Nomination Categories

Nominations for the 2020 Destination Madison Awards will open this summer. To learn more about the categories in which nominations will be accepted, click on the award name below.

If you have questions about the awards, nomination process, or the event in general, please contact us at events@visitmadison.com.

AWARD CATEGORIES & DESCRIPTIONS

RISING STAR AWARD

The Rising Star Award recognizes individuals who have been in the industry for less than five years, but have demonstrated excellence in their work endeavors and the potential to become a pivotal figure in the hospitality community. Nominations will be evaluated on leadership, enthusiasm for the industry and performance-related accomplishments and achievements.

Ideal Candidate: Individuals who have been in the industry for less than five years – could be from any hospitality/tourism organization and any level within those organizations.

Nomination Questions

1. What makes this nominee a leader and rising star? (800 character limit)
2. Using a specific example or examples, describe how this nominee has demonstrated enthusiasm for the hospitality industry. (1200 character limit)
3. Describe your nominee’s professional achievements. (1200 character limit)
4. Is there anything else about your nominee that you would like the committee to consider? (800 character limit)

* Tip: If you want time to craft your nomination, consider writing it first and then come back to this page and copy/paste your responses into the nomination form.

RISING STAR STUDENT AWARD

The Rising Star Student Award recognizes the next generation of hospitality professionals who are pursuing a degree in the hospitality and/or tourism industry at an accredited university, college or community college in the greater Madison area. Nominees must have demonstrated a high level of academic performance, work and/or volunteer experience in the industry and an aptitude for future success.

Ideal Candidate: This student award recognizes individuals who are pursuing a degree in the hospitality and/or tourism industry at an accredited university, college or community college in the Madison area.

Nomination Questions

1. What makes this nominee a rising star in the hospitality/tourism industry? (800 character limit)
2. Describe your nominee’s academic achievements. (1200 character limit)
3. Describe your nominee’s work/volunteer experience in the industry. (1200 character limit)
4. Is there anything else about your nominee that you would like the committee to consider? (800 character limit)

* Tip: If you want time to craft your nomination, consider writing it first and then come back to this page and copy/paste your responses into the nomination form.

FRONT LINE SERVICE AWARD

The Front Line Service Award recognizes the dedication and service excellence of employees who provide service directly to guests. Nominations will be evaluated on customer service, integrity, commitment to their job/employer and performance-related accomplishments.

Ideal Candidate: Individuals who provide service directly to visitors/guests. Nominees could include individuals who work in the following roles: owner, general manager, manager, front desk, bellman, sales manager, sales associate, bartender, cashier, concierge, visitor information, servers, host/hostess, tour guide, security, driver, parking, event coordinator/manager, customer service, reservationist, security, spa personnel, greeter and other like-professions.

Nomination Questions

1. How has this nominee demonstrated dedication on the job? (800 character limit)
2. Using a specific example or examples, describe how this nominee has demonstrated service excellence and integrity at their job. (1200 character limit)
3. Describe your nominee’s professional achievements as a front line service employee. (1200 character limit)
4. Is there anything else about your nominee that you would like the committee to consider? (800 character limit)

* Tip: If you want time to craft your nomination, consider writing it first and then come back to this page and copy/paste your responses into the nomination form.

BEHIND THE SCENES SERVICE AWARD

The Behind the Scenes Service Award recognizes the dedication and service excellence of employees who work out of public view. Nominations will be evaluated on passion, integrity, commitment to their job/employer and performance-related accomplishments.

Ideal Candidate: Individuals who may not interact directly with visitors/guests. Nominees could include individuals who work in the following roles: housekeeper, chef, cook, food production, reservation, janitor, maintenance, dishwasher, room attendant, laundry, busser, stockroom, administration, IT, accounting/finance, security and other like-professions.

Nomination Questions

1. How has this nominee demonstrated dedication on the job? (800 character limit)
2. Using a specific example or examples, describe how this nominee has demonstrated service excellence and integrity at their job. (1200 character limit)
3. Describe your nominee’s professional achievements “behind the scenes” at their job. (1200 character limit)
4. Is there anything else about your nominee that you would like the committee to consider? (800 character limit)

* Tip: If you want time to craft your nomination, consider writing it first and then come back to this page and copy/paste your responses into the nomination form.

SHINING STAR AWARD

The Shining Star Award recognizes businesses and organizations for exceptional achievements. Successful nominees will provide a valuable service or product to the local visitor economy and enhance our community’s appeal among visitors and local residents. Nominations will be evaluated on how the business or organization showcases its brand excellence, delivers memorable customer experiences and fosters a positive workplace culture.

Ideal Candidate: Businesses and organizations in the hospitality/tourism industry including: restaurants, bars, attractions, retail shops, hotels, transportation companies and convention/event service companies.

Nomination Questions

1. How has this business/organization distinguished itself in the local hospitality/tourism industry? (1500 character limit)
2. Using a specific example or examples, describe how this nominee has demonstrated a commitment to exceptional customer service. (1500 character limit)
3. How has this nominee fostered a positive workplace environment for its employees? (1500 character limit)
4. Is there anything else about your nominee that you would like the committee to consider? (1500 character limit)

* Tip: If you want time to craft your nomination, consider writing it first and then come back to this page and copy/paste your responses into the nomination form.

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes a professional who has distinguished him/herself in the hospitality and tourism industry. Successful nominees will exemplify the highest level of leadership and service to the hospitality community. The award will be presented to an individual whose values, efforts and achievements represent the best of the Madison area hospitality community. Nominations will be evaluated on professional achievements and service to the industry and community.

Ideal Candidate: Individual whose values, efforts and achievements represent the best of the Madison area hospitality community.

Nomination Questions

1. Briefly describe how your nominee has distinguished him/herself in the hospitality/tourism industry? (800 character limit)
2. Using a specific example or examples, describe how this nominee has demonstrated leadership in and service to the industry. (1200 character limit)
3. Describe your nominee’s professional achievements and service to the community. (1200 character limit)
4. Is there anything else about your nominee that you would like the committee to consider? (800 character limit)

* Tip: If you want time to craft your nomination, consider writing it first and then come back to this page and copy/paste your responses into the nomination form.

The Fine Print
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.

JUDGING

A group of industry professionals and past award recipients will make up the selection committee. Award results will remain confidential until announced at the award celebration in the fall.