The short-stay industry showed up in style on the Gold Coast, and two Moxxi leaders walked away with trophies that matter.
On Friday, October 10th, the Star Casino Gold Coast played host to The Best of Tourism Awards, an evening that celebrated the people and businesses pushing the accommodation industry forward. Among the winners: Moxxi founder Lauren Heys, who claimed the Female Leader Award, and Dan De Witte, who took home the Innovation Leadership Award.
These aren’t the kind of accolades you get for just showing up. They’re earned through consistent, quality work that makes a real difference.
Dan De Witte: Redefining Innovation
When Dan’s name was called for the Innovation Award, the presenter described someone who has “truly redefined what it means to lead with innovation.” The nominations praised his forward thinking approach to technology and his commitment to enhancing both efficiency and guest experience.
But here’s what really stood out: Dan’s collaborative spirit. He doesn’t innovate in isolation. He works with partners to refine tools that benefit the entire industry, not just Moxxi. That’s the difference between building flashy tech and building something that actually matters.
The award recognized Dan’s passion, creativity, and leadership as a driving force for progress in an industry that desperately needs people willing to challenge the status quo. He’s proved that innovation isn’t about having the shiniest software. It’s about solving real problems for real people.
Lauren Heys: Visionary Leadership in Action
The Female Leader Award came down to an extremely close call between exceptional finalists. When Lauren won, the presenter highlighted what makes her leadership special: she’s a visionary who combines innovation with a people first approach.
The nominations were overwhelmingly positive. Lauren empowers teams. She fosters collaboration. She inspires excellence at every level. But it doesn’t stop at the office door. She actively mentors others, champions the local community, and makes a meaningful impact on the wider industry.
The presenter called her “a true role model and catalyst for positive change.” Anyone who’s worked with Lauren knows that’s not hyperbole. She’s the kind of leader who creates exceptional experiences for everyone she serves, whether that’s her team, property owners, or guests.
Driven, supportive, and honest, Lauren’s built Moxxi on principles that prove you can care deeply about people and still deliver outstanding business results.
What This Recognition Means
These awards matter because they came from the industry itself. The nominations highlighted what Moxxi’s been building: a business that embraces technology without losing the human touch, that innovates with collaboration rather than competition.
The Best of Tourism Awards, brought together Australia’s accommodation leaders for a night that celebrated genuine excellence. Being recognized alongside other innovative businesses and industry leaders reinforced that there are brilliant people doing great work across this sector.
But here’s the thing about awards. They’re a moment. The real validation comes from property owners who trust Moxxi with their investments. From guests who leave five-star reviews. From a team that’s proud of the work they do every day.
The Moxxi Difference
These awards spotlight what makes Moxxi different. We’re building something that’s both innovative and grounded. Tech-driven but people-focused. Ambitious but community-minded.
Dan’s Innovation Award recognizes a commitment to making the industry better through smart systems and collaborative problem-solving. Lauren’s Female Leader Award validates an approach to leadership that empowers people, builds strong teams, and creates positive change beyond just one business.
Together, they represent what Moxxi stands for: doing excellent work, treating people well, and proving that you don’t have to choose between growth and integrity.
Looking Forward
Tasmania taught Moxxi how to do this work properly. Now, with recognition from the wider Australian accommodation industry, it’s clear that approach resonates beyond our home state.
Lauren will keep leading with the vision and people-first values that earned her this award. Dan will continue innovating and collaborating to build tools that make the entire industry better and the Moxxi team will keep doing what they do best: managing properties with care, creating great guest experiences, and proving that quality and scale go hand in hand.
The awards sit on the shelf. The work continues tomorrow, exactly like it did yesterday.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners at The Best of Tourism Awards. To everyone pushing the Australian accommodation industry forward: we see you, we’re proud to work alongside you, and we’re excited about what we’ll build together.
Now, back to work.
