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


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.