Best Conference & Events Venue
JUDGING – 100% WRITTEN SUBMISSION
ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS
This category is judged by written submission. Entries must be submitted for an individual property. Each property may submit one nomination for this category.
CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: Demonstrates excellence in hosting and delivering conferences and events during the qualifying period.
The written submission should address the essential elements listed here plus the following:
CATEGORY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
- Quality, versatility, and capacity of conference and function spaces, including breakout rooms and proximity to amenities
- Standard and suitability of facilities, including staging, technical support, storage, dressing rooms, theming, table settings, and staffing
- Food and beverage capabilities supporting conferences and events (menus to be included within the appendix)
- Effectiveness and professionalism of marketing and promotion of conference and event offerings
- Quality and range of conference and event packages (examples to be included within the appendix)
- Staff capability, training, and professionalism in conference and event delivery
- Examples of successful conferences and events held during the qualifying period, including outcomes and teamwork
- Ability to meet and exceed client expectations, including how challenges are identified and managed
- Client testimonials, feedback, and supporting imagery (to be included within the appendix)
- Overall summary of why the property should be awarded Best Conference & Events Venue
Categories
PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries may be submitted by either a hotel group or an individual property. Each group or property may submit one nomination per category.
Please note: Best Conference & Events Venue must be submitted for a single venue only.
1. Best Innovation Project
2. Outstanding Achievement in Training
3. Outstanding Community Contribution
4. Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
5. Best Health & Wellbeing Practices
6. Best Conference & Events Venue
7. Best Marketing Activity
PEOPLE AWARDS
The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.
- Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2025 – 11 March 2026.
- The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 20 April - 5 June 2026.
- Candidates for Chef and Pastry Chef of the Year must be available for a practical cooking demonstration with the judge at the entrants' workplace.
- Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.
8. Engineer of the Year
9. Finance Talent of the Year
10. Revenue/Yield Talent of the Year
11. Food & Beverage Talent of the Year
12. Conference & Events Talent of the Year
13. Marketing & Communications Talent of the Year
14. Sales Talent of the Year
15. Human Resources Talent of the Year
16. Rooms Division Talent of the Year
17. Employee Excellence in Service
18. Concierge of the Year
19. Housekeeper of the Year
20. Pastry Chef of the Year
21. Chef of the Year
22. Industry Rising Star
23. Executive of the Year
EXPERIENCE AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
24. Best Casual Dining Experience
25. Best Hotel Breakfast
26. Restaurant of the Year
27. Bar of the Year
28. Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
29. Best Health Spa & Wellness Experience
PROPERTY AWARDS
Best New or Redeveloped Venue is judged by 100% written submission.
30. Best New or Redeveloped Venue
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection which require funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
31. Disability Inclusion and Access Award
32. Best Budget Style Accommodation - NEW
33. Mid-Range Hotel of the Year
34. Best Apartment Style Accommodation
35. Best Boutique Accommodation Experience
36. Superior Hotel of the Year
37. Deluxe Hotel of the Year
38. Luxury Hotel of the Year
