Nomination Process

The Hospitality Awards celebrate individuals and businesses that exemplify excellence in the local hospitality and tourism industry. It is vital that we recognize these individuals and businesses for their hard work, dedication, and passion as they are often the first point of reference to our quality of place for millions of visitors each year. 

A maximum of six finalists, per award category, will be chosen by the selection committee and are invited to attend the Power of Tourism and Hospitality Awards Luncheon on May 7, 2025, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Conference Center from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Finalists will be Visit Fort Wayne's honorary guests at no cost. 

Every finalist and one guest is invited to attend a complementary recognition ceremony to honor their impact on the Allen County hospitality and tourism industry. This ceremony will take place prior to the Power of Tourism and Hospitality Awards Luncheon on May 7th, 2025, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Conference Center from 10 am to 10:45 am. 

The Power of Tourism and Hospitality Awards finalists are invited to attend the Power of Tourism Luncheon free of charge, but guests have to purchase a ticket to attend the luncheon. Ticket information can be found here

One award recipient among the finalists from each category will be announced at the luncheon.

Nominations close on April 1st, 2025.

Nominees will be notified of their nomination via email from kendall@visitfortwayne.com on April 3rd, 2025.

Important Nomination Information:

  • Past winners, both individuals and organizations are not eligible to win for the following award year, but individuals from a winning organization who were not previously nominated are eligible. 
  • Only two nominations per organization/ business, only one category per nominee
  • Please remember that nominees are scored based on the answers provided to the questions below. 
  • Nominees are scored on a one to ten-point system with ten being the highest score received
     
    • Nomination Tips
      • Be thoughtful and thorough in your answers 
      • Give detailed examples of their work 
      • Highlight what makes the nominee stand out among the rest
      • Five hospitality and tourism industry partners from outside Allen County will sit on a selection panel to anonymously review nominations and select six award recipients.
         
  • All finalists in each category plus one guest will be invited to attend the recognition ceremony prior to the Power of Tourism luncheon for free – guests have to purchase a ticket for the luncheon if they wish to attend. 
  • Finalists are invited to attend the recognition ceremony and luncheon free of charge and will be notified of their nomination via email from kendall@visitfortwayne.com on April 3rd, 2025.

 

Power of Tourism Award Types

Rising Star Award: Recognizes individuals who have been in the hospitality and tourism industry for fewer than five years and are consistently achieving excellence in their current role.

Power of Tourism Award: Recognizes an individual who has distinguished themselves in the Fort Wayne/Allen County Tourism industry by exemplifying the highest level of leadership and service. As well as taking steps to improve and invest in the future. Nominees are evaluated on professional excellence, values and integrity, and achievements representing our destination's best.

Service Excellence Award: Recognizes employees who provide exceptional service. Nominees are evaluated on attitude, workplace knowledge and familiarity with the community, communication skills, and ability to exceed visitor expectations. These nominees are ambassadors of outstanding service.

Hospitality Leadership Award: Recognizes a management-level employee for leadership in the local hospitality and tourism industry. Nominees are evaluated on management, leadership skills, and their vision for the growth of the hospitality and tourism industry. These nominees display foresight and exceptional leadership skills and have positively impacted the Fort Wayne/ Allen County hospitality industry and the community. 

Diversity Champion Award: Recognizes an individual who, by advocating, educating, developing programs, and raising awareness of DEI and/or accessibility, has strengthened and affected meaningful change to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or accessibility in our hospitality and tourism industry. 

Organization or Business Service Excellence Award: Recognizes the best practices and achievements of an organization or business within our local hospitality and tourism industry. Nominees are evaluated on tourism innovation, community engagement, and customer service. These nominees highlight the best organizational practices that represent outstanding service towards visitors and the community. 
 

Complete the Nomination Form Below

About the Nominee

Nominator Information

Nomination

Nominee Qualities

How has this nominee demonstrated the qualities of this award? (Please answer in 100-300 words)

Examples

Using a specific example or examples, describe how this nominee has shown special interest in the hospitality industry. (Please answer in 100-300 words)

Professional Achievements

Describe your nominee’s professional achievements. (Please answer in 100-300 words)

Additional Information

Is there anything else about your nominee that you would like the committee to consider? (Please answer in 100-300 words)

* Indicates a required field.




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