Celebrating Innovation & Impact: Nominate for WHLA’s Development Excellence Awards

Wisconsin’s lodging landscape is as unique as the communities it serves — from modern boutique hotels in our bustling cities to family-owned resorts nestled in scenic small towns. Behind every great property is a team that brought a vision to life through thoughtful planning, investment, and innovation. The Development Excellence Awards from the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) were created to recognize just that.

Why This Award Matters

​The Development Excellence Awards honor lodging properties that have recently completed remarkable new builds, renovations, or expansions. These projects don’t just enhance guest experiences — they contribute to Wisconsin’s tourism economy, set new standards for hospitality, and often revitalize entire neighborhoods or communities. This award is an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, design, and commitment to quality that makes Wisconsin lodging properties truly special.

Who’s Eligible?

Any WHLA member property that completed a development project between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2025 is eligible. This includes:
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• New builds
• Renovations and redesigns
• Expansions or added amenities: Projects may be large-scale or small but must demonstrate a meaningful improvement to the guest experience, operations, or property appearance.

Why Nominate?

This is your chance to showcase your property's hard work, elevate your brand, and recognize the teams — from design to construction to operations — that brought your vision to life. Past honorees have ranged from sleek urban hotels to reimagined historic inns, showing that excellence comes in many forms.

Nominations are open until June 1, 2025

Submit your property’s story and help highlight the outstanding developments shaping Wisconsin’s lodging industry.

More Award Opportunities

The Development Excellence Award is just one of eight categories in WHLA’s Stars of the Industry Awards program. Other categories include:
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• Spirit of Hospitality (for frontline employees)
• Hero of Hospitality (for acts of courage or outstanding guest service)
• Corporate Champion (for ownership/management company leaders)
• Innkeeper of the Year (WHLA’s highest honor for GMs/Operators)
• Associate of the Year (for vendors who go above and beyond)
• Educator of the Year (for those preparing the next generation)
• Hall of Fame (honoring lifetime contributions to Wisconsin lodging)

Submit a Nomination

Nominate your development project — or a deserving colleague, partner, or property — and be part of WHLA’s celebration of excellence.

Submit a Development Excellence Award Nomination by June 1, 2025

Learn more and view all award categories

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