WHLA 2026 Awards Nominations Now Open

WHLA is proud to announce that nominations for the 2026 WHLA Awards are officially open from April 1 through June 20. Each year, these awards celebrate excellence across Wisconsin’s lodging industry, recognizing outstanding service, innovation, leadership, and lifetime achievement.

With 8 award categories and more than 20 individual honors, the WHLA Awards program highlights the people, projects, and organizations that make a meaningful impact on hospitality across our state. From frontline team members to industry leaders, educators, and development projects, these awards shine a spotlight on those who elevate the guest experience and strengthen Wisconsin’s lodging community.

Recognizing Excellence Across the Industry

The WHLA Awards program is designed to honor contributions at every level of the industry:

Team & Frontline Awards

These awards recognize the individuals who bring hospitality to life every day through exceptional service and dedication.

• Spirit of Hospitality Award
  Honors team members who consistently deliver outstanding service and embody the heart of hospitality.
  Submit a Spirit of Hospitality Award Nomination
  
  
• Hero of Hospitality Award
  Recognizes individuals who have taken extraordinary action to save a life or prevent serious injury.
  Submit a Hero of Hospitality Award Nomination

Education & Development Awards

These awards celebrate innovation, mentorship, and projects that help shape the future of Wisconsin hospitality.
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• Educator of the Year
  Honors educators who are dedicated to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
  Submit an Educator of the Year Nomination
  
  
• Development Excellence Award
  Recognizes lodging projects that demonstrate innovation, quality, and meaningful industry impact.
  Submit a Development Excellence Award Nomination

Leadership & Legacy Awards

These awards honor individuals and organizations whose leadership and long-term contributions have strengthened Wisconsin’s lodging industry.
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• Associate of the Year Award
  Recognizes a WHLA Associate Member—individual or company—demonstrating exceptional service and engagement.
  Submit an Associate of the Year Award Nomination
  
  
• Corporate Champion Award
  Honors leaders from management companies or ownership groups who advance the industry through leadership and support.
  Submit a Corporate Champion Award Nomination
  
  
• Innkeeper of the Year Award
  WHLA’s highest honor, celebrating general managers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and lasting impact.
  Submit an Innkeeper of the Year Award Nomination
  
  
• Wisconsin Lodging Hall of Fame
  Recognizes industry leaders and pioneers whose contributions have made a lasting difference in Wisconsin’s lodging industry and WHLA.
  Submit a Hall of Fame Nomination

Who Can Nominate

Nominations may be submitted by anyone working at a hotel, lodging property, or company that is a current WHLA member. This includes team members, managers, and industry partners who want to recognize and elevate outstanding individuals, projects, and leadership within Wisconsin’s lodging industry. 

Key Dates

• Nominations Open: April 1
• Nominations Close: June 20
• Awards Lunch: September 24
• Awards Dinner: November 1

Celebrate the Best of Wisconsin Hospitality

The WHLA Awards are more than recognition—they’re an opportunity to celebrate the people and work that drive the industry forward. Take a moment to recognize excellence and help highlight the individuals and organizations making a difference across Wisconsin’s lodging community.

​Submit your nominations today and help honor the best in Wisconsin hospitality.

View all awards categories