider – Les Clefs d’Or Young Leaders Award 2026 This year’s Les Clefs d’Or Young Leaders Award 2026 proudly pays tribute to a true pioneer of our profession: Adolf Schneider, the first Austrian to serve as International President of UICH (1982–1985). Mr. Schneider’s legacy is nothing short of transformative: • 🌏 He led the bold expansion of Les Clefs d’Or into Asia, welcoming new sections like Hong Kong (1982) and Singapore (1986). • 🌍 He broke barriers by opening doors to countries behind the “Iron Curtain” - leading to thriving sections in Hungary (1985), Romania (1990), and the Czech Republic (1991). His journey began at Hotel Sacher in Vienna, where he graduated with excellence in 1956 as an apprentice in service (waiter). The further journey took him from Geneva to London, and finally back to Vienna, Mr. Schneider epitomized the spirit of hospitality and the art of concierge service. His career included renowned institutions like Hotel Imperial (one of the most famous hotels in Vienna directly located at the Ring Boulevard and next to the renowned Vienna Music Society), Hotel Hilton, and ultimately ANA Grand Hotel as Chief Concierge. In the 1990s, his outstanding dedication was recognized with the Gold Medal of Merit of the Republic of Austria. An honour which is very rare for hotel Concierges in Austria! Let his story be a beacon for the next generation of concierges: visionary, determined, and always opening new doors. If you are a passionate young professional looking to shape the future of hospitality, apply for the Les Clefs d’Or Young Leaders Award 2026 and follow in the footsteps of excellence. Only one week of registration left. The deadline for submitting the nomination is the 5th of December 22:00 CET! #LesClefsdOr #YoungLeadersAward #ConciergeLife #HospitalityExcellence #Inspiration #UICH #AdolfSchneider #HotelProfessionals #LegacyOfService

The first episode of Masters of Hospitality is here! ✨ In partnership with Alliants and Forbes Travel Guide, this series explores the balance between digital innovation and the unique personal touch that concierges bring to today’s luxury hospitality. We warmly thank our partner Alliants for their outstanding work and commitment to this project. And a special thank you to the inspiring voices featured in this episode: Amanda Frasier, Marie-France Grégoire, Angelica Miozza, Tristan Gadsby, Borja Martín Guridi. #InServiceThroughFriendship #Partnership #LesClefsdOr #Alliants #ForbesTravelGuide

A fantastic article highlighting the partnerships our Les Clefs d’Or have on a daily basis with Executives PAs to seamlessly service our valued guests.

Spotlight on the Education and Training Committee. The Education and Training Committee, under the leadership of Sheron Empey and Robert Marks, 2nd Vice President of Les Clefs d'Or® International, is once again preparing an outstanding program for Education Day at our upcoming International Congress in Sydney. This dedicated team also includes Michael Romei, Harald G. Mootz, CGSP, CHC, Anna Salgó, Bernie Gallotta and Petar Yordanov MIH, whose commitment contribute to the quality and success of our educational initiatives. As every year, this committee is dedicated to delivering high-quality, relevant and forward-looking content that supports the professional development of our members and strengthens the future of our association. We look forward to discovering the program in Sydney. More information to come shortly. ✨ #InServiceThroughFriendship #EducationandTraining #LesClefsdOr #Sydney2026

COME SAY G’DAY! 🇦🇺 The wait is finally over, registration for our 70th UICH International Congress in Sydney, April 2026, is now open! 🎉 This congress is one of the true highlights of our calendar each year. It brings together some of the world’s most passionate Concierges, along with our industry partners, for a week of discussions, learning, friendship and the joy of reconnecting with our global family. A heartfelt congratulations to our International President, James Ridenour, to Dean McWhinney, President of Les Clefs d'Or Australia and host of this year’s congress and to the entire organising committee for their dedication. #InServiceThroughFriendship

Ryan Christopher Vizcarra Ladawan Piirainen King Chen Darren Dinh Philip Zhu The Golden Keys “We are not just carrying ordinary keys…” A reflection from the heart of a concierge 💛✨ People often ask about the golden keys we wear on our lapels. They shine, they stand out — but they are far more than a symbol. These crossed keys are heavy. Not in weight, but in what they represent. They carry hope — that when a guest approaches us, their concerns will find comfort. They carry trust — built over years, that we will act with integrity and discretion. They carry belief — that we know the way, even when plans fall apart. They carry responsibility — to create not just answers, but experiences that matter. Every day, we open doors. Sometimes literal ones — to the city, to culture, to cuisine. But often, emotional ones too — calming fears, solving problems, creating magic. We are more than navigators of a city. We are storytellers, problem-solvers, and ambassadors of care. To those of us who wear the crossed keys: Let’s carry them not just with pride, but with purpose. #LesClefsdOr #ConciergeLife Adelaide Marriott Hotel #HospitalityCareers #HotelJobs #LokerHotel

The Importance of Respect within Les Clefs d’Or Society Respect is one of the most fundamental principles at the heart of Les Clefs d'Or® International the prestigious international association of professional hotel concierges. More than just a value, respect is a guiding force that shapes how members interact with guests, colleagues, and the wider community. It is the foundation upon which the society’s standards of excellence, collaboration, and service are built. These high standards are only achievable when there is a deep respect for the profession, for the trust placed in the concierge by guests, and for the integrity of one’s role. Whether maintaining a guest’s confidentiality, honoring cultural differences, or handling requests with grace and dignity, respect ensures that every interaction is thoughtful and professional. The motto of Les Clefs d’Or—“In Service Through Friendship”—is deeply rooted in the idea of respect. True friendship, especially in a professional context, cannot exist without a foundation of mutual respect. It is this principle that binds the society together and creates a spirit of camaraderie that extends beyond individual hotels or countries. #Respect #InServiceThroughFriendship

In a few short weeks members of Les Clefs d'Or USA will gather to transform this beautiful field into a beautiful forest. Honoring the international Les Clefs d'Or initiative of "Keys for Trees" the USA will also honor our 50th anniversary in 2028 by planting over 50 trees. The Friendship Forest will represent "In Service Through Friendship" for generations to come.