Best New or Redeveloped Venue

JUDGING – WRITTEN SUBMISSION WITH GUIDED SITE INSPECTION (IF REQUIRED)
ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

Note: This category will be judged 100% on your written submission (which should include no more than 1,500 words, website referral, photographs and backup documentation). A guided site inspection may also be conducted.  

CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: This category is proposed for a property that has had an overall redevelopment or has opened a newly refurbished venue or area i.e. guest rooms, lobby, bar, restaurant etc. The project must have been completed during the qualifying period, 1 January - 31 December 2025 and operated under refurbished conditions for a minimum of three (3) months. Guided site inspection dates will be arranged between April - June 2026. The property will be contacted to schedule a time with the judge.

Please refer to the full category requirements submission guidelines here.

THE JUDGES WILL BE ASSESSING THE FOLLOWING POINTS: 

• Evidence the project was completed during the qualifying period and has operated under new or refurbished conditions for a minimum of three (3) months.
• Philosophy behind build or redevelopment and entrepreneurial vision i.e. evidence of target market research. 
• Evidence of architectural innovation, décor and design features within the redevelopment, refurbishment. 
• Evidence of build or refurbishment enhancing the overall standard of the premises and evidence of significant improvements in customer facilities. 
• Increase of visitation. 
• Information provided of the total dollar value of the entire renovation. Total cost of investment and ROI (return on investment). 
• Appropriate to clientele and consistent with the needs of the relevant customer base post development. 
• Ambience of the new build or redeveloped areas within the venue. 
• Environmental and energy saving considerations. 
• Staff efficiency improvements.