Industry Rising Star – NEW

JUDGING (50% WRITTEN SUBMISSION + 50% INTERVIEW)

*ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS

CRITERIA FOR ENTRY: The candidate must be employed for six (6) months or more with the nominating property. The candidate should be within the first five years of their career/field within the hospitality industry.

This category will be judged by written submission of no more than 1,000 words plus attachments where necessary, and an interview. The written submission should address the essential elements listed here plus the following:

CATEGORY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

  • How the nominee demonstrated excellence in their role, over and above their job description
  • What recognition the nominee has received from the hospitality industry
  • What training courses the nominee has undertaken or is planning to undertake to further their career in the hospitality industry

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