Best Sporting Entertainment Venue 

JUDGING (100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)

*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

VOUCHER OR JUDGING FUNDS REQUIRED:  to fund drinks and bar snacks for two adults to cover the cost of judging.

OVERVIEW

This category is for venues that focus heavily on sporting events through telecast, promotion and in-venue atmosphere.

GENERAL CRITERIA

  • Décor and design characteristics
  • Condition of furniture, fittings and electrical
  • Popularity of the establishment
  • Local community engagement and activities
  • Rewards/loyalty program for members

BAR CRITERIA

  • Professionalism and outstanding customer service
  • Staff neat, clean attired and well groomed
  • Bar presentation to be of the highest standard
  • Availability of a selection of food
  • Comfortable and positive experience for customers
  • Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety and quality)
  • Hygiene and cleanliness

EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

  • Staff friendliness and knowledge
  • Knowledge and implementation of Responsible Serving of Alcohol
  • Efficiency of operations throughout the experience

MARKETING CRITERIA

  • In-house promotions on offer
  • Website – ease of search, use and finding information
  • Engagement with locals and community through social media
  • Marketing and promotion of entertainment as a reason to visit the venue

SPORTING ENTERTAINMENT CRITERIA

  • Quality and frequency of sporting entertainment provided
  • Live sport being shown throughout the whole hotel
  • Ambience, lighting, in sporting theme
  • Integration of sporting vision throughout the venue
  • Relationships with sporting clubs, displays of sporting memorabilia onsite
  • Relativity of customer activations and events for major sporting events in regards to the patronage and location of the venue i.e Melbourne Cup, Superbowl, NRL, State of Origin etc.

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

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.

Interview guidelines

Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2024 – 2 May 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 2 June - 25 July 2025. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

Best Live Music Venue is judged 25% written submission, 25% interview & 50% site visit) . Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

FOOD AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS  - nominations are not required 
  • People’s Choice - NEW
  • Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
  • Hotel of the Year - General Division