2026 Destination Madison Awards

The Destination Madison Awards (DMAs) are the highlight of our year—a chance for the community to come together to honor the brightest stars in Madison’s hospitality industry.

This year, we are accepting nominations in seven categories:
Destination Host Award
Behind the Scenes Service Award
Sustainability Excellence Award
MASC Sports Champion Award
Arts + Culture Impact Award
Distinguished Achievement Award
Rising Star Award

NOMINATE NOW

Nominations for the 2026 DMAs will close on April 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Nominations will be reviewed individually by a selection committee comprised of a cross-section of industry professionals. Finalists will be chosen per category by the selection committee and will be recognized at the Summer Summit + DMAs event on June 25, 2026, at the Overture Center for the Arts. Award winners will be announced live at the event.

View previous DMA recipients here.

Destination Host Award

The Destination Host Award recognizes the dedication and service excellence of employees in Madison’s hospitality industry who provide service directly to guests. Nominations will be evaluated on examples of customer service excellence, integrity, commitment to their role and employer, and performance-related accomplishments.

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Behind the Scenes Service Award

The Behind the Scenes Service Award recognizes the dedication and service excellence of employees in Madison’s hospitality industry who work out of public view. Nominations will be evaluated on examples of service excellence, integrity, commitment to their role and employer, and performance-related accomplishments.

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Sustainability Excellence Award

The Sustainability Excellence Award recognizes an individual or business within the hospitality industry that demonstrates exceptional commitment to sustainable practices. This recipient should exemplify the fusion of environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and economic viability.

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MASC SPORTS CHAMPION AWARD

The MASC Sports Champion Award recognizes an individual or organization that has significantly contributed to the growth and development of sports participation, access to sports or helping to bring events to the Madison community. Ideally, the recipient has supported the Madison Area Sports Commission in building its high-profile host history and the local economy. The recipient of this award should have a passion for sports within our community, resulting in a lasting impact on the lives of our residents and visitors.

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ARTS + CULTURE IMPACT AWARD

The Arts + Culture Impact Award recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates exceptional leadership in advancing arts and culture within the community. The recipient of this award should exemplify the integration of creativity, collaboration, cultural impact and accessibility—elevating the destination through meaningful visual, literary and/or performing arts experiences.

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Distinguished Achievement Award

The Distinguished Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has distinguished themselves in Madison’s hospitality 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.

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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 hospitality industry. Nominations will be evaluated on examples of leadership, going above and beyond to create exceptional experiences and performance-related accomplishments.

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Current Destination Madison staff are not eligible to nominate or be nominated.

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 the nominator if the 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 volunteer industry professionals.