The Summit Awards · Morgan Manufacturing
The Summit Awards
Honoring Chicago's industry leaders in hospitality, tourism & events. Celebrating leadership, innovation and community at The Summit Chicago.
The Summit Awards 2027
Recognizing the best in Chicago's hospitality, tourism & events industries
The Summit Awards recognize excellence across Chicago's hospitality, tourism, and events industries, honoring the top achievers in 12 categories ranging from hotels, venues, and restaurants, to event planners, concierges, and social media influencers. Presented at The Hospitality & Tourism Summit trade show, these awards give industry leaders a chance to gain visibility, celebrate success, and showcase their achievements among 1,100+ professionals.
Hosted at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.) in Chicago's West Loop, the Summit Awards take place in a venue that embodies the city's energy and excellence. The awards are a celebration of collaboration, professional growth, and community building, highlighting both established and emerging talent in every corner of the city's visitor economy.
Key dates
Why it matters
Why participate in The Summit Awards
Celebrate Excellence
Shine a spotlight on professionals who demonstrate innovation, service, and leadership in every part of the industry.
Gain Recognition
Winning or being nominated gives your company visibility across the city and beyond, with coverage on The Summit Chicago's digital channels, partner publications, and post-event video content.
Network With Industry Leaders
Engage with executives, senior managers, and entrepreneurs from top Chicago companies.
Drive Growth and Innovation
Discover the latest strategies and insights shaping the events, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Join the Community
Become part of a connected network that celebrates success and fuels long-term development across Illinois.
How it works
Nominate, sponsor, vote, attend
Nominate
Honor the innovators, creative thinkers, and service champions making an impact. Nominations are open to the public from January 11 through February 28, 2027.
Sponsor
Sponsor a category or become the exclusive event sponsor of “The Summit Awards, Presented by [Your Business].”
Vote
Once nominations are live, the public votes online for their favorite businesses, professionals, and venues.
Attend
Join us at Morgan Manufacturing for live entertainment, video highlights, and the winners announced on stage.
12 categories
Nomination categories
2027 category sponsors will be named here as they sign on. Each category has one sponsor.
01Concierge
This award showcases concierges and guest services professionals in hotels, corporate offices, and residential spaces who exemplify exceptional service.
Sponsor this category →
02Nightlife
Standout nightlife establishments, including nightclubs, bars, lounges, and live music venues, that offer outstanding social experiences and set the tone for Chicago's scene.
Sponsor this category →
03Attractions
Must-visit attractions, from theaters and museums to parks, zoos, and festivals, that contribute to Chicago's reputation.
Sponsor this category →
04Hotel
Hotels that demonstrate excellence through top-tier accommodations, impeccable service, and guest-centric experiences for business and leisure travelers.
Sponsor this category →
05Venue
Premier venues such as conference centers, concert halls, banquet spaces, and sports arenas that provide exceptional settings.
Sponsor this category →
06Event Services
A/V companies, caterers, DMCs, and rental providers that elevate events with innovative solutions and seamless execution.
Sponsor this category →
07DMOs & Associations
DMOs and trade associations that elevate Chicago's profile by driving tourism and fostering its role as a global hospitality hub.
Sponsor this category →
08Industry Distributors & Services
Distributors, suppliers and service partners, from beverage and food distributors to waste and facilities services, that keep Chicago's hospitality businesses running.
Sponsor this category →
09Restaurant
Chicago's culinary landscape across all segments, from fine dining and casual eateries to food trucks, for excellence in cuisine and service.
Sponsor this category →
10Meeting & Event Planner
Planners who lead with creativity, expertise, and precision to design and manage conferences, weddings, galas, and more.
Sponsor this category →
11Shopping
Retail destinations, from malls and boutique shops to farmers markets and specialty stores, that create memorable shopping experiences.
Sponsor this category →
12Social Media Influencers & Creators
Bloggers, podcasters, and content creators who shape perceptions of Chicago's hospitality and tourism.
Sponsor this category →
Past winners
The people and places Chicago voted for
Every winner takes home a trophy on stage at Morgan Manufacturing, plus recognition on The Summit Chicago's website and social channels. Nearly 100,000 votes have been cast over the first two years, 58,908 of them in 2026. Here are the winners from both years.
2026 Summit Award winners
2025 Summit Award winners
Good to know
Questions
How do I nominate someone for The Summit Awards?
Nominations are open to the public from January 11 through February 28, 2027. The nomination form opens on this page on January 11.
Where are The Summit Awards presented?
On the trade show main stage at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, on April 27, 2027.
How many categories are there?
Twelve, from Concierge and Hotel to Social Media Influencers & Creators.
