Reggie Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Cvent, has been named the 2025 Hospitality Executive of the Year by the Penn State School of Hospitality Management and the Penn State Hotel and Restaurant Society (PSHRS). The 2025 PSHRS Industry Awards and Reception will recognize Aggarwal on April 8, 2025, at the Nittany Lion Inn. The event will gather alumni, faculty, students, and industry partners.
Expressing his gratitude, Aggarwal highlighted the significance of the hospitality industry in creating memorable experiences and praised Penn State for cultivating new talent in the field. He noted that Cvent’s mission of bringing people together aligns closely with the core values of the industry.
Aggarwal founded Cvent in 1999 to simplify meeting planning for business professionals. Over the years, Cvent has grown into a global leader in event, meeting, and hospitality management technology. The platform supports millions of virtual, in-person, and hybrid events for thousands of organizations, including half of the Fortune 500 companies.
Donna Quadri-Felitti, Director of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management, praised Aggarwal for his innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit, which serve as an inspiration to students.
Aggarwal’s accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as the No. 1 SaaS CEO by The SaaS Report and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. He has also been inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame and the Business Travel Hall of Fame.
PSHRS President Tom Neely expressed pride in recognizing top-tier leaders like Aggarwal, reflecting the prestige of Penn State’s hospitality program. Aggarwal holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Washington and Lee University Law School, and Georgetown University, along with an honorary doctorate from Southeastern University for his community contributions.
