The Experts Behind the Academy for Hospitality Arts
CEO & FOUNDER
MICHAEL DIPERI
With over 38 years of experience, Michael DiPeri has dedicated his career to educating, enriching, and inspiring hospitality professionals. His passion for hospitality began after graduating from Farmingdale State College SUNY on Long Island, where he quickly advanced through sales and service roles. In 1997, Michael founded Yipeee, Inc., an event resource company offering consulting, staffing, and event management services for industry leaders and celebrity chefs.
Michael’s drive to innovate led to the creation of giggo, an enterprise event software designed to manage and book service professionals. In 2012, he and his wife Karen launched HMG+, New York’s premier event staffing company, with a mission to elevate the hospitality industry.
A lifelong learner, Michael continuously pursues professional certifications in safety, service, and leadership. He has developed groundbreaking training programs and led multi-day sessions for over 1,000 students, demonstrating his commitment to empowering hospitality professionals and fostering extraordinary experiences.
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
STEPHEN RUGGIERI
An accomplished event manager and training leader, Stephen Ruggieri discovered his passion for hospitality at a young age, inspired by his grandfather’s role managing Rhode Island’s Alpine Country Club, where every guest felt like a VIP—including Louis Armstrong. Stephen later honed his skills at The University of Rhode Island, focusing on business and development while gaining experience in event planning, production, training, and hospitality leadership, including serving as Head of Hospitality for Bloomberg L.P.
Stephen’s career highlights include serving esteemed figures like the Dalai Lama, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Donna Karan, Diana Ross, and Giorgio Armani. He also played a key role in high-profile projects, such as the grand opening of Atlantis in Dubai with Colin Cowie and Saul Kerzner.
With over 25 years of experience, Stephen now channels his expertise into developing AHA’s courses and certifications. As Director of Training and Development, he creates accessible learning frameworks designed to instill compassion, confidence, and excellence in hospitality professionals.