2025 Stars of the Industry Nomination Categories

Join us in celebrating Sonoma County's finest in the tourism and hospitality industry!

Use the form below to submit your nomination for the Stars of the Industry awards. Please note that nominations may be submitted in multiple categories, and that finalists are not selected based on the quantity of nominations received.

Nominations are due by February 21st by 5 p.m. Late entries cannot be accepted. Once the submission deadline has passed, three finalists from each category will be announced, and public voting will begin!

Winners will be honored at our Stars of the Industry awards in May.

Any questions please email us at CommunityEngagement@SonomaCounty.com

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Categories Honoring Individuals

1) Front of the House – Non-Manager

This award recognizes a non-managerial front of the house employee who goes above and beyond to provide excellent customer service to guests and exemplifies dependability, teamwork and dedication. Examples of positions include (but are not limited to): servers, hosts, baristas, front desk staff, valets, bellpersons, banquet service staff, concierges, etc.

2) Front of the House – Manager

This award recognizes a front of the house manager who demonstrates exceptional leadership in delivering excellent guest experiences, fosters a strong team culture, and consistently supports the success of the organization. Examples of positions include (but are not limited to): restaurant managers, front desk supervisors, banquet captains, event managers, directors of sales, etc.

3) Heart of the House – Non-Manager

This award recognizes a non-managerial heart of the house employee who goes above and beyond to ensure operations run smoothly while exemplifying dependability, teamwork and dedication. Examples of positions include (but are not limited to): housekeeping, stewarding, kitchen staff, maintenance personnel, laundry, accounting assistants, etc.

4) Heart of the House – Manager

This award recognizes a heart of the house manager who demonstrates exceptional leadership in maintaining operational excellence, fostering a supporting team environment, and drives the success of the organization. Examples of positions include (but are not limited to): executive housekeepers, sous chefs, directors of engineering/maintenance, accounting managers, etc.

5) Rising Star

This award recognizes an individual who has worked in the industry for under 5 years and has shown a passion for or dedication to the world of hospitality. This individual’s hard work and talent has bettered their workplace and business output and is destined for great things within the hospitality industry.

Categories Honoring Businesses

6) Environmental Stewardship/Sustainable Practices

This award recognizes a hospitality business that has developed a culture toward integrating environmentally sustainable practices within everyday operations. Examples include (but are not limited to): instituting green design and equipment, water conservation, local food and product sourcing, and waste reduction programs.

7) Customer Experience

This award recognizes a hospitality organization that offers exceptional service creating a customer centric environment, creates goodwill among guests, actively engages their customers in their business or brand, and/or elevates the visitor experience.

8) Lodging Property of the Year

This award recognizes a Sonoma County lodging property that exemplifies excellence and elevates the visitor experience.

9) Community Enrichment

This award recognizes a hospitality business that gives back to the community through philanthropy, and/or partnership with local non-profit organizations.

10) Best Tourism Partnership

This award recognizes any campaign, program, tour, publication, event or other activity that is the result of a partnership between two businesses or organizations that shared resources to promote a common tourism experience or product.

Categories Honoring Individuals or Businesses

11) Champion of the Industry

This award recognizes an individual or organization who has supported, championed, or advocated for the Sonoma County hospitality industry. Examples of Champions could include: business services used by hospitality businesses, public organizations, or individuals that serve the industry through their work or advocacy. While this award is designed to honor those that support the hospitality industry, nominations of champions within the hospitality industry will also be considered.

Category Honoring a Sonoma County Visitor Center

12) Visitor Center Program of the Year

This award recognizes any campaign, program, tour, publication, event or other activity produced by a Sonoma County Visitor Center that has enhanced the visitor experience.

13) Visitor Center Volunteer/Staff Member of the Year

This award recognizes a Sonoma County Visitor Center volunteer or staff member for providing an exceptional experience for visitors. 

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Stars Nominations

Nominator Information