theAwards

An annual celebration of leaders and companies in the hospitality industry that are committed to creating great places to work and having a positive impact on the people around them.

theCategories

There are 6 award categories! Review and nominate your peers and your companies. Limit one nomination per company per category.

*Submission deadline is November 1st, 2024

Heart Leader of the Year

Recognizing leaders who have made a significant impact on the people in their respective organizations. These are leaders who dedicate themselves to the growth of their team members both personally and professionally. They help them navigate challenging situations, push them to accomplish more than what they believe they can do, and foster an inclusive environment where the team can thrive. They embody what it means to be a Heart Leader.

Heart Leader on the Rise

Acknowledging individuals 35 years of age and younger who have demonstrated significant improvement and growth of their leadership abilities over the past year. These are leaders who have leaned in to the concepts of heart leadership and have taken an active role in fostering a strong company culture and desire to create a great place to work. Their energy and optimism unites the team and has helped build, strengthen, and maintain relationships between individuals, teams, and the organization. Watch out, they are truly a Heart Leader on the Rise!

MIBE of the Year

Recognizing companies who have made significant improvements (MIBE’s) to their company culture. Culture is something that must be focused on year-round. From physical changes to the workplace, to the way team members communicate, there are a multitude of ways to enhance the employee experience. This award celebrates the companies that have made culture a priority, and been intentional about creating a great place to work.

Best Activation of Core Values or Mission Statement

Recognizing companies that took their core values or mission statement to the next level in the past year. Organizations know they need to have core values and a mission statement, but they don’t always do a great job of making sure everyone in their organization knows what they are. This award celebrates companies that have implemented a creative way to communicate their values or mission statement.

Best Employee Recognition Program

Many studies have shown that recognition is a critical element to employees feeling positive about the work they do. When recognition is done in a meaningful way that is tied to specific accomplishment it enhances morale and provides a sense of purpose for employees. There are many ways to recognize team members and it doesn’t always have to have a monetary component. This award recognizes the most creative and impactful employee recognition program implemented or enhanced in the past year.

Best Company Event

Bringing a team together for an event is a great way to create fun in the workplace. It also serves as a way to celebrate success and strengthen relationships among team members. In the hospitality industry, we spend a lot of time helping other companies plan events and it’s important that we plan fun and creative events for our own teams as well. This award celebrates the most unique and creative team event put on by a company in the past year.