The annual AHA ACT Awards for Excellence are recognised as the most prestigious awards in the licenced hospitality and accommodation industry, honouring the achievement of excellence across a wide range of categories.
The awards highlight excellence in hospitality venues and their staff who have performed exceptionally well throughout the past year. Nominations are from local pubs, accommodation providers, restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs.
Nominate today and experience the rewards! The high standard of our winners are acknowledged nationwide with numerous winners from the ACT going on to win national awards in their categories.
Please click below to view some of our previous winners:
IMPORTANT DATES
NOMINATIONS OPEN
WEDNESDAY, 2 APRIL 2025
NOMINATIONS AND WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS DUE
FRIDAY, 16 MAY 2025
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
FRIDAY, 1 AUGUST 2025
AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE PRESENTATION CEREMONY
WHEN: Monday, 22 SEPTEMBER 2025
WHAT: Cocktail Style Awards Ceremony
WHERE: Venue TBA
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.
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
FAQ
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF SOME CATEGORIES REQUIRE “VOUCHERS OR JUDGING FUNDS” TO BE SUPPLIED?
Some categories require the venue to supply vouchers or additional funds to cover accommodation and/or meal costs that are associated with judging the venue. This allows the judge to comfortably dine and enjoy the venue to its full extent without being inhibited financially. There is no limit to the value you put on the amount, as we encourage each venue to make it an amount that you feel adequately covers what will be judged, as each venue will differ in pricing. The requirements of the voucher or judging funds for each category is outlined in the Nomination Information Kit.
The following categories require voucher or judging funds;
- Best Bar Presentation & Service
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Unique Bar Experience (including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Health Spa & Wellness Experience
- Best Live Music Venue
- Best Casual Dining Experience
- Best Restaurant
- Best Steak
- Best Burger
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Budget Style Accommodation
- Apartment/Suite Hotel of the Year
- Mid-Range Hotel of the Year
- Superior Hotel of the Year
- Deluxe Hotel of the Year
HOW DO I BUY TICKETS, CAN I BUY THEM AT THE SAME TIME AS NOMINATING?
Tickets are available for purchase at the same time as nominations are open from. Ticket bookings will officially close Friday, 12 September 2025. For all ticket prices please refer to the TICKET page on the website.
WHEN DOES EARLY BIRD PRICING END?
Early Bird pricing will conclude on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
OUR PARTNERS
The presentation of the AHA ACT Awards for Excellence would not be possible without the support of our partners and we acknowledge their invaluable, ongoing contribution to the industry.
TICKETS
Please note, all prices include GST.
*Note: Early bird closes on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
Tickets
Early Bird: $190 // Non-Member: $300
Regular Price as of 31 July 2025.
Tickets
Member $240 // Non Member: $350
Non-financial Members of the AHA ACT will be placed on a waiting list.
Finalists, Members and Corporate Partners of AHA ACT will receive first priority of tickets available.
If you have any questions regarding ticketing, please contact marketing@actaha.org.au or call 02 9281 6922 for more information.
Contact Us
AHA ACT AWARDSLevel 16, Hudson House
131 Macquarie Street,
Sydney, New South Wales, 2000
P: 02 9281 6922
E: marketing@actaha.org.au