Destination Madison Awards
The Destination Madison Awards (DMAs) recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations who exemplify tourism excellence and the spirit of hospitality that solidifies the Madison area as a world-class visitor destination. These awards proudly spotlight a diverse cross-section of the hospitality and tourism industry, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of their service and recognizing them for going above and beyond to create memorable visitor experiences for all.
Three to five (3-5) finalists will be chosen per category by a selection committee of industry professionals and invited to attend Destination Madison's This is 50: A Celebration of Our Destination event on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at The Sylvee. Award winners will be announced live at the event.
See 2023 winners, finalists and nominees below.
Keep an eye on this page for 2024 Destination Madison Award information in early Spring.
Questions? Contact partnership@visitmadison.com.
Jump to award categories
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes individuals who have been in the industry for fewer than five years and consistently achieve excellence in their current role while demonstrating the potential to become a pivotal figure in Madison’s tourism industry. Nominations will be evaluated on examples of leadership, going above and beyond to create exceptional experiences and performance-related accomplishments.
Congratulations to the 2023 Winner
Bethany Jurewicz
Co-owner and Director of Public Programming and Business Operations
Garver Events
Finalists
Bethany Jurewicz
Co-owner and Director of Public Programming and Business Operations
Garver Events
Joe Jandacek
Assistant General Manager
Everly and Miko Poke
Meredith Bye
General Manager
Cento
Nominees
Ada Hays
Catering Sales Manager
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
Danicca Mendez
Sales Coordinator
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
Heather Reed
Owner
Wine & Design
Lily Cramer
Sales Coordinator
The Edgewater
Mary Lopez
Kitchen Manager
Short Stack Eatery
Bethany Jurewicz
Co-owner and Director of Public Programming and Business Operations
Garver Events
Divya Pasupula
Front Desk Agent
Days Inn & Suites
Jennifer Granados
Guest Services Representative
Verona Hotel Group
Lisa Bowman
Marketing Coordinator
State Line Distillery
Meredith Bye
General Manager
Cento
Bryt Mambika
Sales Manager
Days Inn & Suites
Emily Saliby
General Manager
Bassett Street Brunch Club
Joe Jandacek
Assistant General Manager
Everly and Miko Poke
Mari Olson
Director of Tourism
Visit Middleton
Mohammed Hafeez Ghoura
Front Desk
Days Inn & Suites
Destination Host Award
The Destination Host Award recognizes the dedication and service excellence of employees in Madison’s tourism industry who provide service directly to guests. Nominations will be evaluated on examples of customer service excellence, integrity, commitment to job/employer and performance-related accomplishments.
Congratulations to the 2023 winner
Stephan Reinke
Owner/Manager
Brittingham Boats
Finalists
Breanne Chase
Social Sales Manager
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Holly Schwichtenberg
General Manager
Craftsman Table & Tap
Stephan Reinke
Owner/Manager
Brittingham Boats
Nominees
Anna Taylor
Front Office Supervisor
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
Gail Johnson
Corporate Relocation Manager
Restaino & Associates ERA Powered
Stephan Reinke
General Manager of Brittingham Boats
Madison Boats
Breanne Chase
Social Sales Manager
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Holly Schwichtenberg
General Manager
Craftsman Table & Tap
Tommie Ware
Banquet Lead Server
The Edgewater
Christina Pardo
General Manager
Madison's Bar & Restaurant
Sanna Sorenson
Guest Services Representative
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
Behind the Scenes Service Award
The Behind the Scenes Service Award recognizes the dedication and service excellence of employees in Madison’s tourism industry who work out of public view. Nominations will be evaluated on examples of service excellence, integrity, commitment to job/employer and performance-related accomplishments.
Congratulations to the 2023 Winner
Carrie Montgomery
Lead Dishwasher
Blue Plate Catering
Finalists
Carrie Montgomery
Lead Dishwasher
Blue Plate Catering
CC Jacob
Art Director
Food Fight Restaurant Group
Kelsey Rember
Marketing Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
Nominees
Afton Hoeper
Facilities and Maintenance Manager
Voyageur Extended Stays
Cecilia Duarte Vergara
Housekeeping Inspector
Verona Hotel Group
Kate Schommer
Pastry Chef
Short Stack Eatery
Kira Kisch
Assistant Director of Revenue
The Edgewater
Miriam Rico
Housekeeping Supervisor
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
Staci Fritz
Account Manager
Ian's Pizza
CC Jacob
Art Director
Food Fight Restaurant Group
Danicca Mendez
Sales Coordinator
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
Katie Bennett
Room Attendant
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
Lucas Lehman
Kitchen Manager
Short Stack Eatery
Pablo Valencia
Chef/Owner Operator
Locos Casa Club
Tim Albrecht
Chief Engineer
The Edgewater
Carrie Montgomery
Lead Dishwasher
Blue Plate Catering
Henry Vilas Zoo Keeper Team
Zoo Keepers
Henry Vilas Zoo
Kelsey Rember
Marketing Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
Maria Loranca Sanchez
Lead Cook/Supervisor
Cento
Runeil Ylanan
Kitchen Supervisor
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
Zachary Chapman
Manager
Ian's Pizza
Distinguished Achievement Award
The Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has distinguished themselves in Madison’s tourism industry by exemplifying the highest level of leadership and service. Nominations will be evaluated on examples of professional excellence, values and integrity, and outstanding achievements that represent the best of the best in our destination.
Congratulations to the 2023 Winner
Helen Bradley
General Manager
Madison BCycle
Finalists
Barry Levenson
Founder/Curator
National Mustard Museum
Helen Bradley
General Manager
Madison BCycle
Joe Loehnis
CEO
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
Nominees
Barry Levenson
Founder/Curator
National Mustard Museum
Chelsey Austin
Event Coordinator
The Rigby Pub, Grill and Event Space
Helen Bradley
General Manager
Madison BCycle
Michael Luehrs
General Manager
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
Bryt Mambika
Sales Manager
Days Inn & Suites
Eric Rupert
Founder/Chef
Fortune Favors
Joe Loehnis
CEO
Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
Tim Gloeckler
Director of Auxiliaries and Operations
Wisconsin Union
Carrie Rodamaker
Executive Director
Taliesin/Frank Lloyd Wright
Giovanni Novella
Executive Chef & Proprietor
Bar Corallini
Keith Boland
General Manager
johnny DELMONICO'S
Ranette Maurer
Director of Sales
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
SYLVIA AND HERB FRANK VISIONARY AWARD
This award recognizes a business or organization that has made exceptional achievements in providing valuable services or products to Madison's visitor economy, while simultaneously enhancing quality of life for residents. Nominees in this category have demonstrated a commitment to fostering tourism, creating memorable experiences, and contributing to the overall growth and development of Madison as a destination.
Herb and Sylvia were the founders of Frank Productions and the inspiration for its evolution into a company that brings world-class artists and entertainment to our community. Herb and Sylvia instilled a sense of responsibility in their children to engage in the community and support important philanthropic causes. Their legacy continues to impact the Madison hospitality industry and philanthropic initiatives.
Congratulations to the 2023 Winner
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Finalists
The Edgewater
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Nominees
JustVeggiez
Madison Boats
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Betty Lou Cruises & von Rutenberg Ventures
The Edgewater
FINE PRINT
Current Destination Madison staff are not eligible.
Upon receipt, submissions will be reviewed by Destination Madison staff for eligibility and completeness. Nominations should include specific examples of how the nominee meets the stated award criteria. Destination Madison staff will contact nominator if nomination is incomplete and request additional information to support the nomination. If no additional information is received, the nomination will not be reviewed by the selection committee.
Nominations are reviewed individually by a selection committee comprised of a cross-section of industry professionals.
