Nominations are Now OPEN for the
2025 Women in Tourism and Hospitality (W.I.T.H.) Awards!
About the Awards
The W.I.T.H. Awards celebrate visionary women in hospitality and tourism who exemplify leadership, innovation, and impact. These honors recognize outstanding professionals who are shaping the future of the industry through excellence, mentorship, and groundbreaking contributions.
Who Should Be Nominated?
This is your opportunity to spotlight an extraordinary woman—a trailblazer, a game changer, a leader who has inspired and uplifted others through her dedication, creativity, and achievements. She is an innovator, a mentor, a strategist, and an advocate for industry growth and inclusion.
Whether she is redefining guest experiences, leading transformative initiatives, or championing diversity, she deserves recognition for her unwavering commitment to excellence.
Award Categories
1. C-Suite Leader of the Year
Honoring an exceptional executive who has demonstrated visionary leadership, strategic growth, and a lasting impact on the hospitality and tourism industry.
2. Rising Star Award (35 & Under)
Recognizing an emerging leader with a remarkable track record of achievements, innovation, and influence in shaping the future of the industry.
3. Industry Innovator Award
Celebrating a woman who has introduced groundbreaking ideas, technologies, or strategies that have transformed the hospitality and tourism landscape.
4. Excellence in Service & Operations
Acknowledging a leader in guest experience, operational excellence, and service innovation across any sector of the industry.
5. Community & Advocacy Champion
Honoring an industry professional who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to social impact, sustainability, and community engagement.
6. Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Recognizing a visionary business owner or founder who has built a thriving hospitality or tourism enterprise, driving industry growth and innovation.
Industry Sectors Considered for Awards
Nominees may come from any of the following areas within the hospitality and tourism industry:
Travel & Tourism (Destinations, Airlines, Cruise Lines, Travel Agencies, Tour Operators)
• Education & Technology (Training, Research, Hospitality Tech, AI, Digital Transformation)
• Recreation, Arts & Entertainment (Sports, Attractions, Events, Museums, Cultural Tourism)
• Lodging & Suppliers (Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Rentals, Industry Vendors, Procurement)
• Food & Beverage (Restaurants, Catering, Culinary Arts, Beverage Industry)
• Entrepreneurship (Independent Meeting & Event Professionals, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Hospitality Consultants, Small Business Owners)
key dates:
Nominations Close: May 15, 2025
Nominees Selected: June 30, 2025
Award Luncheon Held: September 19, 2025
Nominate a deserving leader today and help us celebrate the women shaping the future of hospitality and tourism!
Nominations are due by May 15, 2025
Nomination Requirements
All nominations must be submitted by May 15, 2025. We are honoring women in the following categories:
1. C-Suite Leader of the Year
Must be a senior executive (C-suite, President, or equivalent) in the hospitality or tourism industry.
Demonstrates visionary leadership, strategic growth, and measurable industry impact.
Has contributed to business success, innovation, and mentorship within her organization or sector.
2. Rising Star Award (35 & Under)
Must be 35 years of age or younger as of September 19, 2025.
Has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and career growth in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Shows strong potential to influence and shape the future of the industry.
3. Industry Innovator Award
Has implemented transformative ideas, strategies, or technologies in hospitality and tourism.
Has made a measurable impact on efficiency, guest experience, or industry best practices.
Demonstrates leadership in pioneering new approaches or solutions.
4. Excellence in Service & Operations
Recognized for exceptional operational leadership, guest service, and service innovation.
Demonstrates a commitment to improving processes, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Has a proven track record of enhancing hospitality and tourism experiences.
5. Community & Advocacy Champion
A leader in social responsibility, sustainability, diversity, or community engagement within hospitality and tourism.
Has driven initiatives that positively impact employees, communities, or the environment.
Advocates for equity, inclusion, and long-term industry betterment.
6. Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Must be a founder, owner, or independent professional in hospitality and tourism.
Has demonstrated business growth, innovation, and industry leadership.
Has contributed to the industry through job creation, mentorship, and market expansion.
General Nomination Guidelines
Nominee must be actively working in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Nominations must include a detailed description of the nominee’s achievements, impact, and contributions.
Supporting materials such as testimonials, press coverage, or key performance metrics are encouraged.
Self-nominations are allowed, but third-party nominations are highly encouraged.
Submit your nomination by May 15, 2025, and help us recognize the women shaping the future of hospitality and tourism!
2025
WITH Awards
Presented by the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network and the WITH Advisory Board.
Award winners will be honored at WITH Conference during the Awards Luncheon.
About the Awards
MCCSN focuses on concerns relating to women in the workplace and the changing landscape of tourism and hospitality by presenting the WITH Awards to industry trailblazers. This award is presented during the annual WITH luncheon. This segment of the conference has led to WITH’s recognition as the premier organization celebrating the contributions of professional women leading the way in tourism and hospitality. We would like you to help us recognize their unwavering impact to our industry.
Award winners will be honored at W.I.T.H. Conference during the Awards Luncheon.
*Maximum of 2 nominations per company
Nominations are due by May 15, 2025
To nominate your candidate, Please complete the form below
Honoree Commitments to the WITH Conference and Program
WITH Rising Star Award
Trailblazer Award
Available to receive the honor and Award in person during the conference luncheon program.
Commitment to Participate in recognition marketing
Announcement of awardee and your organization in all social media conference channels
Professional photo and bio of your Rising Star on sdwithit.com and in our digital conference program book.
Commitment to Conference participation and WITH Int'l (non-profit, 501(c)3)
Conference registration for Rising Star, including meals.
Conference luncheon participation as: Panelist.
Conference networking events participation, including the Young Professional Development program and the Honoree’s Reception.
Opportunity to represent your organization as a WITH conference planning team volunteer.
Opportunity to receive a one-hour one-on-one consultation from a WITH Advisor.
Participate in the WITH BUILDS program as a WITH supporter. (WITH, Int’l)
Sponsor 10 conference attendees from your company.
Participate as panelist during the WITH luncheon program; and available to receive honor and Award in person during conference luncheon program.
Commitment to Participate in recognition marketing
Award announcement - provide information for the announcement of awardee and your organization in all social media conference channels
Professional photo and bio of Trailblazer on sdwithit.com and in our digital conference program book.
Serve as WITH AMBASSADORS. Honorees to promote and market WITH by posting or reposting on your social media channels and newsletters, and by liking and commenting on our social media posts.
Commitment to Conference participation and WITH Int'l (non-profit, 501(c) 3)
Conference registration, including meals.
Conference luncheon participation as a Panelist.
Conference participation as a Moderator, Speaker, or Panelist.
Conference networking events participation, including the Young Professional Development program and the Honoree’s Reception.
Opportunity to represent your organization as a WITH conference planning team volunteer.
Provide a one-hour one-on-one consultation with a young professional.
Participate in the WITH BUILDS program as a WITH supporter (WITH, Int’l).
Sponsor 10 conference attendees from your company or sponsor 10 HTM students to attend the conference.